The Middle Eastern Brands Putting Their Own Spin On Sunglasses

When it comes to accessorising an outfit, there’s nothing a pair of sunglasses can’t do. And it appears there’s a growing cohort of designers in the region who are giving us plenty of new frames to choose from.

From Cairo and Beirut to Dubai and Tangier, GRAZIA brings you the names putting a distinct spin on the sunglasses we want to wear now.

The Egyptian designer has built his label around eyewear that feels closer to jewellery than your usual pair of sunglasses. Founded in Cairo, the brand is known for its unconventional shapes and handcrafted approach, with frames made in materials including silver, gold and acetate. There is something slightly unexpected about the designs without them feeling impossible to wear.

Founded by Tunisian-French designer Ahlem Manai-Platt, Ahlem takes a quieter approach. The frames are sculptural but never overly complicated. With strong shapes and a very considered feel. Designed in Los Angeles and handcrafted in France, the brand has become a favourite among everyone from Kristen Stewart to Lewis Hamilton.

Karen Wazen’s eyewear has become almost as recognisable as the Lebanese entrepreneur herself. Launched in 2018, the brand plays with oversized shapes, colour and easy-to-wear cool and chic everyday frames. As seen on the faces of A-listers such as Olivia Rodrigo, Hailey Bieber and Alexandra Leclerc, the brand has also grown beyond its original women’s collection, recently expanding into menswear.

Inspired by Tangier, Port Tanger is probably one of the easiest brands to spot if you like your sunglasses with a little bit of mystery. The Moroccan label takes cues from the city’s architecture, colours, and mix of cultures, while its frames are handcrafted in Japan. Even the names, from Mektoub to Gambia and Leila, feel connected to the world around the brand.

Nile Eyewear has been putting an Egyptian point of view on sunglasses since 2014. Founded by Ahmed Hamdi, the brand started at a time when the idea of an Egyptian eyewear label competing with international names was still relatively new. Today, its frames are known for their polished, everyday appeal, while the brand continues to build on its Egyptian identity. The label has attracted a following among some of the most recognisable names, including JLo, Andrea Bocelli, Amina Khalil and Yousra. Even though the frames have the kind of boldness that works particularly well with the maximalism of Middle Eastern dressing, they still feel contemporary enough to travel beyond it.

Yes, it is that Hadid. Founded by Alana Hadid with her father Mohamed Hadid and sister Marielle, Hadid Eyewear has returned with a new collection of limited-edition frames. The latest designs are made in Italy, with sculpted acetate, metal details and a distinctly retro-meets-modern feel. The Captain, one of the brand’s signature styles, is inspired by Mohamed Hadid himself.

For something a little more futuristic, there is A Better Feeling. Founded by Cairo-born, London-based creative Xander Ghost, the label approaches eyewear almost like industrial design. The frames are bold, unusual and slightly cyber, with the original designs created with musicians and performance in mind. It makes sense that the brand has found fans including Billie Eilish and Megan Thee Stallion.

Founded by Ali Mehrdad, Philo Eyewear takes a more playful approach to the category, with frames that feel made for someone who sees sunglasses as part of their personality rather than just something to protect their eyes. The designs are expressive without losing that everyday wearability. Exactly the kind of pair you can build an outfit around. Philo eyewear has become a favourite among many recognisable faces, including Bella Hadid, Irina Shayk and Beyoncé.

Newer on the scene but no less chic, Bahraini brand Sun Suns brings a quieter take on statement eyewear. Designed in Bahrain and crafted in Italy, the brand is driven by architectural silhouettes and sharp geometric lines while keeping the frames clean and modern. its collection range from classic aviators to sculptural acetate styles, with an emphasis on quality and understated design. The kind of eyewear that can easily become part of your everyday look.