Raen Optics, a Much Needed Drop of Class

Sunglasses are like fancy dress costumes. Overt will get you noticed fast, but reeks of effort. Subtle will seep out over the night, cultivate a talking point, and gradually and covertly announce your wry wit to the gathering. RAEN have been surfing’s fashion forward optical go-to for the best part of a decade. Their latest release, the Wiley and the Arlo are a respectful nod to the world of high fashion, but at a shade of the price. Ever shelled out $400 for a pair of French designer specs? Well, they’re precious for about a month, and then they just become another piece of your everyday get up. The smart man buys two pairs of less expensive specs, and has a little variety in their lives. Here’s two:

The Wiley on the left and Arlo to the right. Depends on the day really.

That ladies and gentlemen, is a successful model choice. Handsome, but not intimidating. Rugged, but not scruffy. We can all relate to this man in some way. Inclusive marketing. It sure is a brave new world. Feeling lousy about yourself doesn’t necessarily result in a sale.

The Arlo, in kelp.

The Arlo – Frames haven’t changed much in the last fifty years. What has changed in the colourways. You see this divine shade? Kelp. As at home on the beach as it is on the yacht. Blending in, standing out, beautiful.

The Wiley, in matte rootbeer.

Wiley –A little nod to the iconic Steve McQueen Persol frame. If it’s good enough for Steve, it’s damn sure good enough for you. All Raen shades are fitted with lenses from Carl Zeiss vision. God bless this little German man and his complete domination of the optical industry. May his coffin be lined with cheques.

The Wiley and Arlo will be available at selected retailers and through Lucky Cat from mid-February 2016.