2 minute read
Made by Marin
MADE BY MARIN Francis Drake Eyewear
TYLER EVANS GREW up looking through the other side of the lens — his Marin-based family has been making a living in the wholesale spectacles market for more than 40 years. After graduating from Dominican University, Evans officially joined the family business, which in 2013 grew to include Francis Drake Eyewear, a boutique line that bridges the gap between fashion and affordability. The glasses are crafted in the Cadore Valley of Northern Italy, with each frame named for a Bay Area region, city, district or town (including Tiburon, Stinson, Ross and Marin). “When we decided to create Francis Drake Eyewear, we knew we wanted to offer Italian-made prescription eyewear that appealed to a broader segment of the population,” Evans says, “and we wanted to offer it at a reasonable price. I think we’ve accomplished that goal.” PHILOSOPHY Francis Drake Eyewear offers sunglasses and eyeglasses for men and women, exclusively online. “We like to say we have a complete collection of frames, meaning we offer a frame for every face,” Evans says. Style-wise, too, “we have something for everyone, from the traditional classic styles to the very popular updated-vintage look.” THE SCOOP The glasses are crafted using Italian Mazzucchelli zyl (an eco-friendly bioplastic) and exotic materials; European design flair makes for a selection of fashionforward frames. Prices start at $95, and if you’re worried about purchasing without a test run, fear not: the site is equipped with a virtual “try on” feature that gives shoppers an idea of what each style will look like on their face. WHAT THEY SAY “When people are shopping for glasses, they are looking for one of three things: high fashion, high quality or affordability. Francis Drake Eyewear offers all three,” Evans says. “Our knowledge of the optical industry ensures you will receive eyeglasses that provide great fashion, great fit and great vision.” francisdrakeeyewear.com CALIN VAN PARIS
BALBOA IN BLACK, $110
SAN PABLO IN TORTOISE, $115 CRISSY IN RED, $110
UNIVERSITY IN BLACK, $110
SOMA IN TORTOISE, $95
