Sometimes, you have to look at life through a different lens. But what will those lenses look like? In Antwerp, you'll find plenty of quirky opticians to help you find that out. At each store, you'll find the coolest and trendiest frames. Each optician puts their own spin on today's eyewear fashions. What is your favourite?
Somers Optics - theo eyewear
Colouring outside the lines with eyewear fashion – that's theo eyewear. This unique eyewear makes a real statement and gives you the chance to highlight your personality. Somers Optiek is theo's very first flagship store, where the funky brand was born. Forty years ago, they started off here with the search for 'fashionable glasses that stand out' They did a pretty good job of that! Quirky collections.
Odette Lunettes
Empowerment, confidence and spirit. Three words that go hand in hand with Odette Lunettes. All the designs are timeless, but with an extra edgy touch. An Odette should represent your style and personality. No worries – at the unique building on Meir, they'll be happy to help you on your way. Odette Lunettes was founded by a strong, feisty entrepreneur and that power content is carried through nicely throughout all the collections. Will you join the Odette Vedettes family too? Go and take a quick look and try on your favourite frames.
Ace & Tate
Ace & Tate stands for high quality at transparent prices. This Amsterdam-based brand often works with acetate, hence the name. You'll find some beautiful, timeless and trendy frames there. There's something for every type of person. At Ace & Tate, we work hard on sustainability. In Antwerp, for example, you'll find one of their most unusual stores. With the interior made from plastic waste, they tell a sustainable story. It looks tremendously chic, just like their frames! Does that make you curious too?
Loft
Looking for glasses that fit you perfectly? Go and take a look at Loft. Discover a collection full of handmade frames here, in a variety of styles. Sober, extravagant, retro, minimalist, etc. Here, you're sure to find a look that perfectly matches your personality. Loft's mission is to take people out of their comfort zone by choosing the perfect pair of glasses. They do this by giving the right advice. Each store has its own eyewear hero for this, who will give you some personal advice. Choosing at Loft
Meeussen
At the cosy Nieuwe Gaanderij, you'll find a real top dog: Meeussen Galerie Optiek. Founded in 1954, but now in the hands of a new, driven young team. This team is always ready to listen to your needs and your story. That means you're sure to find the perfect pair of glasses among the unique choice of frames. Another strength? The technical story that comes with eyewear. Meeussen has the latest equipment for eye measurement and lens fitting. So you can be sure of high-quality custom work here. Be sure to stop by – who knows? You might run into their four-legged mascot Leo.
Optics Sels
Optiek Sels is the oldest optical store in Antwerp. They have been selling eyewear for four generations, so there's certainly no shortage of experience! Jorden and Dorien are there for you with a smile and honest advice. You'll find a special, stylish collection here. It has to be in a fashion city like Antwerp. Anything else special about this business? Home-grown talent is given a special place here, as Belgian designers are among the world's best. Combine that with some top international brands and you get a surprising, versatile collection of frames.
Komono
For contemporary and innovative designs, you need to be at Komono on Kammenstraat, the Antwerp-based accessories brand currently taking the world by storm. Available in more than 80 countries, the brand was founded in Antwerp by former professional snowboarders Anton Janssens and Raf Maes. You'll find contemporary eyewear, sunglasses, watches and – what else? – ski goggles. Janssens and Maes work closely with the Antwerp Fashion Academy, and have also created some collections with internationally renowned fashion designer Walter Van Beirendonck. Komono thus has some solid roots in Antwerp's fashion scene and therefore offers avant-garde design at an affordable price.
Jimmy Fairly
For durable yet fashionable sunglasses, French eyewear brand Jimmy Fairly is the place to be. The collections are produced in France and China with high-quality materials and assembled near Paris. The shop on rue de la Cambre also offers an eye test, ideal to combine with the purchase of your new glasses. Nice to know: for every pair sold, the shop donates a pair to Restoring Vision. That NGO strives to ensure that people in remote areas of developing countries can also see and read correctly.