Glasses Archives - LAFashionsnob.com

Labe Eyewear

Nov 25 2014

Labe Eyewear was founded in 2012 by artisans Fabrizio Lattanzi and Luca Bergavi in Naples, Italy. Together, they merged their knowledge of the optical industry and creative ‘know-how’ to create eyewear that was locally handcrafted and Earth-friendly. They branded the company “Labe” based on the union of the first two letters of their last names- “LA” in Lattanzi and “BE” in Bergavi. All the eyewear is handmade from FSC-managed wood and other reclaimed materials (about 10% is made by machine). The frames are lightweight (21 grams) and allergenic. They carry eight different models with four lens colors. The lenses are UV 400 protected. You can also get prescription lenses.

Next year, the duo plan on making lenses that are polarized and will also be available with the Transition Lenses. There will also be a more variety of wooden frames (my vote for oversize).

HUGE thanks to Jim and Fabrizio for gifting me a pair of sunglasses. They are exceptionally lightweight, yet durable. The lenses keep the sun out of my eyes and are light enough for me to wear during cloudy days. Plus, they go quite well with most of my wardrobe. They also have a one year guarantee against manufacturing defects.

Labe Eyewear runs around $199 with wholesale pricing available. The eyewear is available at Cotone in Austin, TX and online. You can also contact Jim (a Labe Eyewear dealer in Austin) at: jr@labewoodeneyewear.com.

** Photos of me are by Nicole Kestenbaum Photography **

Raen Optics Press Preview Event at Deus Ex Machina

May 23 2012

I ventured out to Venice to the Deus (day-us) Venice Emporium of Post Modern Activities (Deus Ex Machina showroom) to preview the Raen Optics line. Deus Ex Machina (god from the machine) is originally based in Australia and caters to the surfer, skate and motorcycle crowd. The Venice showroom is the first outpost to come to the U.S. It also includes a nice little cafe that serves only caffeinated coffees from Handsome, sodas and some interesting ginger beer (non-alcoholic) that this blogger has ever tasted. Deus is a great place to pick up a vintage-style surfboard or gear for your motorcycle. They sell clothing and buttery leather goods. You can also get a custom-built motorcycle as well. The showroom has super-friendly staff and I’m sure you’ll find something fun to get into to while there. I personally admired the leather saddlebag!

The Raen Optics preview was held above the showroom. I was able to feel and try on the different styles from their new Spring/Summer 2012 collections. All their frames are handmade from zyl acetate, which is a high-quality Italian material made of renewable wood pulp and natural cotton fibers. The hues are embedded into the frames, resulting in a non-peeling, non-fading timeless frame. So, when you think of purchasing a pair of Raen Optics glasses or sunnies, remember that you are getting top quality and value at a significantly low price. Also remember that the designers really care about the work that goes into making each frame. They are not only passionate about their work, but also about branding and community. To learn more about the brand, go to the Raen Optics website.

*Huge thanks to the folks at Raen Optics and their PR and the folks at the Deus Ex Machina showroom for being so warm and showing me around.*

Tag - Glasses