Exhibit Optical
2675 W 4th Ave., exhibitoptical.com
Book a styling appointment for some expert help navigating the wide selection of frames targeted at “collectors and creatives.” For something truly unique, explore the store’s wealth of vintage frames.
These retro-inspired rainbow-tortoise Fellow Earthlings frames ($500) match Exhibit’s extremely colourful shop quite well.
The Optical Boutique
2265 W 41st Ave., theopticalboutique.com
You’ll be in good hands with ultra-stylish owner-optician Sue Randhawa. She stocks brands you won’t find elsewhere and is thrilled to help clients discover the right funky frames to suit their style.
Indie and design-centric labels are Randhawa’s passion, as exemplified by options like these tortoiseshell Be Cute 295 frames ($599) from quirky French designer Sabine Be.
Kits Cafe and Eyewear
1500 Yew St., kits.ca
If you’re working with a budget and also need a hit of caffeine while you shop for your next set of specs, the B.C.-founded eyewear e-commerce behemoth has a brick-and-mortar shop by Kits Beach that doubles as a coffee shop.
The chunky, acetate Volaris frames ($58) are a classic shape, and a bestseller—we love the navy option.
Frankly
3994 Fraser St., franklyglasses.com
Toronto-based Frankly opened its Vancouver outpost two years ago, offering a curated collection of premium glasses and sunglasses from niche brands in a modern East Van space.
As if an oversized peach frame weren’t ferociously femme enough, the Oscar Mamooi-designed Medulla ($575) also features a festive baby-pink frill.
Nïche
1965 W 4th Ave. and 1493 W 12th Ave., nicheeyewearboutique.com
In a gallery-like setting, you’ll find a thorough mix of options from iconic fashion houses (Celine, Gucci) and boutique labels (British cult-fave Kirk and Kirk).
Blake Kuwahara glasses are actually designed by an optometrist—albeit one with excellent style, as these architectural Ellwood frames prove ($770).
