Skip to main content

S/S 2012 SUNGLASSES SPORT/FASHION Julbo, Ryders, Gant by Michael Bastian

Outdoor Retailer


words/images Judith Ecochard




Eye protection is serious biz-we have a pal with melanoma in his dark brown left eye...geez---so while we always buy sunglasses for how they look-the technology has to be there-especially for outdoor sports.

New to us at OR-was French brand Julbo®---founded in 1888 in the mountains around Chamonix. Building on its heritage of performance/travel lines...Julbo showed many techy Zebra Light® photochromatic sunglasses- in protection categories 1-3 that are genius-ultra-clear when "unactivated"---darkens quickly-and works in low light conditions. Big enough lenses to offer full eye area protection too.

Highlights:

Julbo's Dust...lightweight...with a 'grippy' nosepiece good for sweat-inducing sports like running and cycling.





also available with interchangeable lenses ($140-$170)





Ultra $170...changes lense tone in secs-


bendable lens technology reduces facial injuries...tough to break too




Whoops -women's performance frame in shiny black





Pipeline-side pieces are great for venting heat-offered four different lense options






Dolphin-polarized sunglasses that float








Chrono-classic aviator style-lightweight metal frame, adjustable nosepiece, smooth rubber inserts at temple area-polarlized-great for driving too

$100-$190



Truck $100-$190

RYDERS-25 years young- also makes performance sunglasses- for bikers and runners in particular-at lower prices points that are good for those who constantly lose their shades. Like us.

Nice though- features needed for sporty types are all there-like textured hydrophilic temple tips, grippy, anti-slip nose pads, lenses (polarized, photochromatic, polar-photo-eliminates glare, interchangeable) that  all offer 100% UVA, UVB, UVC protection, and shatterproof lenses at that.



New---this pretty shield style in tortoise...$40...$60 for polarized lenses.







Semi-rim and rimless start at $39.99





Full rim...


FYI: Ryders frames are made with TR90 material that is lightweight, flexible and durable....












Swamper-semi-rim classic great for riding/running-with adjustable nose/temple








GANT is a full lifestyle label steeped in American east coast tradition----with re-invigorated apparel collections...and now sunglasses by its hip designer, Michael Bastian

At a recent media preview---we thought the shades we saw- "...happy, optimistic, and thoroughly American..."




Alice sunglases $200-grey lenses


Inspired by the 70's television show/episode, the Brady Bunch's holiday sojourn to Hawai---which unreal, like "Friends"-we never watched --serving as the blueprint for silhouettes...as did the touristy souvenirs from real friends' jaunts to that tropical paradise.



up top-the heart shaped Cindy eyewear $195- works because they are rounded at the bottom-not angular---and actually look good on certain faces...not gimmicky either.

FUN-turtle print Betty w/green lenses $195





two toned translucent grey frame, green temple---Mike $195

also Gant by Michal Bastian- classics aviator Marcia $195- and round shades-Jan $200-we felt had a nice 30's /70's retro-chic vibe






more view of Marcia-cutesy inspiration perhaps- but high-end fabrications


ear pieces-flexible- with rubber tips hold them in place-incredibly light-weight too




Cindy goes boho

Greg and Peter frames in summery tones-sunshine yellow, orange,..love the lagoon blue color pop on the inside of the Greg double frame construction. Bobby in tortoise frame $195-

Greg sunglasses get groovy with orange over navy frames with grey lenses $195

Peter-Gant by Michael Bastian $195


GANT RUGGER $125 and GANT collections ---similarly tricked out in fashionable colors, traditional shapes- that work well with the Spring 2012 clothes we saw all over the runways and at presentations-from many labels.

Aloha and Mahalo-the eyewear was very well presented too!

details-like this striped pattern make these sunglasses-something special







Classic sunglasses from Gant's 'regular' collection $125/each


Polarized lenses Wolfie and  Gavin from the Gant Rugger collection $125















Stoffe $125



Slim lightweight---well made by seasoned eyewear maker Viva International
Gant by Michael Bastian and Gant eyewear (prices range around $125-$200)- retail at upscale independent retailers like Barney's and at Gant stores worldwide...

Wearing the heart shaped Cindy-  Gamt by Michael Bastian-we thought she looked great in them!!!!!