Gary Black initially rejected the KREWE line from being carried at Black Optical, the premier eyewear retailer located in Dallas, TX. Black himself was a celebrity in the eyewear world—his careful curation and ability to spot potential in indie eyewear brands was unlike any other when he started out". - Stirling Barrett

After that failed sales call, a unique friendship formed between Black and Barrett that stems from an appreciation for design, culture, and eyewear. Barrett was determined to return to Black Optical with a line that could compete on the shelf next to the best eyewear brands in the world, and two years later he did.

This fall, the collaboration of ideas between friends has turned into a full-fledged signature collection designed by Gary Black and Stirling Barrett for KREWE.

If eyewear is an art form, Gary Black is the pinnacle curator. The founder of premium eyewear retailer Black Optical, Gary Black and KREWE founder, Stirling Barrett, collaborated on a collection that is bold and retro with a modern, fashion-forward feel. With mid-century, striking silhouettes and 60s jazz-inspired shapes, these frames are designed with a lot of style and a dose of attitude.

Black and Barrett’s unique friendship stemmed from an appreciation for design, culture, and of course — eyewear. This collaboration of ideas between friends has turned into a full-fledged signature collection, complete with an array of mid century frames perfect for any vintage-lover.

From the seamless, looping titanium of RAMPART to TULSA’s nod to the classic shades worn by our favorite 60s jazz musicians, these mid-century inspired specs are nostalgic yet forward-thinking. 

Mid-century design is known for its function, form, efficiency, handicraft, and - at the core - its attainability. While these frames may feel editorial, they’re extremely wearable; creating an everyday, elevated look.