Style -- 4 days ago
The best sunglasses brands for timeless specs appeal
From Prince William and Haider Ackermann-approved L.G.R. to Moscot
Words: Zak Maoui
Finding a pair of sunglasses that works for you is, actually, quite a difficult task. But, that's not because there's not enough choice out there, but rather because there's too much choice out there.
That being said, when you know where to find the best pairs, half the job is really done for you (then you just need to work out which work for your face shape, hair colour, skin tone etc). So to help you out, we've compiled a comprehensive lis of the sunglasses brands that we believe are the best in the world, thanks to fuss-free frames that have timeless appeal.
Jaques Marie Mage
If you've seen any images of Harry Styles this summer, then you'll notice he's wearing Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses. Low-key and timeless, the brand was founded by Jérôme Mage in 2014, and has become the go-to for seriously stylish people. The sunglasses are handcrafted in Japan & Italy with unparalleled artistry and artisanship, and each pair is an investment.
L.G.R.
Favoured by the likes of Prince William, Haider Ackermann and Anne Hathaway, L.G.R. sunglasses are handmade in Italy in small production runs, utilising Mazuchelli acetate and Barbernini mineral glass lenses. Founded by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone in 2007 as the Italian businessman followed in his grandfather's footsteps - Raffaello Bini had his own optical store from 1930 to 1970. Today, the brand has become synonymous with low-key design that has a timeless appeal - likely the reason some of the most stylish people in the world reach for L.G.R. sunglasses.
Cutler and Gross
Cutler and Gross was established by opticians Graham Cutler and Tony Gross in 1969 and the pair opened the first ever store in 1971, located at 16 Knightsbridge Green. Made in Italy and Japan by craftspeople who champion the art of making every frame individually, the sunglasses have been seen on Madonna, Rihanna, Kate Moss, Bill Nighy and Michael Fassbender, to name a few famous fans. What's more, Cutler and Gross does some excellent collaborations, such as this one with jeweller The Great Frog, which resulted in a gothic riff on the classic navigator.
Cubitts
A relatively new brand, Cubitts was founded in King's Cross, London, in 2013. With a laser focus on handcrafted frames and sunglasses, Cubitts was inspired by the Cubitt brothers, 19th-century engineers and architects. Tom Broughton, the founder of the brand, told Gentleman's Journal: “we’re about being decent and honest with our customers. With fair pricing, and never up-selling to turn a quick buck. We treat a patient for life, not just an eye test”.
Moscot
Moscot was first introduced to America by Hyman Moscot. He founded the brand in 1915 on the Lower East Side, New York City, as a pushcart business. He began by selling ready-made glasses, and in that same year, Hyman opened the first Moscot shop at 94 Rivington Street. Still a family-run business, Harvey Moscot is the current CEO, and his son Zack Moscot is the Chief Design Officer, representing the fourth and fifth generations of the family in the business.
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