While it may seem a trifle ambitious to talk about sunglasses given the situation outside, we think there’s no harm in starting to pretend that the weather is warming up to us (literally) – better yet, in picturing ourselves, cocktail in hand, on Venice Beach. You know what they say about the power of visualisation!

To get into the Cali spirit, Mr. Leight – the brainchild of father-and-son duo, Larry Leight (who founded Oliver Peoples in 1987) and Garrett Leight (of Garrett Leight California Optical) – is our first port of call. With Californian surf culture, the 80s Los Angeles pool scene and iconic jet-set photography of Slim Aarons informing its designs, it couldn’t scream ‘summer’ any louder if it tried.


Caroline wears Mr. Leight sunglasses with palmer//harding dress.

Designed in California with love and made in Japan by master craftsmen, there’s a design for every occasion, including cat eye variations, square-frame wayfarers – of which Caroline Issa is a fan – and classic aviator styles. All come with rose gold geometric cases, which – aside from being beautiful – serve the handy dual-purpose of becoming a mirror bag.

Mr. Leight sunglasses are available to shop at Dover Street Market or online at Bergdorf Goodman.