Deering

Recorded answer text · Google AI Overviews · 25 October 2026

Top new and rising Australian sunglasses brands feature standout designs, sustainable materials, and local craftsmanship:

- Good Citizens: Based in Sydney, this multi-award-winning brand makes modular, 100% UV400-protected sunglasses from single recycled plastic bottles. Frames like the Newport and Palm Beach 2.0 feature swappable arms and clip kits starting around $139 AUD. - Deering: Launched by Triangl co-founder Erin Deering, this label offers a sleek edit of recycled steel and acetate frames-including Y2K-inspired rimless metal-overlay styles like High Frequency and '70s-style pilots like Ember (priced around $295 AUD). - Szade: Based in Melbourne, Szade builds fashion-forward and rave-ready sunnies (such as the Ryder and Nolan models) directly out of faulty, broken, and landfill-bound frames starting around $69.99 AUD. - Velvet Canyon: Known for its vintage-inspired, cruelty-free acetate frames and luxury retro aesthetic, this independent Australian label remains a favorite among global stylists. - Hyesun: Designed specifically with facial inclusivity in mind (catered to low nose bridges, wider faces, and higher cheekbones), Hyesun offers distinct '90s-style oval and cat-eye frames around $330 AUD. - TWO SVGE: Founded by the Nolan Bros, this brand focuses on bold, high-fashion statement shields and oversized polarised frames like the Icon (around $86 AUD).

If you'd like to narrow down these options, let me know:

- What frame style you prefer (e.g., aviator, cat-eye, oversized, or Y2K-rimless) - Whether you need polarised lenses - Your budget range

Recorded answer text · ChatGPT · 8 November 2026

Australia has a fantastic independent eyewear scene, particularly if you're looking for boutique, design-led brands with premium materials, distinctive silhouettes and a more understated luxury aesthetic\.

I've shortlisted brands that feel a little more interesting than mainstream labels like Ray-Ban, Oakley and Quay.

## 15 Australian boutique eyewear brands worth exploring

### Premium, independent and design-led

!AM Eyewear - Spex in the City Optical Dispensary

1\. AM Eyewear

(Premium pick)

Sculptural shapes, beautiful acetate and sophisticated design. One of Australia's strongest independent eyewear names.

Website: AM Eyewear

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!Buckler - Amber with Polarised Green lens - Pacifico Optical

2\. Pacifico Optical

Understated, coastal and timeless. Great for sophisticated everyday frames without obvious logos.

Pacifico Optical

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!Tommy Napolitano - Campaign ADV/ VEHLA

3\. Vehla

Refined, vintage-inspired frames with a modern luxury feel. Particularly good for minimalist styling.

Vehla

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![Masculin/Feminin - Velvet Canyon](

4\. Velvet Canyon

Vintage-inspired, 70s aesthetics, gorgeous tortoiseshell and distinctive acetate frames.

Velvet Canyon

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!Shop Valley Eyewear Colosseum Sunglasses Tan Rose Gold/Brown

5\. Valley Eyewear

Architectural, fashion-forward designs with strong geometric shapes and interesting metal detailing.

Valley Eyewear

### Fashion-forward and statement eyewear

![Heyuboy - Green - Poppy Lissiman](

6\. Poppy Lissiman

Bold, oversized, playful and artistic. Great if you want eyewear that makes an outfit.

Poppy Lissiman

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![Retrospect

- Lu Goldie](

7\. Lu Goldie

Beautiful retro-inspired silhouettes, interesting colours and 60s-90s references.

Lu Goldie

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![Jordan Sunglasses - Crystal Brown - Deering](

8\. Deering

Contemporary, elevated and playful, with interesting 70s and Y2K-inspired frames.

Deering

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!Pared Eyewear

9\. Pared Eyewear

Contemporary shapes, colourful details and distinctive geometric designs.

Pared Eyewear

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![EPOKHE Eyewear - Enter the external world

- EPOKHE EYEWEAR](

10\. Epøkhe

Creative, contemporary and slightly unconventional. A great mix of surf culture and premium design.

Epøkhe

### More interesting Australian labels

!Sustainable Sunglasses Made in Australia - Good Citizens Eyewear

11\. Good Citizens

Recycled materials, thoughtful design and modular construction.

Explore brand

![Shop Sharp; New Spice / Caper

- Szade Europe](

12\. Szade

Circular design, recycled frames and contemporary styling.

Explore brand

!OTIS Eyewear Australia | Scratch Resistant Sunglasses Online

13\. OTIS

Premium lenses, understated styling and surf heritage.

Explore brand

![DOSTYK AVENUE - Pastel Pink - Oscar & Frank Eyewear](

14\. Oscar & Frank

Distinctive acetate, classic shapes and carefully considered design.

Explore brand

![KAY Optical Glasses Frames - Paul Taylor Eyewear](

15\. Paul Taylor Eyewear

Established Australian designer with expressive colours and excellent character.

Explore brand

These brands vary in where their frames are designed and manufactured, so Australian-owned or Australian-designed doesn't necessarily mean Australian-made. fashionjournal.com.auwww.broadsheet.com.aumivision.com.audigital.mivision.com.au

## My top five

If I were narrowing this down to the most interesting boutique labels\:

| Brand | Best for | |--------|--------| | AM Eyewear | Premium craftsmanship | | Pacifico Optical | Understated luxury | | Vehla | Modern minimalism | | Velvet Canyon | Vintage sophistication | | Valley Eyewear | Contemporary designer aesthetic |

## A little more direction…

I'd love to narrow this down to the brands that match the aesthetic you're after.

1\. Which aesthetic do you gravitate towards?

Quiet luxury / understated designer

Bold, sculptural and fashion-forward

Vintage European / retro

Minimalist Japanese-inspired design

Eclectic independent designer labels

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2\. What are you looking for?

Sunglasses

Optical frames

Both

---

3\. Preferred price range (AUD)

Under \$200

\$200-\$400

\$400-\$700

\$700+

[Find my shortlist]

Recorded answer text · Perplexity · 8 November 2026

For a splurge-worthy pair of sunglasses in Australia, the best all-round choice is the Persol 649: an iconic shape, quality Italian acetate and a price around A$421. For the strongest lens performance-especially driving, boating and bright Australian conditions-choose Maui Jim polarised sunglasses.

## Best picks

- Persol 649 - best overall: Timeless, substantial Italian-made frames; particularly flattering on oval, heart and square faces. Around A$421. - Maui Jim - best for lenses: Excellent polarised lenses for reducing glare and improving comfort in harsh sunlight. - Gucci square acetate - best fashion statement: Oversized, recognisable and polished without being overly technical. - Prada - best modern designer option: Sleek, sculptural styles; Australian prices commonly sit around A$434. - Tiffany & Co. - best refined gift: Elegant, feminine designs, with selected styles around A$699. - Saint Laurent SL 557 - best cool, minimalist splurge: A distinctive statement silhouette with Category 3 UV protection; listed around A$605. - Matsuda - best craftsmanship: Japanese-made frames with exceptional detailing and durability, though some signature models can approach A$3,000. - Raie - best Australian minimalist brand: Handmade acetate frames with Category 3 UV400 lenses; a strong choice if you want understated local design. - Deering Rae - best independent Australian option: Less ubiquitous than major luxury labels, at approximately A$295. - Oroton Charlie or Stevie - best understated Australian designer: Classic oversized and refined shapes, around A$249.

Best single purchase: Persol 649. Best if eye comfort matters most: Maui Jim polarised. Best Australian buy: Deering Rae or Raie. Best statement pair: Gucci or Saint Laurent.

Look for Category 3 or Category 4 lenses, proper UV protection and a comfortable fit; polarisation is most useful around water, roads and other high-glare environments.