A Coast-To-Coast Look @ Canada’s Coolest Eyewear Trends

As summer approaches and sunglasses season officially kicks off, eyewear in Canada is having a major moment—moving beyond necessity and into full-on fashion territory. From the sun-soaked streets of Calgary to the chic corners of Montreal, Canadians are curating their specs with the same flair they bring to shoes or handbags. We caught up with two of the country’s most style-savvy insiders—Vida Ugrenovic, Manager of Brass Monocle in Calgary, and Nathalie Racha, Dispensing Optician at Tris Coffin in Montreal—to get their takes on what’s trending, how regional style shapes frame choices, and why eyewear is the unsung hero of every great outfit. —Noa Nichol

Vida Ugrenovic – Brass Monocle, Calgary

1. Calgary sees more sunshine than any other major Canadian city. How does this shape eyewear preferences, and what are your customers prioritizing this summer?

People in Calgary, more than in any other city, wear sunglasses year-round. This means that they need different eyewear for different activities. You can’t wear the same thing on the slopes in Banff that you would wear on a patio in Calgary!! 

2. We’re seeing a strong blend of function and fashion in eyewear this season. How are outdoor lifestyle needs influencing what people are gravitating toward in Calgary?

With Calgary’s active lifestyle, people want eyewear that transitions easily from city life to outdoor adventures, with  a great emphasis placed on polarized lenses

3. With vintage silhouettes making a comeback—oversized ‘70s frames, elongated ovals—are you noticing any generational differences in who’s buying what?

There are no generational divides in who is embracing this trend. Everyone from young adults to people who have already lived through this trend is embracing this comeback. 

4. Western Canada is known for its active lifestyle. What innovations in materials or design are helping customers move from mountain trail to city patio without compromising on style?

Transition lenses that adjust to light conditions are a game-changer for active individuals. They darken in bright sunlight and clear up indoors or in the shade, eliminating the need to switch glasses throughout the day. This trend is now huge with younger individuals;   it’s no longer just their grandfather’s lenses !! 

5. How is the conversation around sustainable and Canadian-made eyewear evolving in your stores, and are customers more curious about the story behind their frames?

It’s no longer just about how frames look or feel—it’s about how they’re made, where they come from, and the impact they have. Clients love to know the story behind their purchase. The story behind the frames matters. Whether it’s a brand’s commitment to giving back, its sustainability, or a designer’s journey, customers are engaging with eyewear on a more emotional level.

Nathalie Racha – Tris Coffin, Montreal

1. Montreal is known for bold style and European influence—what statement-making eyewear trends are turning heads this summer?

Statement-Making Trends for Summer:

This season, it’s all about bold choices and playful colours. Oversized frames—think Jackie O style—are making a strong comeback, especially in classic tortoise, black, and trend-forward shades like burgundy, red, blue, and green in a wide range of hues.

Metals are also having a moment, from sleek aviators to geometric designs with acetate inlays and coloured lenses, perfect for the edgier fashionista. Drill mount styles (frameless) are gaining popularity too, particularly with vibrant multicolour lenses that evoke an “aperitivo hour” or sunset-sky vibe.

The classic cat-eye in acetate remains a favourite, especially in tortoise and black. And across all styles, coloured lenses are everywhere—red, yellow, green, blue, and even multicolour options are stealing the spotlight this summer.

2. You’ve worked in luxury eyewear for over three decades. How has the role of glasses shifted from necessity to fashion staple in Montreal over the years?

The rise of social media and designer labels has truly transformed the eyewear industry. When I first started, there were only a handful of designer eyewear options. But as luxury brands expanded and consumers sought a way to access that world, eyewear became the most affordable and visible entry point. Take Chanel, for example—still one of the most coveted fashion houses. While most of their clothing and accessories remain out of reach, eyewear offers a way to own a piece of that brand, sometimes for as little as $700.

Today, eyewear is incredibly diverse, and people are using it as a tool to express themselves. Many own multiple pairs to match different outfits or reflect their mood for the day. The increased awareness of UV protection has also driven demand for sunglasses, not just for road safety or sports but as a functional and stylish necessity. 

Sports eyewear, in particular, has seen tremendous growth. When I started, the performance lens category was nowhere near what it is today. Now, specialized glasses are considered essential gear for activities like golf, tennis, biking, running, and skiing. 

Eyewear has also evolved into a collector’s item, much like watches. Brands like Jacques Marie Mage release numbered, limited-edition frames that garner dedicated followings. These pieces—often associated with the “quiet luxury” movement—are now worn just as much for fashion as for function, even without a prescription.

3. Design-forward frames—think cat-eyes and geometric shapes—are big this season. How do your clients in Montreal approach personal style through eyewear?

Most people tend to take more risks with their sunglasses, often opting for the season’s “it” fashion frame, and many own more than one pair. Younger clients, in particular, will reference the style of a personality, like Bella Hadid, when describing what they’re looking for. When it comes to optical frames, clients often come in with Pinterest boards to show the aesthetic they’re aiming for. There’s a heightened awareness of personal style, and that applies just as much to men as it does to women.

4. Are you seeing a greater demand for bespoke or customizable options, and how do you guide clients in choosing the perfect pair that fits both their face and fashion aesthetic?

The bespoke world is just beginning to take shape. We’ve seen strong interest, particularly in drill mount frames, where we can personalize the shape, size, edge finishing, and, in many cases, offer a rainbow of lens tints in varying intensities. Trust is an essential part of this process, but we support clients in their decisions by showing them samples of the colored lenses and different finishes. When it comes to titanium bespoke options, we guide clients through a range of bridge sizes, arm lengths, frame dimensions, and color choices. We’re also excited to soon receive a new program on our iPads that will allow for the customization of gold-plated frames with precious and semi-precious stones—though this tool has not yet arrived.

5. What sets the Montreal eyewear scene apart from the rest of the country, and how do you think your city’s cultural DNA is reflected in people’s eyewear choices?

The Montreal eyewear scene stands apart, largely thanks to its edgy aesthetic and unmistakable European flair. Montrealers gravitate toward bold, colourful frames that echo the city’s vibrant multiculturalism. From geek-chic styles and boho vibes to high-glamour looks, there’s a bit of everything. You’ll spot the BCBG French look, the preppy “South Hampton” aesthetic, and strong Italian influences—each reflected in different neighbourhoods, whether you’re walking through the Plateau, Westmount, or Little Italy.