Warby Parker's come a long way from disrupting the eyewear scene with its online-only $95 frames. The optical startup's LA expansion continues with its newest library-inspired glasses and sunnies store in Old Town Pasadena, which soft-opened yesterday. The brand takes over Steve Madden's former space, marking its eighth SoCal outpost.
Stylish specs wearers can browse the brand's full collection of affordable women's, men's, and kids optical and sun eyewear, including its new spring 2019 frames, its charming retro collab with stylist and editor Leith Clark, and an exclusive Lowry frame in Whiskey Tortoise with mirrored blue lenses. As always, the shop's "Reference desk" offers frame adjustments, online order pickups, and style recommendations from Warby Parker's frame experts. Those in need of a lens update can take a 20-minute vision test through the brand's Prescription Check app ($40), while those with healthcare can also get their new frames covered under insurance, too.
For its Pasadena shop (which features terrazzo flooring and brass fixtures), the brand enlisted local illustrator and ArtCenter alum Rafael López to create custom artwork. Four-eyed bookworms will find plenty of reading material on the library-inspired shop's shelves, and the titles you see will also be for sale.
The store's hosting a grand opening party all day tomorrow, Saturday, January 26. Swing by for free hot chocolate floats by Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and don't forget to pick up free postcards featuring López's work while you're reframing your face.
Warby Parker, 106 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 91105; open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; (626) 465-7911
Update 1/28: New photos of the Pasadena boutique were added to this story.
