Sunglasses are hotter than ever. Optician Cindy Hussey, the creative director, owner, and designer of Velvet Eyewear, a Port Chester company, recently launched her debut collection of women’s sunglasses. Handcrafted in Italy and priced from $149 to $200, the ’60s-inspired collection is offered locally at Metrovision Optical in White Plains. Here, we ask Hussey about one of our all-time fave fashion accessories.
Any new trends in eyewear design?
No more bling bling—that’s done. Now that the economy has shifted, people don’t want the flash anymore—whether in clothes, cars, or eyewear.
What shapes and colors are big this season?
Cat’s-eye-shaped frames are all the rage. Also, a ’60s look with round metal frames. And white continues to be popular.
Can you offer any guidelines for choosing a frame based on the shape of one’s face?
Whatever your face shape is, choose a frame shape that is exactly opposite to balance it out. So, if you have a square face, choose a round frame, etc.
Why do sunglasses cost so much?
You are paying for the quality of the frame and the lens and the method of production—handmade in Italy, in our case, versus something mass-produced in China. Better-quality sunglasses last longer—the lenses aren’t going to fade out or become distorted, any metal won’t tarnish, and the hinges are not going to break as easily.
Any advice for taking care of your sunglasses so they last longer?
Never put them in the dashboard of the car, because they’ll get too hot and lose their shape. Also, never use Windex on the lenses; clean them with warm, soapy water or, if you don’t have water, a micro-fiber cloth.
