New Stock: Maui Jim

In anticipation of Spring and Summer, we here at Gafas are ordering in great new frames from all our favourite designers. New in store today? The new collection from Maui Jim.

This line from Hawaii features the best quality of sunglass lenses on the market, featuring mirroring (to do the squinting for you), polarization (to eliminate glare), and high contrast so that you can see the world with exquisite saturation of color. The new models are departing from the typically sporty styles of past collections, featuring more fashion forward acetate frames and metal aviators.

Slick Aviators: "Sandalwood" and "Wiki Wiki"

"Aloha Friday", "Maui Cat" (Meow!), and "Pau Hana"

The new wrap sunglass has thinner temples which makes it a more versatile piece: "Island Time"

Stay posted on more lines that will be rolling into the shop in the near future!

Spring/Summer 2011 Trendwatch: Preppy

On the runway at Tommy Hilfiger and Perry Ellis

Preppy is back in full force, playing a feature role in collections from the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Perry Ellis, Michael Kors, DKNY and Dsquared. This classic style is subtly inspired by the 1950s and 60s era of timeless all-American style, echoing the savvy fashion icons Jacquiline Kennedy-Onassis and Audrey Hepburne. The menswear collections bring to mind proper collegiate boys from the same era, ready to go from class to a game of lawn bowling. For those who want to push the boundaries a bit more, try mixing up the trend with vibrant and unexpected patterns and brighter colors like the designers of Victor & Rolf did for their menswear collection this season.

And what does one need as part of their ideal ensemble while attending a garden party or sporting event? A pair of shades that will keep the sun away from your peepers while perfectly complimenting your outfit. For a preppy look, stick with frames that are more delicate in their construction and that are in classic designs. For men, metal framed aviators are a definite must for a pair of shades that will take you everywhere. Ladies can also go for metal frames with feminine details like Gold & Wood's crystal detail, or for something a bit more bold, go for an over-sized pair a la Audrey Hepburne or Jackie-O.

Barton Perriera "Five Star"

Gold & Wood "H09S.3"

Gold & Wood "HS"

Mykita "Audrey"

Salt "Caden"

Salt "Warner"

Spring/Summer 2011 Trendwatch: Punk Rocker

Toronto designer Cult De Laissez Faire (available at Carte Blanche)

For those with a penchant for tough as nails stylin's, perfect tailoring, and drapey layers, the punk rocker trend is the bomb! There are a multitude of designers who are featuring this long-running trend in their collections this season: Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair, Rad Hourani (also from Montreal), Pink Cobra and Cult De Laissez Faire (Toronto based brands available at Carte Blanche), Balmain, Burberry Prorsum, and Rick Owens.

Burberry Prorsum, Rick Owens, Burberry Prorsum, Balmain

We fancy the peg leg trousers (a la Alexander Wang), chunky platform wedges and slouchy leather boots (lusting for Jeffery Campbells), tattered knits (Horace), statement jewellry layered (more is always better), and black leather envelop clutches (check out local designer Jenny Bird) topped off with a leather jacket. Pieces are suitable for both men and women giving androgny yet another moment in the spotlight!

Cult De Laissez Faire, Pink Cobra, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair, Rad Hourani

Sunglasses are vital to finishing off this look (and hiding those eyes after a big night out). Statement frames and oversized shades are our recommendations to complete any outfit.

Blinde "Bang On"

Blinde "Born Lucky"

Chrome Hearts "Bone Polisher"

Chrome Hearts "Pussy Willow"

Dita "Insider"

Gold & Wood H07/S

Initium "Escape"

Mykita & Romain Kremer "Gordon"

Mykita and Romain Kremer "Yuri"

OUT with the new and INspired by the old!

The weather in Toronto has taken a sharp left turn, from frigid to mild, prompting the fashion forward to begin preparations for Spring/Summer. Personally, my first warm weather purchase is always the perfect pair of shades.

This season’s biggest trend is definitely OUT with the new and INspired by the old; vintage-inspired frames are the sure choice for 2011. And because Gafas is always on top of the latest trends all of our new styles are on par.

From Dita’s take on the traditional aviator...










...to Entourage of 7’s boldly coloured cat-eye.










OR, better yet, why not rock a pair of truly vintage sunglasses?

From the classic Ray Ban Wayfarers…










…to the totally rad Cazal 858 delux, which were made popular by MC Hammer in the 80’s.

Whether you're looking for vintage-inspired or truly vintage shades stop by Gafas and check out all our unique brands and exclusive Kings of Past line that will surely give you blast from the past.