This previous New York Vogue Week, the fashions on Luar’s spring 2025 runway emerged carrying gigantic defend shades. They had been unattainable to overlook, punctuating practically each one of many model’s distinctively-cool appears to be like with their daring, outsized silhouette. Intrigued, we quickly discovered that the assertion kinds stemmed from a collaboration between designer Raul Lopez and Fellow Earthlings, a Canadian eyewear label based mostly in Prince Edward Island that’s quick changing into the go-to supply for enjoyable runway glasses.
You might name Fellow Earthlings co-founders Sydney and Christopher Seggie masters of eyewear. Earlier than launching their model in 2015, the husband and spouse duo labored in cities like Hong Kong and London managing licensed eyewear merchandise. “It typically felt creatively limiting, and that frustration drove us to discover ways to make eyewear ourselves,” Sydney tells Vogue. When the pair ultimately moved again to their native PEI, they started toying with the thought of launching their very own model. Quick-forward to at present, they usually have a full-fledged studio on PEI, crafting their signature sun shades from supplies reminiscent of recycled acetates. “They’re made in-house from what would usually be manufacturing waste,” says Sydney. “Usually, 80 % of every slab is discarded in commonplace manufacturing. Growing our recycling course of additionally gave us the power to create customized acetate, permitting us to experiment with coloration and thickness.”
It didn’t take lengthy for trend manufacturers to note their distinctive, sustainable kinds. Since launching, the model has change into a stunning supply for daring runway kinds—working with manufacturers like Luar and Anna Sui, who was their very first high-fashion companion. “I had labored as a model supervisor on her eyewear assortment in Hong Kong, and he or she was so encouraging of us,” says Sydney of working with Sui. One of many first kinds they collaborated on was a pair of cloud-inspired shades for Sui in 2020. “We made them in isolation throughout Covid lockdown, and I felt like they had been well timed after we all wanted slightly lightness and a filter on the world with the tender pastel tints,” says Sydney.
This season, Fellow Earthlings continued their work with Luar, which has change into one of many model’s most frequent collaborators. “Working with Raul and the Luar workforce is all the time an thrilling and artistic expertise,” says Sydney. Again in spring 2024, they created exaggerated shades that doubled as a masks; stars like Solange and Doja Cat ended up carrying them. This season, they created thick shields made out of black marble acetates. They had been “impressed by the punk glam motion within the late ’90s,” says Sydney. A pinch-me second arrived when Madonna wore them within the entrance row. “So iconic,” says Sydney.
