Store Spotlight: Brass Monocle

Brass Monocle has been supplying Calgarians with high-quality, unique eyewear since 1980.

Name: Brass Monocle

Where to find it: 806 16 Ave. S.W., 403-228-9191; The Core, 403-269-7616, brassmonocle.com, @thebrassmonocle

Origins: The Brass Monocle opened in 1980 as the brainchild of Garry Hapton, whose vision was to bring fashion and fun to the eyewear industry.

Sells: Eyeglasses and sunglasses from Europe, North America and Asia. Lenses are from companies such as Nikon, Zeiss and Varilux. Brands include Thom Browne, Dita, Matsuda, Mykita (handmade in Berlin), Bevel, Claire Goldsmith, and SALT.

Best Buy: Customers flock to Brass Monocle for its top-notch customer service and selection of innovative and unique frames and sunglasses. In many cases, the store is the first retailer in Canada to offer these brands, meaning the frames you buy will not be ubiquitous. One of the best is the collection from Thom Browne. The menswear designer launched his unisex eyewear collection in 2011 and continues to put out handmade frames that are a twist on classics just like his clothing. The Brass Monocle is one of the few boutiques to carry Thom Browne eyewear.

The Space: Sheer curtains allow for you to have a great view of the green space in front of the store’s 16th Avenue S.W. location, while inside, the wide range of eyewear displayed artfully throughout the store is what truly speaks to the colourful Brass Monocle story. The vibe here is fun and funky, with pop art on the back wall, dark wood tables, comfortable seating to perch on while you’re trying on various styles and, of course, plenty of mirrors on which to admire your new specs.

photo by Aldona Barutowicz

Brass Monocle owner Gary Hapton at the 16th Avenue S.W. location.

photo by aldona barutowicz

Brass Monocle carries high-end international brands, including SALT (Sea Air Land Timeless).

photo by aldona barutowicz

Eyewear in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colours and materials can be found at Brass Monocle.

photo by aldona barutowicz

The Brass Monocle has been selling funky and functional eyewear for 25 years.

photo by aldona barutowicz

The selection of sunglasses ranges from conservative to flamboyant.

photo by aldona barutowicz

The Brass Monocle is one of the few boutique locations to offer the eyewear collection from menswear designer Thom Browne.

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