Confidence and style go and in hand and today, a growing number of Black-owned eyewear brands from around the world are helping people show up with both. They’re bringing fresh creativity, cultural inspiration and authentic craftsmanship to the frames we wear everyday. From vibrant designs inspired by African textiles to sleek silhouettes, these designers have built businesses that celebrate culture, innovation, and individuality. To make discovering and supporting these brands easier, we’ve put together a non-exhaustive list of brands that are redefining modern eyewear so that finding frames that reflect your culture, style and confidence has never looked better.
Vontélle
Founded by Nancey Harris and Tracy Green, Vontélle is one of the few luxury eyewear brands owned and operated by Black Women. Designed with intention, this brand offers vibrant, bold and culturally inspired styles specifically for diverse faces.
Coco and Breezy
Founded in 2009 by twin sisters Coco and Breezy Dotson, this brand centers individuality and self-expression. Made to be wearable art, its vibrant sunglasses and eyeglasses fuse fashion, culture and futuristic flair, proving that these accessories can be both a statement piece and a whole mood.
Bôhten
Drawing inspiration from its Ghanaian heritage and craftsmanship, Bôhten was founded by brothers Nana Boateng Osei and Nana Kwadwo Osei. Combining African nature, new-age fashion, culture, and contemporary lifestyle, this brand is known for its unique and striking designs, as well as its sustainability efforts across Africa, with many of its frames featuring wood and natural materials.
Anwuli Eyewear
This Atlanta-based brand was founded by Dr. Nwamaka Ngoddy. Drawing on her experience as an optometrist, as well as her Nigerian background, she is not only on a mission to enhance vision but also capture each individual’s unique style and personality, and create frames that celebrate diversity while delivering comfort and quality.
Nurilens
This Black-woman owned brand was founded by Dr. Juliette Nelson. Inspired by her Haitian culture, the brand features an “1804” collection that honors Haiti’s independence. Each frame is designed to represent a place, or moment, in history and is symbolic of evolution. From frames that embody Caribbean culture, to those created in honor of freedom and independence, as well as fictional cities, these frames allow people to claim their identity and wear their cultural affiliations.
Kimeze
London-based Kimeze was founded by siblings Clare and Christina Kimeze with a mission to bring inclusivity to the eyewear industry. Every frame was designed in London and handcrafted in Italy on the basis that every customer should feel considered and seen. From oversized frames to sleek cat eyes and more, Kimeze offers bold shapes for every face.
Elisa Johnson
Elisa Johnson founded her namesake brand in May of 2021 to create products for customers that are exceptional in both quality and design. From striking cat eye frames to bold, thick-rimmed aviators, these frames stand out just enough to be the perfect finishing touch to any look.
HYVE-Life
Founded by Ahsh Murphy and Shamika Bright, this Atlanta-based brand is all about providing stylish, high-quality, and affordable sunglasses and eyewear that help any wearer feel confident and empowered. With a focus on sleek, contemporary designs for every day of the year, the brand strikes the right balance between fashion and function.
CEV Collection
In 2018, Jaylon Smith and Jamal Robinson launched CEV Collection, offering unisex, size-inclusive, elevated designs that have a premium feel without the premium markup. CEV, which stands for Clear Eye View, is made for people who move with purpose. Their sunglasses are effortlessly bold and stylish.
NRODA
This Black-owned, women-led luxury eyewear brand was founded by Samantha Smikle, who draws inspiration from her Jamican heritage, childhood in the Bronx, and ancient art of Egyptian, African and Indian adornment. This unisex line is well known for its hand-designed, bold sunglasses, with statement pieces featuring its signature bee icon, which has been worn by celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross.
So next time you’re shopping for a new pair of frames, consider supporting these Black-owned brands that are built on purpose. You might just discover a pair that doesn’t just help you see the world more clearly, but helps the world see you, too.
