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C4 Eyewear teams up with Susie Wall

Sunglasses designer Carla D’Angelo knew her latest shades were a hit after accidently leaving a prototype behind at a trendy North Vancouver restaurant. When D’Angelo returned to the restaurant two weeks later she spotted a young women wearing them.

Sunglasses designer Carla D’Angelo knew her latest shades were a hit after accidently leaving a prototype behind at a trendy North Vancouver restaurant.

When D’Angelo returned to the restaurant two weeks later she spotted a young women wearing them.

“And my kids were so embarrassed but I had to go across and introduce myself and I said: ‘Are those C4 Eyewear? They are my prototype,’” recalls D’Angelo with a laugh.

Initially worried someone had ripped off her design before they reached the market, D’Angelo was relieved to learn the woman was just a fan who found the sunglasses, as well as a university marketing student.

“So that was encouraging,” says D’Angelo. “And I told the girl: ‘I’m so glad you love them. I’m going to send you a fresh pair.’”

The Upper Lonsdale resident and Ryerson School of Fashion grad founded Claudia Alan Inc., which produces fashion-forward sunglasses (C4 Eyewear) and readers (AYA) with a philanthropic side.

Just in time for summer, C4 Eyewear and Canadian fashion personality Susie Wall have re-teamed for a second collection of luxury eyewear in support of Cause We Care Foundation.

“We were thrilled to again have Susie Wall on board with this second collaboration. This collection is a true reflection of her edgy fashion sense and adventurous spirit. Susie certainly knows how to harness the stylish side of life - it is this inimitable sense of style that has deeply shaped the aesthetic of our brand,” says D’Angelo.

Launching this week, the fashion-forward C4 line is comprised of four sunglasses and three optical-grade eyewear styles, which retail for $125 and come in an elegant black box. The company will donate $5 to charity from each pair sold.

The new collection draws inspiration from the worlds of contemporary design and fashion. D’Angelo travels to Italy regularly to stay ahead of the fashion curve.

After noticing the copper trend catching on in the last couple of years, a transition from rose gold, D’Angelo and her design team decided to incorporate the striking reddish brown hue into the new collection.

“There are kind of different looks for everyone,” explains D’Angelo, whose favourite new sunglasses are “Mamie” in grey tortoise shell.

The four sunglass styles are Bessette, the classic of the collection; Sutton, which offers a cool update on the classic aviator; Brontë, a contemporary, round silhouette with a trendy double bridge; and Mamie, a cheeky, modern take on the classic square-framed Wayfarer.

Each of the sunglasses provide 100 per cent UV protection and contain a scratch resistant coating.

The optical styles, meanwhile, are suitable for prescription use and available in three powers and a minimum of two colour choices, including khaki, matte black and cool metallics.

All frames are fashioned from handcrafted layers of custom Italian-designed acetate.

Each style is inscribed with an inspiring quote unique to every style, such as “Sometimes The King Is A Woman.”

Claudia Alan was conceived by combining D’Angelo’s middle name with that of her husband and business partner, Peter Taylor, thereby reflecting the unisex styling of some of the company’s most popular eyewear frames.

After developing eyewear for more than a decade, D’Angelo had a vision to create stylish reading glasses – an idea borne of out denial that she needed specs.

Best known for its iconic AYA line adorned in First Nations artwork by Corrine Hunt and Donald Chretien, the company has raised more than $100,000 for OneXOne’s School Breakfast Program through the sales of its sunglasses, readers and optical frames.

Since 2003, when Claudia Alan launched, approximately 700,000 meals have been served to children who would otherwise have gone without a nourishing breakfast.

“It’s quite moving because I have children and you realize how essential it is to have that solid start in the morning, and there’s a sadness to see that there are children out there that really have to turn to something like that,” says D’Angelo.

AYA eyewear is available at retail stores across North America, including the Smithsonian Design Museum in New York, Nordstrom, Giftworks Boutique in Edgemont Village and online at aritzia.com.

Locally, you can find C4 Eyewear at Pizazz Gifts in Edgemont Village all summer and this weekend at Kiss and Makeup in West Vancouver.

C4 has already earned a high-profile endorsement from Sophie Trudeau, who was recently spotted sporting the “Grace” style sunglasses. D’Angelo, of course, was flattered.

“It’s been an exciting journey,” she says.