Warby Parker's Summer 2013 Collection

Spring break may be over, but summer is around the corner. Whatever your summer plans may be—whether you’re jetting to Bombay, picking elderberries, planting magnolia trees, or beach bumming on California’s Santa Catalina Island—make sure you do it in protective style with Warby Parker Eyewear.

The boutique-quality prescription eyewear and sunglass company recently launched their Summer 2013 Collection in bright colors and fun textures. The collection is inspired by a vision of mid-century bohemia: Jackson Pollock splattering paint outdoors, Norman Mailer’s violent drug-fueled brawl from the 1970 film “Maidstone,” and Lee Radziwill sunbathing on an East Hampton beach, shoeless summer days, weekend-long house parties, and mesquite-scented nights.

Founded by four friends (Neil Blumenthal, Andrew Hunt, Jeffrey Raider, and David Gilboa), Warby Parker was born out of their collective personal traits—a penchant for exorbitance, an affinity for vintage collectibles, a strong desire to make the world a better place—and their commitment for an alternative to the overpriced, bland eyewear available in most boutiques or stores. The brand’s name itself was inspired by two of (influential novelist/writer) Jack Kerouac‘s earliest characters: Zagg Parker and Warby Pepper.

The brand is renowned for offering designer eyewear at an affordable price (starting at $95) that are available exclusively through their website and showrooms, while leading the way for socially conscious business practices—for each pair sold, Warby Parker distributes a pair to someone in need through non-profit partnerships, such as Vision Spring and Restoring Vision.  

All the frames are handcrafted and produced specifically for Warby Parker; they’re made from custom cellulose acetate, for durability and flexibility, and ion-plated titanium that is sourced from Japan to provide both longevity and a lightweight comfort. All their lenses offer high-end, anti-reflective polycarbonate—it’s far thinner than traditional plastic or glass lenses, impact resistant, and includes 100% UV protection.

Warby Parker also offers an at-home “try-on program,” that will allow you to select five pairs of eyeglasses or sunglasses and test out the frame on yourself at the convenience of your home for five days, absolutely free! There’s also free shipping and 30-day returns via UPS (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico). 

So let loose in style this summer with bright colors, fun textures, and a chic pair of Warby Parker eyewear for your alfresco-dining soirée, travel plans, beach bumming, or whatever it is that you decide to do this summer!

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Eyewear images courtesy of Warby Parker’s Brian Magida.