Holiday Shop: Sunglasses on A Little Bird – An Insiders Guide to London
Find the perfect shades for summer with our pick of the best sunglasses brands in London right now:
Best for Parisian Style: Jimmy Fairly
Parisian brand-of-the-moment Jimmy Fairly opened their first London shop on Regent Street this week. Not only are the styles characteristically French-girl chic, but for every pair purchased Jimmy Fairly sends a pair of glasses to someone in need. All styles £99 jimmyfairly.com/fr.
Best for Trends: Vow London
A trend-led brand with sustainable ethics, we particularly love their fun glitter frames that come in all colours and shapes. Riley Pink Glitter, £90 vowlondon.com
Best for Prescriptions: Cubitts
We love everything Cubbits do and seem to spot a pair of their spectacles everywhere we go. They offer eye tests (£25 with a pair of spectacles or sunglasses), plus prescription frames and shades in chic designs at a fixed price of £125. Try these new bridgeless Calshot sunglasses, £125 cubitts.co.uk
Best for Luxury: Maison Bonnet
Scorchingly expensive, but then again these are handmade bespoke frames from the Parisian studio that made sunglasses for Jackie O, Yves Saint Laurent and countless other glamorous names. Founded in 1930, the atelier still use the same intricate techniques, taking measurements to ensure each pair perfectly suits the face they’re to sit on. This July the first London boutique will open at 7 Stafford Street, Mayfair. Price on application, maisonbonnet.com
Best for Browsing: Liberty
If you want to have fun trying on a variety of styles, head to Liberty which stocks a range of the best makes, including these Chloé scalloped tinted flower frames. Rosie sunglasses, £265 chloe.com
Best for Bargains: TK Maxx
Discounts on some top sunglasses brands like Stella McCartney, Kate Spade, Celine, Gucci and Dior. The stock in their shops can vary so buy online for the best selection. These Alexander McQueen tortoiseshell cat eye’s are £99.99 reduced from £215. tkmaxx.com
Best for Retro Styles: Les Specs
Known for their Lolita Cat Eye’s, Les Specs are the experts in bringing retro shapes bang up to date. We love these sleek 90’s classics, Outta Love Caramel Tan, £40 lespecs.com
Best for Kids: Rockahula
Rockahula is great for all sorts of accessories – we love their sunhats, Monster bum bags and hair clips – but their playful sunglasses are especially good. Cloud sunglasses, £10 rockahulakids.com