The demand for fresh sunnies is sky high, and we want to make sure we have you covered. There’s no time like the present to find that perfect set of sun-safe spectacles. We just received a massive shipment from New York based cult brand Illesteva, and they are moving FAST. If you’re on the hunt for timeless but trendy frames made with quality materials offering the utmost protection, then this is the brand for you. All frames are designed in house at their SOHO studio all in the good hands of the finest specialists and designers. Taking cues from their flagship city of New York and inspiration from all around the world since 2010, Illesteva’s one-of-a-kind styles encompass a unique global and romantic essence. When you get your hands on your next pair, take a look at the imprinted information inside the arm and you’ll find that after the design process, each frame is skillfully crafted in Italy and France in ethically run family-owned factories.  When co-founder David Silberman traveled through Europe to find the best artisans of the craft, the name Illesteva was born after a meeting with Luigi Esteva along with a family infatuation with Casablanca heroine Illa Lund. After decades of research, Illesteva formed their brand packed with a strong team of specialists who have perfected what they are known for best - skillful metalwork and hand-mixed acetate frames. Keep reading as we walk you through a few of their most popular and well-known styles that we have in store now.

The famed Leonard frame was one of the first Illesteva styles to hit the market, and to this day, they continue to be the brand’s most classic and popular option. Available in a whopping 7 colorways at the Pavilion, this signature round frame features a unique 3-barrel hinge providing the best level of comfort and ability to withstand the craziest everyday use. With a lens width of 48mm, a height of 2” and an overall width of 5.25”, these sunnies are democratic but are often most comfortable for smaller and oval-shaped faces. If you’re looking for a frame that fits snug without any bells and whistles, then this is the pair for you. Since we can’t show you all of them, we at least wanted to show some newer colorways of the Leonard that Illesteva recently dropped. First, we have their newest finish with the Leonard in Matte Black. Popular with celebrities like Meghan Markle, these matte finish, opaque acetate frames are the ultimate chic everyday choice for any of your dressed up, or down looks. These Leonards, along with all others of this style, are handmade in Italy with UVA/UVB lenses for that extra bit of protection. Next, we wanted to show you a little bit of color variation within the acetate with their Leonard in Champagne with Olive Lenses. This translucent champagne toned acetate shows off the meticulous make and hardware as well as olive lenses for a little bit of color. These frames are a perfect neutral style for both men and women.

Shown above: Illesteva Leonard II E in Teak with Olive Lenses, Pavilion Loop Diamond Huggies in Yellow Gold, AMO Zip Crop Hoodie in Vintage White

To complement the smaller Leonard style, Illesteva went bigger and maybe even better with the Leonard II. An oversized version with the same shape and make, these feature wider dimensions than their classic coutnerparts with a lens width of 51mm, a height of 2.25” and an overall width of 5.5”.  We chose to show you the new Leonard II E in Teak with Olive Lenses. The E represents the addition of shorter temples and a lower bridge for an overall better fit, particularly for those with a lower nose bridge. We recommend this shape for anyone looking for a bolder, more oversized frame, or those with a rounder face shape.  Add some fun texture with this teak inspired acetate frame for a modern version of the classic tortoise. 

Last but not least, we wanted to show the brand’s versatility and inclusivity for all needs as well as face shapes. While acetate is an ever classic material, the Mykonos Ace is a prime example of their ability to use mixed materials. The Mykonos Ace in Tortoise with Gold and Grey Flat Lenses features UV400 lenses subtly rimmed with a thin layer of tortoise acetate and a bold gold wired brow bar and arms. This minimal silhouette is an update to the classic aviator style with a more squared out shape and bridgeless design for a simple, air-like aesthetic. With an overall width of 5.5”, a height of 2” and a lens width of 52mm, these frames may be a tad bit wide for those with thinner faces, but overall, the slim features of these sunnies work with almost every face shape.