Vieux Eyewear

Recorded answer text · Google AI Overviews · 1 November 2026

Australia is home to a thriving independent and boutique eyewear scene, ranging from handcrafted artisanal frames to bold, fashion-forward sunnies.

### Top Australian Independent & Boutique Eyewear Brands

- Good Citizens (Sydney) - The Vibe: 100% recycled and modular. - Why we love it: Made in Sydney from single-use plastic bottles, their frames use a unique hinge-less and screw-less design that makes them completely repairable and customisable. - AM Eyewear (Sydney) - The Vibe: Handcrafted Italian acetate with a sustainable edge. - Why we love it: Known for sharp, architectural silhouettes (like the Howie and Bridget ), AM Eyewear features a pre-loved frame buy-back scheme to recycle or donate old pairs. - P. Johnson (Designed in Australia / Handmade in Italy) - The Vibe: Timeless, classic tailoring. - Why we love it: Inspired by mid-century icons and effortless menswear/womenswear tailoring, their frames are built to anchor your wardrobe for years. - Vehla (Sydney) - The Vibe: Sculptural, celebrity-favorite statement pieces. - Why we love it: Launched in 2019, Vehla quickly gained a cult international following for its chunky retro-acetate and sleek metal frames in hard-to-find colorways. - Pared Eyewear (Sydney) - The Vibe: Classic shapes with playful, colorful twists. - Why we love it: Known for distinctive geometric lines, tortoiseshell accents, and punchy designer collaborations. - Roger Henley (Adelaide) - The Vibe: Bespoke, artisanal "wearable art". - Why we love it: Operating for over 37 years, Roger Henley handcrafts limited runs (around 1,500 pieces a year) of custom-fitted Italian acetate frames out of Adelaide. - Vieux Eyewear (Australia) - The Vibe: Old-world baroque character meets modern lines. - Why we love it: A father-son collaboration (Paul and Jack Surman) creating richly detailed, expressive frames inspired by organic ocean textures. - Szade (Melbourne) - The Vibe: Eco-conscious 90s/Y2K nostalgia. - Why we love it: Melbourne-based and focused on circularity, Szade melts down old, discarded, and deadstock sunglasses to craft fun, colorful, contemporary frames. - St. Agni (Byron Bay) - The Vibe: Sleek, minimalist, and utilitarian. - Why we love it: Translating their minimalist quiet luxury clothing line into eyewear, featuring mineral lenses and sleek Y2K/90s profiles. - Lu Goldie (Australia) - The Vibe: Retro 1960s to 1990s dreaminess. - Why we love it: Soft pastel hues, cat-eyes, and vintage-tinted lenses that lean heavily into nostalgic charm.

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### Where to Shop Independent Optical Boutiques in Australia If you prefer a physical try-on or need prescription lenses fitted by independent opticians who stock boutique global and local labels (like Anne et Valentin, DITA, Cutler & Gross, and LINDBERG):

- Melbourne: Check out The Eye Lab or browse independent stockists via FAVR. - Sydney: Visit Macleay Optics in Potts Point or The Eye Piece.

Are you looking for sunglasses or optical prescription frames, and do you have a preferred style or shape (e.g., chunky acetate, wire-rim, retro cat-eye)?

Recorded answer text · ChatGPT · 8 November 2026

If you're looking for beautifully made, independent or artisan-style sunglasses in Australia, I'd start with AM Eyewear, VIEUX, Jessie Boys, Raie and Lucy Folk. These are a step above mass-market sunglasses, with an emphasis on materials, craftsmanship and distinctive design.

Here are my favourites.

## Best handmade and independent Australian sunglasses brands

!AM Eyewear Introduces Its Latest SS23 Collection

1\. AM Eyewear

(Best overall craftsmanship)

Approx. \$260-\$350 AUD

Australian-designed luxury eyewear with handcrafted acetate frames and small-batch sensibility. Beautiful, sculptural shapes.

Shop AM Eyewear

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!Versaille | Luxury Designer Sunglasses - VieuX Eyewear

2\. VIEUX Eyewear

(Most artisanal)

Approx. \$380 AUD

Gold Coast father-and-son label. Handmade frames featuring premium acetate, titanium cores and 18K gold detailing. Particularly special.

Explore VIEUX

Also available through Amelie & Frank's\.

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!The Finchley Cut - Regency Green Sunglasses | Jessie Boys

3\. Jessie Boys

(Best small-batch production)

From \$255 AUD

Based in Jamberoo, NSW. Handmade cellulose acetate frames in limited runs of fewer than 150 pairs. Understated, heritage-inspired styling.

Shop Jessie Boys

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!Raie Eyewear Ivy Cat-Eye Sunglasses | Urban Outfitters Canada

4\. Raie Eyewear

Approx. \$179 AUD

Handmade acetate styles, understated silhouettes and Category 3 UV400 lenses. Great for everyday luxury without an extravagant price.

Shop Raie

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!Draa Embossed Rectangular Sunglasses | Lucy Folk

5\. Lucy Folk

Approx. \$450 AUD

Handmade in Italy, with distinctive fashion-led shapes and 100% UV-protected lenses. More artistic and luxurious.

Shop Lucy Folk

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!Epokhe Anteka 2.0 Polished Citrine/Green Lenses | Klarna

6\. Epøkhe

Approx. \$210-\$290 AUD

Byron Bay surf and creative culture meets premium craftsmanship. Handcrafted plant-based acetate frames and distinctive contemporary shapes.

Shop Epøkhe

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!The Poet' in Caramel Tort - Velvet Canyon Eyewear

7\. Velvet Canyon

Approx. \$150-\$330 AUD

Byron Bay-based brand with vintage-inspired, retro silhouettes and beautiful acetate colourways.

Shop Velvet Canyon

fashionjournal.com.auwww.broadsheet.com.auwww.jessieboys.com.auwww.amelieandfranks.com.auwww.gourmettraveller.com.au

## A few actual products worth exploring

AM Eyewear - Exarchos

## \$300

Handcrafted Italian bio-acetate

VIEUX - Mont Saint Michel

## \$300

Artisan luxury eyewear

Lucy Folk - Draa

## \$450

Handmade in Italy

Valley Eyewear - Bang

## \$280

Independent Australian eyewear

## My recommendation

If genuine craftsmanship is your priority, I'd narrow it down to\:

1. VIEUX - for exceptional detailing and materials. 2. AM Eyewear - for beautiful design and quality construction. 3. Jessie Boys - for genuinely small-batch Australian production.

One important distinction: Australian-designed doesn't necessarily mean Australian-made. Check where the frames are physically manufactured before purchasing.

## Let's narrow down your style

What sort of sunglasses are you looking for?

1\. Preferred aesthetic

Understated luxury / timeless

Vintage / retro / 70s

Sculptural / artistic / unusual

Minimalist / Scandinavian

Bold designer statement

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2\. Budget (AUD)

Under \$150

\$150-\$250

\$250-\$450

\$450-\$700

\$700+

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3\. Where should they be made?

Made in Australia only

Handmade anywhere, preferably Australian-designed

Handmade in Italy, Japan or Europe

[Find my sunglasses]

Recorded answer text · Perplexity · 13 September 2026

If you want the best new Australian sunglasses brands, the strongest current names are Szade, Vehla, Lu Goldie, Poppy Lissiman, Raie, Vieux Eyewear, Hyesun, and Good Citizens. These are the labels most often highlighted in recent Australian style edits as newer, trendy, or up-and-coming brands.

A practical shortlist by vibe:

| Brand | Why it stands out | |---|---| | Szade | Melbourne-born and explicitly described as a newer Australian label focused on accessible, fashion-forward sunglasses. | | Vehla | Frequently cited as a newer brand that has quickly gained recognition for style and quality. | | Lu Goldie | Regularly featured in Australian fashion roundups as a cool, contemporary label. | | Poppy Lissiman | One of the most recognizable Australian indie eyewear names, widely recommended in fashion edits. | | Raie | Included in Broadsheet's newer Australian sunglasses lineup. | | Vieux Eyewear | Featured among the more current Australian brands to watch. | | Hyesun | Appears in recent Australian brand lists as an emerging label. | | Good Citizens | Noted for 100% recycled frames, making it a strong pick if sustainability matters. |

If you want the best mix of style and value, the most consistently recommended Australian brands across the results are Le Specs, Quay, Szade, and Oscar Wylee. If you want something more fashion-forward and newer, start with Szade, Vehla, Lu Goldie, and Raie.

If you want, I can also narrow this to: - best affordable new brands - best designer-style brands - best sustainable Australian brands - best women's / men's picks