Gentle Monster offers distinctive and avant-garde eyewear designs. The brand is known for pushing boundaries and creating eyewear that stands out as a fashion statement. Gentle Monster is renowned for its innovative and immersive store concepts.

Gentle Monster's ability to capture the interest of a wide array of famous and influential individuals has contributed to the brand's popularity and recognition within the fashion and eyewear industry.

Actors, musicians, and other prominent figures in the entertainment industry have been seen wearing Gentle Monster eyewear. These include names like Rihanna, Billie Eilish, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Zendaya, and more.

Social media influencers and fashion bloggers also appreciate the brand's innovative designs. They often showcase Gentle Monster's eyewear in their posts and style inspirations. Fashion-forward individuals, designers, and stylists who set trends in the industry are drawn to Gentle Monster's unique creations.

Founded: 2011 by Hankook Kim, Jay Oh

Headquarters: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Website: https://www.gentlemonster.com/int/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gentlemonster/ (1.1M followers)

Warby Parker was founded in 2010 by four friends Neil Blumenthal, Dave Gilboa, Andy Hunt, and Jeff Raider. The company's primary mission was to make prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses more affordable and accessible by cutting out middlemen and selling directly to consumers.

Warby Parker is known for its disruptive direct-to-consumer business model. Traditionally, eyewear was sold through optical retailers, which often resulted in high prices due to various intermediaries involved in the process. Warby Parker streamlined this process by designing its own frames, manufacturing them, and selling them directly to customers through their website and retail stores.

Warby Parker's "Home Try-On" program allows customers could select up to five frames from the website, have them shipped to their homes for free, and then try them on for size, style, and comfort.

For every pair of eyeglasses sold, the company committed to donating a pair of glasses to someone in need. In addition to its online presence, Warby Parker opened its own retail stores, known as "Warby Parker Boutiques."

Warby Parker also incorporated sustainability and social responsibility into its brand identity. The company made efforts to use eco-friendly materials in its frames and packaging, and it was transparent about its supply chain and manufacturing processes.

Founded: 2010 by Neil Blumenthal, Dave Gilboa, Andy Hunt, and Jeff Raider

Headquarters: United States

Website: https://www.warbyparker.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warbyparker/ (559K followers)

Jacques Marie Mage is considered an independent or "indie" eyewear brand. Jacques Marie Mage (often abbreviated as JMM) is a luxury eyewear brand that specializes in creating unique, artisanal eyeglasses and sunglasses. The brand was founded by Jerome Mage, and it is known for its high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and distinctive designs.

Jacques Marie Mage produces limited edition eyewear collections that often draw inspiration from various historical periods, cultural references, and artistic movements. The brand's frames are handcrafted using premium materials, and they often feature intricate detailing, custom acetates, and fine metalwork.

The term "indie" in this context refers to the brand's independent status, meaning it is not part of a larger, mainstream eyewear conglomerate. Indie eyewear brands like Jacques Marie Mage often focus on creativity, uniqueness, and a more personalized approach to design, setting them apart from mass-produced eyewear.

Founded: 2020 by Jerome Mage

Headquarters: Los Angeles

Website: https://www.jacquesmariemage.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquesmariemage/ (243K followers)

Mykita is a German eyewear brand known for its innovative and contemporary designs in the eyewear industry. Founded in 2003 by Moritz Krueger, Philipp Haffmans, Daniel Haffmans, and Harald Gottschling, the company is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Mykita is renowned for its focus on high-quality craftsmanship, minimalistic aesthetics, and cutting-edge technology in creating eyewear products.

Mykita eyewear uses stainless steel material, which they often refer to as "no-screws" technology. This technique involves using a special hinge design that eliminates the need for traditional screws, giving eyewear a unique and sleek appearance.

Mykita collaborates with various designers and artists to create limited-edition collections, resulting in eyewear that blends fashion, art, and function. The brand has gained recognition in the fashion world and has a strong following among individuals seeking contemporary and stylish eyewear.

Founded: 2003 by Moritz Krueger, Philipp Haffmans, Daniel Haffmans, and Harald Gottschling

Headquarters: Berlin, Germany

Website: https://mykita.com/en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykitaofficial/ (233K followers)

KREWE is an independent eyewear brand that specializes in creating unique, stylish, and handcrafted eyewear. The brand was founded in 2013 by Stirling Barrett in New Orleans, Louisiana. KREWE is known for its distinctive designs that often draw inspiration from the city's culture, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.

KREWE eyewear is known for its eclectic and artistic designs. The brand's frames often feature bold shapes, intricate detailing, and a mix of modern and classic elements. Each frame is designed to capture the essence of New Orleans' creative spirit.

KREWE prides itself on the quality of its eyewear. The brand places a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and uses high-quality materials, including acetate, metal, and premium lenses, to create durable and comfortable frames.

Many of KREWE's eyewear collections are directly inspired by elements of New Orleans' culture, history, and architecture. The brand often names its frames after streets, neighborhoods, or iconic figures from the city.

Similar to Warby Parker, KREWE utilizes a direct-to-consumer model to offer its eyewear to customers. This approach allows the brand to maintain control over the design, manufacturing, and distribution of its products, resulting in a more personalized shopping experience.

Founded: 2013 by Stirling Barrett
Headquarters: New Orleans
Website: https://www.krewe.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krewe/ (183K followers)

Garrett Leight California Optical (GLCO) is an independent eyewear brand founded by Garrett Leight in 2010 and is based in Los Angeles, California. GLCO draws inspiration from the laid-back, eclectic, and stylish California lifestyle. The brand's eyewear designs often reflect the relaxed vibe of the West Coast while maintaining a touch of sophistication.

GLCO frames are known for their timeless and versatile designs. The brand focuses on creating eyewear that transcends trends and can be worn for years to come. The brand places a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and uses premium materials to ensure the durability and comfort of its frames. GLCO frames are often handmade and hand-finished to achieve a high level of quality.

GLCO pays attention to the finer details in its eyewear designs, including unique color combinations, intricate patterns, and thoughtful finishes.

The brand has collaborated with various artists, designers, and brands to create limited-edition eyewear collections. Garrett Leight California Optical has established itself as a notable player in the eyewear industry, particularly in the premium and fashion-forward segment.

Founded: 2010 by Garrett Leight

Headquarters: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://www.garrettleight.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettleight/ (129K followers)

RAEN is an independent eyewear brand that specializes in creating high-quality, handcrafted sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses. RAEN was founded in 2008 by brothers Justin and Jeremy Heit, with the goal of offering eyewear that embodies a combination of classic styles and modern influences.

Many of RAEN's frames are handmade, allowing for a level of detail and customization that sets them apart. This handcrafted approach contributes to the unique and individualized feel of each pair of glasses.

RAEN often experiments with innovative materials and color combinations, resulting in eyewear designs that stand out from the crowd. RAEN often draws inspiration from a wide range of cultural influences, including music, art, and the California lifestyle.

RAEN offers a diverse range of eyewear styles, from classic and understated designs to bold and statement-making frames. This variety caters to different personal preferences and fashion sensibilities.

RAEN has gained a following for its combination of classic design, quality craftsmanship, and a touch of contemporary flair. The brand's eyewear is often favored by individuals seeking distinctive and well-crafted accessories that reflect their personal style.

Founded: 2008 by Justin and Jeremy Heit

Headquarters: Oceanside, California, United States

Website: https://raen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raen/ (124K followers)

The eyewear brand was launched in Los Angeles by Bill Barton and Patty Perreira. Until today, this label has garnered international acclaim from numerous fans. The success of the company can be attributed to the establishment of a strong brand identity by its founders.

Their collection showcases a blend of high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and a relaxed California luxury, all complemented by innovative designs. Barton Perreira is renowned for its unparalleled philosophy, making it a magnet for Hollywood celebrities seeking the path to success.

Founded: 2007 by Bill Barton and Patty Perreira

Headquarters: Irvine, California, United States

Website: https://bartonperreira.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartonperreira/ (85.5K followers)

Andy Wolf is an Austrian eyewear company known for its distinctive and handcrafted eyeglasses and sunglasses. The brand was founded in 2006 by Andreas (Andy) Pirkheim, Wolfgang Scheucher, and Katharina Plattner, and it is based in Hartberg, Austria.

Andy Wolf eyewear is recognized for its unique designs that often blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. The brand places a strong emphasis on using high-quality materials and production methods. Each pair of Andy Wolf glasses is handmade in their own factory in Austria, allowing for a level of detail and customization that sets them apart in the eyewear industry.

The brand offers a wide range of frames that cater to different styles and preferences, from classic and elegant designs to more avant-garde and statement-making pieces. They also collaborate with various artists and designers to create limited-edition collections that showcase their creative approach to eyewear.

Founded: 2006 by Andreas (Andy) Pirkheim, Wolfgang Scheucher, and Katharina Plattner

Headquarters: Hartberg, Austria

Website: https://www.andy-wolf.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywolfofficial/ (54.2K followers)