Some of us depend on glasses to see and survive, while some use sunglasses to shade our peepers from the harmful rays of the sun. Regardless of your needs, a beautiful pair of eyewear is a way to accessorise and add another fashionable element to your outfit.
From celeb-favourite labels such as Gentle Monster and Retrosuperfuture, to Singaporean labels such as New China Opticians that provide affordable options, here are 16 brands to check out when you’re getting your next pair of eyewear.
You can always depend on the Japanese to deliver precision and quality, and Owndays has got its formula down pat. With in-house designs and a straightforward price system starting from $98 for frames and lenses, Owndays promises to deliver your glasses within 20 minutes from payment, making it great for people who are time- and cash-strapped. With over 30 stores located islandwide, an Owndays store can always be easily found. What’s more, their designs are modern and fresh, so you’re sure to find something that suits your style.
Owndays boutiques are located in places such as ION Orchard, Plaza Singapura and The Clementi Mall.
Don’t be fooled by the quaint store located on the first floor of Peninsula Shopping Centre. Opened in 1925, the almost century-old establishment stocks both vintage and modern designs, such as Korean-esque frames, and even boasts its own in-house label, Tony Hardy. With prices starting from $40 for a pair of spectacles with prescription lenses, this is the place to go if you really want to get bang for your buck. Plus, you only have to wait for an hour to collect your glasses.
3 Coleman Street, #01-11, Peninsula Shopping Centre, Singapore 179804
Often spotted on the likes of international stars and influencers such as Dua Lipa, Yoyo Cao and Kendall Jenner, South Korean label Gentle Monster is no stranger to many. Besides fashion-forward designs that vary from sci-fi visors to teeny tiny rectangular lenses that rest on the tip of the nose, Gentle Monster is also known for its museum-like store designs. Head there for a visual spectacle.
#01-13, ION Orchard and #B2-103, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
What started out as three brothers selling glasses from a pushcart to the trio opening their first store at Outram Park, Capitol Optical is now a recognised local company that stocks international labels such as Celine, Miu Miu, Vedi Vero and Christian Dior, amongst many others. Now helmed by the third generation, the business celebrated its 50th-anniversary in 2018. With 17 stores islandwide, you can count on Capitol Optical to get the latest high fashion drops as they pride themselves on being the first to launch past Celine and Loewe eyewear collections.
Capitol Optical boutiques are located in places such as Jurong Point, North Point and Raffles City.
With all designs developed in-house, O+ eschews trend-led designs for more classic pieces, ensuring that every pair you purchase will never fade in style. The brand also oversees all production processes to ensure high-quality frames, without the luxury markup.
#02-04, Mandarin Gallery and #01-07, OUE Downtown Gallery
Are we really surprised that a brand that promises excellent service comes from Japan? Created in 1930 in Himeji, Paris Miki goes by an ethos of “omotenashi”, where every customer is ensured the best service possible in more than 1,200 of its stores worldwide. The brand also stocks eyewear from high-end designers such as Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Gucci and Kate Spade, with nine stores dotted around Singapore.
Paris Miki boutiques are located in various parts of the island, including Takashimaya, Bugis Junction and Plaza Singapura.
(Also read: How to pick the best sunglasses for your face shape)
While you won’t be able to purchase frames from high-end labels, you’ll be getting thoughtful, handmade designs from the Italian cult label, Retrosuperfuture. Touting a list of celebrity fans such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Rihanna, the retailer is easy to shop at, especially for people who like to match their eyewear to their face shape, as the frames are catgorised by shapes. There’s even an Asian Fit range.
Available online and at #B1-29, Wisma Atria
A favourite amongst Asian stars such as Angelababy and Park Shin Hye, Molsion prides itself on its minimalist aesthetics that features clean and neat lines. But don’t brush them off for being a vintage-inspired label as Molsion has a variety of unique and trendy designs, such as the Redrum sunglasses that draw inspiration from Cupid’s arrow, and have an almost hexagonal lens design.
Available online and at #02-31, Plaza Singapura and #01-12, Junction 8.
(Also read: Shop these sunglasses worn by celebs in your favourite Korean dramas)
Local label foptics wants to disrupt the way eyewear is sold, especially heavy markup prices. The brand was founded by a Singaporean while in his final year in university, as he realised there was a gap in the market for stylish but affordable glasses. He started selling on Carousell but soon moved on to build his own site. foptics now offers international shipping and free registered shipping in Singapore for orders over $50. The shopping process is fuss-free: head to their website, choose a frame and decide on a type of lens as well as whether you need prescription lenses to go with it. They will then contact you about the specifications of your degree. foptics has also published its prices online for transparency. Prices start from $35.90 for frame with lens.
Available online and at #03-01, 58B Pagoda Street and #05-18/19, 115A Commonwealth Drive
(Also read: Most affordable spectacles shops for prescription glasses)
Zoff promises a quick turnaround (as short as 30 minutes depending on availability) which means that you need not wait for days to get a pair of glasses (so useful if you’ve accidentally destroyed your last pair and have been bumbling around as blind as a bat). The Zoff Smart collection is especially noteworthy for its lightweight construction.
Zoff boutiques are located in places such as Paya Lebar Quarter, ION Orchard and JEM.
Local label Visual Mass is the brainchild of two Singaporean optometry graduates. With their entire collection designed in Singapore and produced in South Korea, every frame is kept affordable, while retaining its signature trendy look.
Available online and at #B2-30, Orchard Gateway
(Also read: Fulfill your Korean fashion dreams with these shops in Singapore)
Siblings Ong En Ming and Ong Ker-Shing founded The Rocket Eyewear Company as a way to maintain a perpetual supply of sunglasses for their mother who constantly misplaced hers. We love their take on the classic P3 shape – a rounded squarish frame seen on the likes of Grace Kelly and James Dean. Fun fact: it’s named MTO after their mum’s initials.
Available online and at these locations
Lenskart is an optical chain that creates its own Italian designs made with German technology. Together with their subsidiary John Jacobs, Lenskart provides a plethora of modern and trendy glasses. You can also use their virtual try-on function and shop for a pair of spectacles online.
Lenskart boutiques are located in places such as Funan Mall, Waterway Point and Century Square.
Monocle was founded by two friends in 2019 with the aim of providing quality, stylish eyewear at affordable prices starting from $85. Designs are made in-house to reduce cost while ensuring high standards. Sustainability is also at the heart of Monocle’s business, with a tree planted for every pair of glasses manufactured.
Available online and at 7A Haji Lane
With over 30 outlets islandwide, Spectacle Hut is the place to go if you love international luxury brands. Spectacle Hut carries a wide range of brands ranging from Oakley and Ray-Ban to Miu Miu and Tom Ford.
Spectacle Hut boutiques are located in places such as Tampines Mall, Westgate and North Point.
Founded by brothers Brandon and Edwin Choo in 2013, homegrown brand Oblique Eyewear focuses on refining its processes and supply chain in order to bring down the prices of its eyewear. The result: Oblique is able to offer stylish glasses with prescription lenses for as low as $70.
181 Orchard Rd, #04-03 Central Orchard, Singapore 238896