Shopping: ‘Vic’ visions for L.A. Eyeworks, TenOverSix
They’re an unlikely pair — L.A. Eyeworks, the trend-bucking indie eyewear company, and TenOverSix, the fashion-driven accessories retailer.
But as collaborations go, the two local brands have cooked up a charmer in the “Vic,” a limited-edition sunglass style that simultaneously conjures up the iconic Ray-Ban Wayfarer, the Kennedy clan in the 1960s and colorful, avant-garde sunnies from the 1980s.
The $230 frames, which come in three confectionary hues — saffron, pink and tobacco tortoise — were initially inspired by a pair of Italian-made glasses that TenOverSix co-founder Brady Cunningham’s father once wore, said Gai Gherardi, co-founder of L.A. Eyeworks.
“And the conversation went on from there,” she explained. “Brady has such a passion for glasses. Both she and [TenOverSix co-founder] Kristen Lee were very specific on the kind of chunky feeling they wanted, and on the very powdery colors.”
The retailers became friendly with each other soon after TenOverSix opened shop up the street from L.A. Eyeworks, on Melrose Avenue.
“I love the store … and felt the kindred spirit,” Gherardi said. “It was obvious they had great eyes, and they do a great edit.”
Though the frames’ dense aesthetics seem very 1960s, “that style has had so many iterations,” Gherardi said. “You could take it back into the 1940s and up to the 1960s. It’s got that archetypical glamorous feeling to it, but it’s also about them being chunky glasses — very substantial.”
And like most of the personality-plus designs found in both L.A. Eyeworks and TenOverSix, “this style is for the person who can put [an outfit] together and have confidence,” Gherardi said, “not for the person who has to wear this label or that.”
The “Vic” is carried at L.A. Eyeworks: 7386 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 931-7795; and at TenOverSix: 8425 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 330-9355.
EVENTS
Anthropologie jewelry and accessories show Wednesday: The Anthropologie boutique at the Grove shopping center hosts an accessories trunk show of L.A.-based designers and brands, including Nomade Exquis, Ronni Kappos, Madley, Moss Mills, Linea Pelle and Doloris Petunia.
6301 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. (323) 934-8433. Noon to 4 p.m.
Anthropologie Scent Show & Tell Wednesday: The Santa Monica Anthropologie store hosts an event with Sean O’Mara, creative director of fragrance company Royal Apothic. Guests will be able to experience the perfumes through an interactive fragrance booth that resembles a London telephone booth.
1402 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica. (310) 393-4763. 6 to 8 p.m.
OPENING
Buffalo Exchange Saturday: Resale clothing store Buffalo Exchange, which buys and sells secondhand apparel and accessories, opens its first Santa Monica location — a lofty 2,000-square-foot space inside a Frank Gehry-designed building.
2449 Main St., Santa Monica. (310) 314-7300. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
https://www.buffaloexchange.com
SALES
Arnold Zimberg sample sale Thursday through Saturday: Shop the preppy-and-plaid button-front shirts of Arnold Zimberg (for men and women) at 60% to 70% off retail at this three-day sample sale.
846 S. Los Angeles St. (next to the Cooper Building), first floor, Los Angeles. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
https://www.shoparnoldzimberg.com
Junior Drake Mother’s Day sample sale Friday through Sunday: Score deeply discounted leather and satin handbags from L.A. accessories brand Junior Drake at this weekend sale.
740 E. 60th St., Los Angeles. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
