Sharpen Up

Hot eyewear designs to look out for.

We've come a long way from the days of our oversized authentic-Bali Dior sunnies. But there's been a bit of a plateau since the Ray Ban Wayfarers came back to town. Now's the time to let our eyes wander over some newer Aussie and Kiwi labels.

Take the retro-influenced Karen Walker eyewear, for example. A favourite of hip young celebs like Brit It-girl Alexa Chung, the range is also getting rave reviews from the international press. The New York Times just named Karen Walker's Helter Skelter sunglasses one of the top 10 styles for the season. Nice.

Labels like Ksubi and AM Eyewear have a more masculine feel. The majority of styles are large and square, and both labels use an impressive selection of colours and materials through each season, which keeps things really fresh.

COLAB are understated and underrated. They too work with traditional styles, but give them a design edge via collaborations with some of the world's most progressive designers such as Deanne Cheuk and Geoff McFetridge.

So open up those peepers, people. There's a whole world full of frames, lenses and other eye decorations, all being produced in our very own backyard.