About Illesteva HERITAGE Before Illesteva launched in 2010, options for designer eyewear at a fair price point were few and far between. A handful of companies controlled most of the eyewear industry, often forcing brands to prioritize either stylish design or premium craftsmanship. We wanted our customer to never have to make that choice. Our challenge was to modernize the idea of a simple pair of glasses. In 2009 we traveled to Italy to source manufacturers for the debut collection. Those who stood out were true artisans who had spent decades perfecting elements of production such as metalwork and hand-mixing acetate (This is why no two Illesteva acetate frames are identical). DESIGNED IN NEW YORK Taking cues from downtown New York and inspiration from around the world, our styles are a direct product of our endlessly fascinating surroundings. We take passion for modern design and translate it into pieces that are fundamentally wearable. HANDMADE IN ITALY AND FRANCE Our frames are handmade exclusively by the leading manufacturers of luxury eyewear, in small family-owned factories in Italy and France. Only the highest grade materials are used. This meticulous process takes over 90 days and requires more than 50 steps from start to finish. WHERE WE ARE NOW The years since launching have involved design collaborations with some of the biggest names in art and culture; Lou Reed, Rashida Jones, Nick Kyrgios and others have lent their names to one-of-a-kind styles. Illesteva preserves the notion that quality comes from attention to process. Research and development is the foundation of our business practice. This dedicated approach is what allows our product to speak for itself. The Leonard Sunglasses Synonymous with illesteva, our signature Leonard frame comes in over two hundred color combinations and two different sizes. This iconic shape is designed with a three-barrel hinge to make it ultra-comfortable and able to withstand daily use. Named after the trendy and edgy TriBeCa Street, the Leonard fully embodies the cool and laid-back New Yorker. Available in two sizes, this frame is best suited for smaller to medium faces. The Fit 48–22–145 The Make Acetate Frame, UV400 Lenses The Perks Complimentary Case and Microfiber Pouch