About
ABOUT PARED
How did we start?
PARED EYEWEAR is the creation of co-founders and husband and wife duo, Samantha Stevenson and Edward Baker. In 2011 in the early days of their relationship, Sam’s design vision and Ed’s sales background were the perfect pair for starting a brand set to challenge the global eyewear industry, while based in Sydney, Australia. Samantha’s creative philosophy focuses on wearability while pushing the boundaries of conventional design and still staying true to eyewear fundamentals of high quality materials, smooth shapes and lasting comfort. Pared launched with five unique styles in the summer of 2012. The first ever Pared collection was called Made in the Shade, it featured the iconic Pared styles, Puss & Boots, Bread & Butter and Bigger & Better which are still some of the brands top selling frames to date. Each season the styles are injected with new colourways, but the fundamentals of Sam’s designs are proving to be trans-seasonal and timeless.
Since then, the brand has released a further six collections and 12 capsule collaborations, with each range taking inspiration from places and eras evocative of sunny days and endless summers. Pared collections and collaborations are eagerly anticipated, with the brand gaining a strong customer and influencer following across the globe. Samantha’s unique use of colour combinations and distinctive cutaway detailing, as well as her unusual material and surface treatments, ensure a point of difference among other eyewear brands.
What does the brand stand for?
The word ‘pare’ means to cut something back, shave it, or refine it; this is the fundamental design philosophy the brand stands by. The name is also a play on words for pair – each product is named after a famous pair: Bread & Butter, Puss & Boots, Romeo & Juliet, and the brand is known for its collaborations and cross-industry partnerships in fashion, music, art and jewellery.
Ultimately, pared is collection of handmade sunglasses grounded in the fundamentals of clean lines, smooth shapes and lasting comfort. The design philosophy is based on symbiosis – the idea that contrasting influences can combine to create truly unique experiences. Each Pared style balances a sense of old and new, masculine and feminine, classic and modern. Distinct yet cohesive materials, from metals and crystals to leather and stones, add depth and detail to sculpted acetate frames. Art, architecture and design are key influences for the Sam’s design development; eyewear lends itself to be easily influenced by external industries, it’s a fashion accessory which holds strong sculptural shape and colour and therefore inspiration can come from anywhere! Pared’s collections are inspired by places, memories and eras that evoke endless summers and eternal blue skies.
Pared has established a cult following amongst style influencers, artists and celebrities across the globe. Known for balancing a commitment to wearability with pushing the boundaries of conventional design, Pared collections are always anticipated for their quality and individuality. The brand is currently worn by Beyonce and Solange Knowles, Suki Waterhouse, Cara Delevingne, Gigi Hadid, Selena Gomez, Kaia Gerber and Helena Christensen.
Pared collaborations tap into a cross-cultural market and set the brand apart in the eyewear industry. Bec & Bridge, STÆRK&CHRISTENSEN, Ginger & Smart, Emma Mulholland, Client Liaison Deluxe Line and Holly Ryan Jewellery are just some of the incredible brands Pared has been lucky enough to work with. It is one of our top priorities to continue learning, and we do this by sharing our design story with other creative teams.
THE PRODUCT
Our eyewear components are chosen with a long life span in mind.
FRAMES – The frame is handmade using high quality 6mm acetates. We use a number of quality suppliers with core acetates from DAICEL and Mazzucelli. Acetate is lightweight, flexible & hypo allergenic. The properties of acetate allow it to retain a vibrant pigment in many different shades and combinations.
LENSES – Pared offers a selection of both solid, gradient & mirror CR39 lenses. We use high quality Japanese lens suppliers as well as Carl Zeiss optics. Our lenses are lightweight, shatterproof and scratch resistant with a great clarity of vision. Cr39 lenses have superior heat and chemical resistance. All pared lenses meet the strictest Australian & NZ standards as well as International standards. The lenses offer UV400 protection and 100% UVA & UVB protection.
METAL DETAIL & HINGES – All metal is either titanium (known for its strength and durability whilst being very light) or stainless steel. Both nickel free & hypo allergenic.
SCREWS – We use OBE German rubber dipped screws to ensure a strong and durable hinge connection for long term wear.
WARRANTY – We pride ourselves on a lovely product made with care and attention to detail. We offer a custom pared case & pouch to protect your glasses as well as a 1 year warranty against manufacturing faults. We also offer a repair service for our glasses. Please contact us – hello@pared.com.au for any enquiries.
OPTICAL FRAMES & PRESCRIPTION – Most of our sunglasses frames can be scripted with an optical lens. Please contact us for more information.