We at Ditto support the fight against racial injustice. We want to amplify and celebrate Black eyewear businesses and brands.
To that end, we have listed 10 Black-owned eyewear brands that are inspiring us and making their mark in eyewear fashion.
10 Amazing Black-Owned Eyewear Brands
1. Bôhten Eyeglasses
Bôhten Eyeglasses is an African-American owned global company that produces beautiful prescription and sunglass frames from sustainable materials sourced from Africa.
They opened their first local manufacturing facility in Ghana to enable sustainable design and production while providing employment opportunities for African citizens.
2. Coco and Breezy
Coco and Breezy Eyewear, founded in 2009, is an eyewear brand based in New York City by twin designers Corianna and Brianna Dotson. They gained early recognition in both the entertainment and fashion realms.
They have been featured in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and their line has been embraced by celebrities such as Prince, Nicky Minaj, and more.
3. Elegant Eyes
Elegant Eyes is a family-owned and operated optical center that was first opened in 1987 by James and Doris Slaughter of Slaughter’s Opticians, a company first founded in 1960. Their mission is to provide upscale quality eyewear at affordable prices with the slogan, “We Only Have Eyes for You.”
4. Ember Niche
Created by childhood friends Tim and Jarrett, who began wearing glasses in 2013, Ember Niche was founded out of an idea that their identities were largely associated with their eyewear choice. This inspired their philosophy, “Your face is your brand.”
With this in mind, Tim and Jarrett set out to develop an eyewear collection inspired by art, music, and history.
5. Eye Dare You
Eye Dare You was created by Houston siblings, Audreyanna and Chanteau. Audreyanna the free-spirited, entrepreneur, and fashion/wardrobe stylist and model, Chanteau.
Audreyanna and Chanteau launched Eye Dare You in 2015 to provide fashion-forward eyewear at affordable prices without sacrificing quality.
6. Jembere Eyewear
New York-based eyewear brand Jembere was founded in 2013 with a philosophy that stunning eyewear can be reasonably priced.
Jembere’s eyewear collection finds it’s inspiration where the rich culture of Ethiopia meets everyday life in The Big Apple, and each frame is handcrafted using top quality materials like Italian acetate, 5 barrel hinges, and handwoven Ethiopian cleaning clothes.
7. LEX:MARQ OPTIQUE
LEX:MARQ OPTIQUE is a network of Opticians, Frame Stylists, and Fashion Enthusiasts; who have collaborated to merge fashionable and functional eyewear at affordable prices, delivered to your front door.
They offer mobile sales and custom repair service’s in many cities to better serve their customers.
8. Nroda
Nroda is an eyewear brand that believes if you look like a boss, you’ll feel like a boss! Nroda strives to provide a luxury eyewear brand that embraces lavish trends such as crystals, fine metals, and other unique components.
Each frame is handcrafted in New York City with high-quality materials embraced by thousands of customers and celebrities.
9. SWAV Eyewear
Created by Isiah Fowler, SWAV Eyewear was founded on a mission to motivate, inspire, and empower goal-oriented visionaries to achieve greatness.
Every pair of sunglasses comes with an inspirational affirmation to inspire you to never give up on YOUR vision. Additionally, $5 of every purchase goes to the Visionary Investment Fund which supports new visionaries.
10. Haus of Paris
Haus of Paris believes in greatness in all things and strives to offer affordable clothing beauty and accessories.
Their Juneteenth collection features items inspired by stories of black leaders, like Josephine Baker and Sarah Goode who have worked to achieve greatness throughout history.
Conclusion
Please consider making your next eyewear purchase from one of these companies and support the countless other black-owned businesses.
Know of other Black-owned eyewear businesses you’d like us to help amplify? Please send us their details so we can do that!
