What is Vintage Eyewear?

What is Vintage Eyewear?

The term vintage eyewear is thrown around loosely in the industry.  What vintage means to us at Kings of Past is eyewear that was made at least 2 decades ago, but which was not previously sold.  Brand new, unused eyewear still in their original packing sleeves.  At Kings of Past, we specialize in curating eyewear released by luxury fashion houses and boutique eyewear manufacturers that produced pieces between the 1970s and mid-1990s. 

Where Does it Come From?

Curating or purchasing vintage eyewear is not easy.  It requires a vast network of people around the world and a deep knowledge of the eyewear industry. 

Manufacturers, distribution hubs, and store chains hold large quantities of eyewear, and many are in business for multiple generations.  Small amounts of unsold inventory can be lost within their warehouses, only to resurface years later.  When this happens, it is sold as mixed vintage eyewear inventories. 

Using our expertise at Kings of Past, we find these rare and unique opportunities. With the help of our customers, we bring these “deadstock” pieces back to life, one frame at a time. 

Who Buys It?

Vintage Eyewear consumers and connoisseurs come from all over the world.  They have one thing in common, they are looking for something different from what they see everyday.  Vintage eyewear is available in very limited quantities, so when you buy a vintage frame you are getting something truly unique. 

Collectors

Vintage Eyewear collectors focus on highly coveted brands like Alain Mikli, Laura Biagotti, and Aplina.  These frames are highly collectible because of their revolutionary styling and scarcity. Music icons like Rhianna and Lady Gaga have been known to wear these type of vintage eyewear pieces during concert performances, further increasing demand and value. 

Street Wear Enthusiasts

Street wear enthusiast have recently been adding vintage eyewear to their repertoire to perfectly compliment their style with something that adds a bit more individuality.  Designer eyewear from the 1980s and 1990s is the most popular amongst people looking for glasses or sunglasses to wear on the regular.  Gucci, Dior, Versace, and Valentino have some of the most classic designs, while other lesser known brands like Hilton and Revillon lead the way with retro and luxury styling.  Rappers like Migos, Drake, and 2Chainz all wear vintage eyewear to complement their street wear style. 

High Fashion Aficionados

High fashion aficionados have also embraced vintage eyewear.  Key pieces from Cartier, ST Dupont, and Longines can fetch thousands of dollars on the resale market.  Made with true luxury materials and exceptional craftsmanship, these pieces will continue to look good for another 30 years.  Classic formal wear like dresses and suits can be tied together perfectly with a luxury vintage frame.  It can add another level of class and sophistication to an already stunning ensemble.   

Where to Get It

Right here of course!  Kings of Past is known to have one of the largest and most comprehensive vintage eyewear inventories in the world.  We hold a library of pieces from the 1960s to mid-1990s and have some of the most desirable models in history.  Shop our huge vintage selection online kingsofpast.com.  Worldwide shipping available!