In the realm of luxury and vintage collectibles, few items blend functionality with fashion as seamlessly as sunglasses. For enthusiasts and collectors like Harrison, the founder of Westy Sunglasses, the allure of vintage sunglasses lies not just in their aesthetic appeal but in their rarity and the stories they carry. Drawing from Harrison’s expertise and passion, we delve into a curated list of rare and unique vintage sunglasses that every collector should aspire to own.
Oakley Frogskins
A testament to Oakley’s innovative design, the Frogskins are iconic for their vibrant colorways and quality craftsmanship. Their resurgence as a vintage collectible underscores the cyclical nature of fashion and the enduring appeal of Oakley’s design philosophy.
Ray-Ban Wayfarer
Introduced in the 1950s, the Wayfarer’s trapezoidal frame broke away from the metal eyewear trends of the past. Its appearance in movies and on celebrities cemented its status as a timeless piece, making it a cornerstone of any vintage collection.
Vuarnet Cat Eye Legends
The Vuarnet Cat Eye Legends are a marriage of sport and retro glamour. Known for their exceptional lens quality and chic design, they are a favorite among those who value both style and substance.
Persol Steve McQueens
Named after the legendary actor Steve McQueen, these Persol sunglasses are synonymous with effortless cool. Their unique folding mechanism and the signature arrow on the temple make them a distinctive find.
Ray-Ban Wings
The Ray-Ban Wings are as bold today as they were upon their debut. With a single-piece lens and a distinctive shape, they represent a daring design choice that has earned them a place in the annals of eyewear history.
Oakley X-metal Juliet
The X-metal Juliet sunglasses are a marvel of engineering, crafted from a unique alloy that allows for a lightweight yet durable frame. Their futuristic design and limited production runs make them a prized possession.
Cartier Killy Alpine Sunglasses
Named after the French skiing legend Jean-Claude Killy, these Cartier sunglasses exude elegance and sophistication. Their rarity and association with luxury make them a coveted item for high-end aficionados.
Derapage Vitaloni FG
With a design inspired by the aerodynamics of racing cars, the Derapage Vitaloni FG sunglasses are a rare find. Their innovative use of materials and Italian craftsmanship appeal to collectors who appreciate the fusion of function and style.
Porsche Design P8000 Series
The P8000 Series from Porsche Design embodies the luxury and innovation associated with the Porsche brand. These sunglasses feature interchangeable lenses and a timeless design.
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Woodies
The Woodies collection showcases Ray-Ban’s innovative use of materials, incorporating wood into the frame design. These sunglasses are a testament to the 80’s era that saw manufacturers pushing the boundaries of eyewear design.
Alpina Quattro
Alpina is well known for classic and flashy sunglasses like the Quattro. One of the rarest Alpina frames, it features a sophisticated lens changing system that allows you to quickly switch lenses by rotating the center screw to loosen the frame.
Cazal 901 Targa Design
Germany-based Cazal became well known in the eyewear industry after hip hop legends like Run DMC started sporting Cazal frames in their videos in the late 1980s. The high quality frames continue to have a lasting impact on the American Hip Hop scene today, and have become a must have accessory for many eyewear fans across the globe.
Alpina M1
The iconic Alpina M1 sunglasses are considered by some enthusiasts to be a “holy grail” collectable. Originally manufactured in West Germany, the shades became legendary when Stevie Wonder started wearing them in the 1980s and remain highly coveted today.
Oakley Over the Top
Perhaps the most avant-garde design on this list, the Oakley Over the Top sunglasses are a bold statement piece. Their unique over-the-head design and futuristic aesthetic make them a rare and intriguing find
For collectors, the pursuit of rare and unique vintage sunglasses is more than a hobby—it’s an obsession.
