Warm weather is sure to approach soon, we promise! And with it comes that ultimate summer accessory – shades. While we have piles of el cheapo plastic ones and even some stylish reasonably priced ones, it’s always a luxury to invest in a good looking, high quality pair for more social or work related occasions than the backyard barbecue. Barton Perreira is one luxury brand we have been watching for quite some time.
The company was launched in 2007 by a trio who have a deep knowledge of the eyewear world: Patty Perreira, Bill Barton and Tim Cadiente shared a desire to challenge the eyewear industry. A self-taught designer, the California-born Patty Perreira honed her skills during her 18-year tenure at Oliver Peoples. Bill Barton has been at the center of a number of industry defining moments over the last twenty years. As president of Oliver Peoples (2002 -2006) he was an integral part in the growth of Optical Shop of Aspen. From the beginning of Barton Perreira, Tim Cadiente has been hands on with all imagery.
Barton Perreira is known for their unique shapes, subtle colors and textures as well as their innovative process such as Cloisonné, an ancient Chinese art form that uses multiple steps in the enamel process. Each sunglass that features the technique is masked by hand to conceal specific sections so that the focus is on the frame front for cloisonné application. Then each frame front has the colored cloisonné applied by hand and then it is completed with a top coat for a high-gloss finish. They also specialize in hand painted enamel. The enameling process appears throughout the collections and is a technique used since ancient times. The process is all done by hand to create the most beautiful and precise finishing.
Recently they have also gained exposure for their great collaborations. In 2012 they worked with friend and fan, actor Givoanni Ribisi. “When Barton Perreira approached me about designing these frames, it was something I jumped on,” Ribisi said. “Sunglasses are intimate, especially to one’s individual identity because they sit on the face. It was challenging and I learned a lot, but it was an honor to work with the Barton Perreira team and a company that strives to create excellent product.”
As the luxury line has grown they have opened two stores in the US. The Nashville store opened in 2012. “Nashville is an exciting city, it has an old world charm and soul but is a very permissive city,” Patty Perreira says “I was excited about opening the store in Nashville because of the progressive and alternative counter culture that has developed there. I admire the people of Nashville’s diverse love of music and art.”
The Aspen boutique opened in 2011. “Aspen is where I began my optical journey,” says Bill Barton. “Aspen’s international customers and loyal locals will give the Barton Perreira brand amazing worldwide exposure.”
Recently the brand worked with Ernest Alexander (one of our favorites) and with Ovadia & Sons to accessorize their spring summer 2014 fashion shows.
If you are looking for an eyewear line that isn’t your typical department store find with an artisanal edge, look no further. Just please don’t sit on them.
