We started Optical Underground with a mission to save independent design. There are hundreds of independent, cutting-edge eyewear designers. Often the reward for their creativity and originality is having their best styles copied and sold less expensively by companies claiming that eyewear is overpriced. Sometimes it is. But we also think it’s pretty easy to offer lower prices and lower quality when someone else has done the creative work. We also wanted to provide an alternative to an often times elitist industry.

Something had to change to allow independents to thrive. At the same time, we wanted to offer an alternative to elitist industry. Our solution is simple: curate from the best of overstocks, samples and discontinued styles. Timeless, thrilling styles from the most creative designers.

If you fall in love with a particular designer, we’ve done our job. We bet you’ll look for that same quality and aesthetic the next time you want a new pair. Maybe you’ll buy from us again. Maybe you’ll seek out their latest collections at your local optical store. Either way, you’ll find styles and craftsmanship as unique as you are.

Thank you for supporting us on this journey. Unique eyewear for all.

Lloyd Silverstein

 Equally as important was thThis is where we come in. 

The eyewear business is different from the rest of the fashion industry in that manufacturers are expected to produce an entire season’s inventory before the first one is sold. This creates enormous risk compared to fashion clothing that produces based on pre-season orders. But like

Sometimes the styling was just too ahead of its time, or the manufacturing costs made the eyewear too expensive. Sometimes they just made too many of a certain model or color. 

You get to experience their brand at a great price, and hopefully an appreciation for their artistry and creativity.