Some things instantly change how you feel. A favourite shirt, the first swim of the season, the moment you step into the sun somewhere new. Wearing a high-quality pair of sunglasses belongs firmly in that category.
Not only practical, but they also add that perfect, refined touch to any warm-weather outfit. After a long time in development, we are thrilled to launch our first sunglasses collection. We wanted to get every detail right.
To celebrate, we’re diving into the history of these two iconic styles. We’ll also guide you through our craftsmanship and design.
The Cat-Eye: A Frame That Refused to Behave
The cat-eye frame has become one of the most iconic symbols of femininity in fashion and was never built to fit in.
First created in the 1930s by Altina Schinasi, originally called the ‘Harlequin’, it was her answer to the uninspired, masculine frames of the time. Inspired by the romantic yet playful harlequin masks worn at ballroom dances and Venetian masquerade style, the design is lifted at the edges, dramatic and unmistakably feminine.
But what makes the cat-eye truly iconic is not just how it looks; it is what it represented. In the years surrounding WW2, women were stepping into roles long denied to them, and these frames became a symbol of equality in defiance of a male-dominated society.
By the 1950s, the frames had found their way into the bright lights of Hollywood, with Marilyn Monroe donning them with her iconic allure. A decade later, Audrey Hepburn shot them into legendary status, wearing an oversized tortoiseshell pair in Breakfast at Tiffany’s that became as memorable as the film itself, cementing the style in the Zeitgeist.
The Evolution of Panto Frames
Emerging in the 1930s, panto frames are known for their timeless chic vibe. The panto takes its name from “pantoscopic”, referring to the gentle inward tilt of the frame.
They became hugely popular in the 1940s-60s for a couple of key reasons. Firstly, they were favoured by pilots and military personnel during WW1 and WW2 as their tight fit meant they fit seamlessly in helmets and gas masks.
The next big boom came from the NHS, which began offering panto frames as one of its 10 styles of free eyeglasses. This frame became a solid favourite and quietly embedded itself into everyday British life.
Introducing Love Brand Sunglasses
Our sunglasses collection is debuting with two distinct styles: Lanzadera and Lightbourne.
Lanzadera is our take on the cat-eyed silhouette. It carries that signature upwards flick that's defined generations.
Lightbourne is our answer to panto frames. Timeless, easy to wear, with soft, rounded frames and a keyhole bridge.
Both styles come in a curated range of glass and frame colours, from classic black to clear tones and tortoiseshell. Our sunglasses are sustainably made, hand-crafted, and feature our iconic gold elephant logo forming a heart on the temples. A symbol of our values to help endangered animals.
Sustainably Crafted Sunglasses
Great design means little without great craftsmanship, but at Love Brand, we prioritise both. Our eyewear is handcrafted in the foothills of the Dolomite mountains in Italy.
Like everything we do, sustainability is at the core of Love Brand eyewear. Crafted with care and built to last, our sunglass frames use Acelate Renew technology.
The technology uses a recycling process to break down plastic waste, which is then combined with bio-based materials. This innovative material has 60% bio-based content and 40% certified recycled materials. It cuts environmental impact without reducing quality.
Each pair is then fitted with polarised glass lenses by Barberini, chosen for its scratch resistance, durability and ultra-clear vision.
From beach days to city breaks, and early mornings to late afternoons, our sunglasses keep you protected in style. Our new sustainable eyewear range is a natural extension of everything we believe in: craftsmanship, sustainability and design with meaning. We can’t wait to see you wearing them on your next adventure!
