Meet the Spanish Eyewear Company Putting Personality, Art, & Colour First — & Where to Buy Them in SA
Etnia Barcelona is one of the most renowned, forward-thinking, and straight-up stylish eyewear brands around. Founded in 2001, the Barcelona-based company is all about blending art and eyewear together, offering colourful, stylish, and unique frames that merge class with creativity. You’ll be as comfortable wearing Etnia in a business meeting as you are out on the town — that’s the feat they’ve been able to achieve.
Of course, being based in Barcelona, the city itself is an artist-dreamscape, and this plays into the design and look of the frames and collections Etnia has on offer.
While some brands put quality by the wayside in place of trying to be ‘cool’, Etnia is able to keep the uniqueness of its frames while ensuring quality is a top priority. This is achieved thanks to the stunning materials used, such as pure mineral glass lenses from Barberini with HD Colors technology, as well as natural acetate from Mazzucchelli.
Metal materials are also integrated into the designs, giving a modern, crafted edge to many of the frames, such as the Etnia Barcelona Diana, a personal favourite.
A closer-look at the Diana shows the level of craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that is present in these frames. The square metal frame is the epitome of timeless sophistication. A beautiful bottle green shade accented with a sprinkle of black, browns, and dusty pink elevates the frame to a piece of wearable art, rather than a simple pair of glasses. It’s a design that captures the essence of contemporary fashion with an air of exclusivity, and I feel just a little more fashion-forward wearing them.
Where to find Etnia Barcelona frames in South Africa
What’s even more exciting is that the Etnia collections are available from Spectacle World, one of South Africa’s leading optometry and fashion eyewear specialists, who I can vouch for after experiencing the team’s incredible style consultation, which is open to everyone.
Adele Camarena, optometrist and business associate at Spectacle World in Cape Town, brings over three decades of experience to the nuanced craft of eyewear styling, offering insights into how men can elevate their personal style through the perfect pair of frames.
“Our aim is to help clients look and feel the best version of themselves,” says Camarena. “Eyewear is more than a visual aid; it’s a statement of personal style and identity. With the right guidance, men can navigate the world of eyewear to find frames that not only enhance their vision but also boost their confidence and self-expression.”
If you’re tired of the same-old cold, emotionless, eye test and the overwhelming process of choosing frames that are either out of your budget or not your style, then Spectacle World is a must-visit. For too many years I lived with prescription glasses and sunglasses I chose in a hurry, just to get out of the store as quickly as possible.
In contrast, I have absolutely adored every pair of specs and sunglasses I have chosen at Spectacle World thanks to the patience and guidance from the Spectacle World team.
For more information or to schedule a personalised styling consultation, visit Spectacle World’s official website.
