Stylish And Under $100: Affordable Sunglasses For Everyone In The Family

Living on an island-state with an eternal summer certainly has its perks, and plenty of sunshine to soak in precious Vitamin D is one of them. From idyllic picnics in the park to fun jaunts to the zoo, there are endless opportunities to be out and about.

As linen dresses and bucket hats find its way into your clothing arsenal to combat the weather, don’t forget the season’s most foolproof accessory – a trusty pair of sunglasses that you can wear or tote around with ease.

Whether you fancy a round shape or versatile square style, look to Izipizi, a French lifestyle brand headquartered in Paris. Its ultra-stylish and affordable sunglasses are all the rage amongst the fashion and design crowd, while an extensive product selection makes it easy to pick a pair for just about anyone.

The brand was launched in 2010 by three high school classmates. The trio, inspired by low-cost spectacles in supermarkets and pharmacies, envisioned trendy glasses that would be accessible to the masses.

Izipizi currently offers a stellar range of eyewear for all functions. These consist of reading glasses, sunglasses, screen glasses that filter 40 per cent of blue light, and sleeping glasses, which are said to help reactivate melatonin secretion naturally. Izipizi also has sunglasses for infants to children aged 10, providing excellent sun protection for the little ones.

Its latest launch to hit the shelves? A Tasty summer capsule of shades, which showcase a gorgeous, slender shape with flared arms and a transparent effect on the frames. These modish pieces come in three colourways – Cola, Syrup and Granita – eye-popping shades perfect for any occasion. All Tasty sunglasses have a bio-based finish and are Category 3, which allows added protection from ultraviolet rays.

And you no longer need to travel to Paris to try them on either, as they are readily available at lifestyle concept store antė shop online and antė in Singapore.

Here’s a nifty guide to help you pick out the best frames for you and your family.

For the outdoorsy mum

If being in nature is the key to a fulfilling day, this one's for you. You can’t get enough of Singapore’s lush greenery and safe hiking trails, and would spend all your mornings there if you could. Throwing a vibrant picnic party at Botanic Gardens or barbecues along East Coast Park is your idea of a perfect weekend with friends, while your children and pets run free.

Our pick: Izipizi’s Sun Tasty Granita sunglasses, $99, for that luscious pop of tangy green amidst all your outdoor adventures. Pack an icy, colourful drink along for the vibes.

For the cafe-hopping mum

Joo Chiat is your jam, given the number of cafes sprouting up in the area. A well-balanced cup of coffee and a flaky pastry is heaven to you after school drop-offs. However, looking cool counts for something in this neighbourhood, so side note to self – fit check before going.

Our pick: Izipizi’s #D Shape sunglasses in ceramic beige, $79, from the Artefact collection. This spring-summer 2024 drop is an ode to ceramic, woodwork and textiles. Its chic ecru shade and retro round shape will add sophistication to any outfit. 

For the country club dad

Tennis, golf and laps in the pool are part and parcel of your busy schedule – some call it exercise, you call it down time. Your country club membership has to be your most valuable purchase after a Sports Plus subscription, because it’s like escaping to a safe haven for a casual game or a couple of beers.

Our pick: Izipizi’s Sun Tasty Cola sunglasses, $99, wrapped in a subtle shade of burnt caramel. We love how it’s versatile enough to match anything, while making you look like a million bucks.

For the little fashionista

You certainly did not envision this mini me when you had her, but she wants to be exactly like you. She loves copying everything you do, whether it’s spending the entire day in a shopping mall, trying on sequinned skirts or pretending she’s off to high tea with her best friends. 

Our pick: Izipizi’s Iconic Trapeze in washed denim, $69, from Artefact’s Junior Sun collection. Ideal for kids aged five to 10 years old, this pair of sunglasses is extremely light and comfortable – in a shape adapted directly from the adult collection.

For the adventurous toddler

Your two-year-old is a handful, but also the most adorable kid on this planet. His favourite activity is pulling all the pots and pans from your cupboard, and tumbling down grassy patches in the park. Tiring him out before naptime is an adage you swear by, so a few hours out in the day to expend his energy is the only way to keep both of you sane.

Our pick: Izipizi’s Iconic Mini in antique purple, $59, from Artefact’s Young Child collection. Crafted for children aged nine to 36 months old, it offers polarised lenses for extra protection, flex hinges to ensure an optimum fit, and an additional silicon cord so they can sling it around their neck when not wearing it.

Shop Izipizi at antė Shop or antė Takashimaya, TANGS @ Tang Plaza and Isetan Scotts or visit www.antelimited.com to make your purchase.