Hemp

Founder Sam Whitten is on a mission to displace plastic frames with a sustainable alternative. Innovators of the first ever eyewear made from hemp, Hemp Eyewear are a committed sustainable company that produce 100% vegan sunglasses for eco warriors who want only the most stylish looks. Although the sunglasses are fashionable and funky, perfect for sunny days and vacations, the background behind the eyewear is one of steadfast determination with a laser focus on sustainability and quality.

With collections called ‘Superfood’ and ‘Natural’, the sunglasses are crafted wonders, made by hand and to order, with all the associated details like full UV protection, high quality comfort and design features. Eco extras come in the form of 100% natural dye and of course organic hemp fibres. We’ve got our eye on Mellow Yellow, a hippie-cool pair of sunglasses made with beetroot dye.

Hemp Eyewear was formed using the design and creative direction consultation company E.GUCEWICZ, helmed by Edward Gucewicz, who has worked for over a decade in the sunglasses, optical and fashion industries in Shanghai, New York, Tokyo, London and Paris. In 2019, E.GUCEWICZ  set up a studio to help brands launch commercially successful eyewear with a strong emphasis on sustainability with research and development on new, durable materials. Enter Hemp Eyewear, the first company to make sunglasses from hemp fibres.

But why hemp? In fact, hemp is considered an ancient fabric – it was used pre-cotton in China during the Northern Song dynasty (960 AD-1127 AD), and eventually came over to Europe via the Silk Road. Sadly, it declined as the industrial revolution made cotton the favoured material but today the realisation that hemp grows quickly all year round without the need for excessive chemical fertilisers, irrigation and pesticides has piqued interest in hemp as a sustainable material.