Fashion Evolves with Carrera - Eyewear Since 1956

I have decided to feature a brand that not only have a unique style but most importantly history and purpose to their brand. In 1956, Wilhelm Anger decided to his sport goggles company after the longest, fastest, most dangerous race in the world -Carrera Panamericana.

In 1964, Anger developed and patented the ‘Optyl’ material, which was a heat-hardened plastic weighing 20% less than acetate resulting in a reduction of allergic reactions and improved fit through a memory effect that provided permanent elasticity and dimensional stability.

In 1974, the company was renamed Carrera International and established a headquarters in Traun, Austria, and went to partner with automobile designer Ferdinand Alexander to develop the sunglass collection Carrera Porsche Design.

In the 1980s, Carrera sponsored sporting events such as the America’s Cup, the 1988 Winter Olympics, and Formula 1 racing. In 1996, Safilo Group S.p.A. purchased Carrera and now have headquarters in Padova, Italy. The very well known Carrera sunglasses models Carrera Champion and Carrera Safari were created in 2008 and are the best sellers since.

In 1996 the company established its assembly industry in the province of Henan in China.

As history continue to evolve for this company, Carrera continue to re-patent the brand but also relaunch their 1986 iconic styles with a new look along with new packaging in 2011. In 2014, Carrera and Jimmy Choo announces the launch of an exclusive capsule collection of Carrera by Jimmy Choo sunglasses for Men, following the success of the Carrera by Jimmy Choo Women’s capsule collection of sunglasses launched last year.

I love that Carrera sunglasses continues to deliver a fresh approach to timeless designs. I found that customers do take notice of the eye wear but don't understand the functionality of the styles that this company have to offer. I do notice that these glasses work very well with all face shapes. I love that the frames are crafted in lightweight material completed with plastic temple tips for comfort and durability and customers love to feel comfortable wearing glasses. In addition, Carrera sunglasses are available with mirror coating on specific colors. Having mirror coated lens reflects back light and reduces the amount of light passing through the lens.

Check out the behind the scenes footage of the Carrera Eye Wear (below):

To provide more details of the glasses, I was able to do a little more research and learn about the versatility and style of each frame:

Maverick

This style states that you are brave enough to make it happen. You are untouchable and don't take no for an answer. This frames speaks independency, fearless, unique and also may consider you a genius for wearing this style frame. These sunglasses are available with polarized lenses on certain colors. Polarized lenses have a filter within the lens that blocks the wavelengths of light that cause glare. They can greatly enhance contrast and allow for greater depth of vision, especially in water. They are ideal for any situation where glare reduction is necessary, like driving or playing sports.

Timeless

The world is full of trend sensitive people trying hard to fit in. Then there are people that just don't care. Those who have their own style, regardless what they trend are. These Sunglasses work well for people whose style is: Classic, Stylish Designer, Cool/Trendy.

Seasonal

They are the spontaneous person. The unstoppable. Their actions are based on sudden desire, rather than careful thoughts. Driven by passion and emotion, they capture every opportunity.

Flag

The world is not ready for the annoyingly cool and relaxed people that own every situation. They are the ones that walk into a room full of people and suddenly everything is about them. When you wear this cool, stylish frames, you cannot help to feel that you are already one step ahead with your eye wear fashion.

Active

This style of frame shows that competition is part of their life, but even when they practice they don't forget the importance of being cool. Design in sport gear is as important as the technical features they need to perform. The way you look is important of being the best. These sunglasses are available with polarized lenses on certain colors. Polarized lenses have a filter within the lens that blocks the wavelengths of light that cause glare. They can greatly enhance contrast and allow for greater depth of vision, especially in water. They are ideal for any situation where glare reduction is necessary, like driving or playing sports.

I also want to point out that a lot of people always ask me how can they distinguish which glasses are for men and women. While there is no difference in the lenses used for men and women's sunglasses, the frames and overall styles can vary greatly. The best way to distinguish women’s sunglasses that the frame design is extremely large or the small frames have very thick arms. For men sunglasses, the bridge of the nose is wider and the arms do not have pronounced curves at the ear area. That is a great way to be able to distinguish between both styles.

Check out the video below with rapper 2 Chainz and Corey Shapiro (founder of Vintage Frames) tries on some designer frames