Still influential, gorpcore requires a certain look in eyewear, a balanced blend of functionality and styling with edge – these independent brands are delivering the perfect aesthetic with style, functional purpose, quality materials and performance
Which are the best gorpcore looks by independent brands? It’s a question we’ve been asked several times in the last few weeks, and one we can now answer with several good recommendations. Gorpcore, which has also prompted a surge in vintage Oakley’s from the 1990s and Y2K which we’ve observed in high-end vintage outlets in London, is a fashion trend that keeps on evolving, requiring a utilitarian style of eyewear with sports performance features, characteristics which make the glasses wearable for everyday but also technically sound. With shapes that are typically unisex, and inspired by earlier decades, including retro aviator, rimless shields and wraparound shapes, the styles also pay attention to particular details, fit and fine-quality materials to ensure a wearer experience that is really first class. Above: Ciele x Article One: Article One and leading performance-running brand, Ciele Athletics debuted the sophomore edition of the Article One x Ciele GTGlass performance sunglasses, an award-winning, collaborative frame launched in 2020. Earning several accolades for the technical design, including Runner’s World Gear of the Year, the two brands joined forces again for the GT Glass 2.0 pictured, which boasts a refreshed, distinctly vintage shape, performance material updates, and new colour and pattern variations – www.articleoneeyewear.com
Article One also teamed up with César Villalba, a creative designer and elite endurance athlete, to debut performance sunglasses crafted to counter traditional styles of eyewear in competitive fields. With flames emblazoned along the sides and a youthful, rectangular shape, the Article One x César Villalba frames rebuff the repetitive shapes and colours of technical frames that athletes are accustomed to, the designers say. The distinctive details and bespoke hues – including the lens tones – are inspired by Villalba’s relentless energy towards particular passions – racing and creative directing for global fashion brands. www.articleoneeyewear.com
Built for the mountains, the Glacier Optics’ Pierredar shield represents a good example of technical, functional eyewear – designed specifically for high altitude, with an original design, fantastic colour choices which are perfectly aligned with contemporary technical apparel – including olive, gold and brick, and high-tech performance lenses by Zeiss. The small label, which is based in Switzerland has a growing following in the sports world for its technical focus and sustainable production which takes place locally in the Alps. www.glacieroptics.com
For a raw, utility style, with focus on artisanal craftsmanship and the unusual features such as the hand-hammered finish, the Kuboraum Mask H30 remains one of our go-to styles for those who seek a wraparound with a truly unique design style. Introduced by Kuboraum at the end of 2024, this piece is offered in different variations – including an aqua green colour and a matt black with striking light yellow lens tint. www.kuboraum.com
Retrosuperfuture’s black Pharaoh sunglasses offer a shield-style frame in lightweight nylon – a shape that is very well aligned with this trend while also offering a timeless everyday aesthetic. The model was released as part of the RSF Space Shields collection and perfectly embodies the 90s influences in fashion; the inspiration is also channelled from space age influences in design as well as cosmic jazz. The functional wraparound shape – always a very comfortable choice – and minimal design style lend themselves perfectly in combination with performance gear with a fashion edge. www.retrosuperfuture.com
