Since its inception in 1956, Carrera has been a name synonymous with passion, innovation, and excellence. Founded by Austrian eyewear pioneer Wilhelm Anger, the brand's journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a global eyewear icon is nothing short of remarkable.
Racing Roots and the Birth of Carrera
Carrera's story begins with a deep love for racing and a fascination with the Carrera Panamericana, a legendary open-road racing event that challenged the bravest of drivers. In 1956, Wilhelm Anger decided to rename his company from 'Wilhelm Anger Werker' to 'Carrera' in honour of this daring race. Little did he know that this decision would set the stage for a brand that would redefine eyewear.
From Racing to Skiing: Carrera's Evolution
Carrera's journey continued with a foray into the world of winter sports. The brand's ski goggles and helmets quickly gained recognition for providing athletes with superior protection and innovative design. Carrera's ski gear became iconic, known for its quality and immediately recognizable style.
The Porsche Design Collaboration
In 1976, Carrera embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration with Porsche Design, resulting in the birth of timeless eyewear pieces. One of the most iconic creations was the Carrera Porsche Design 5620, a futuristic shield design that became a symbol of boldness and elegance. This collaboration was a testament to Carrera's ability to combine style with technology.
Innovations that Redefined Eyewear
Carrera didn't stop at collaborations; they pushed the boundaries of eyewear design. In 1979, Carrera introduced a revolutionary concept—the placement of the brand's logo in the middle of the front frame. The iconic Carrera "C" was born, challenging industry norms and creating a signature detail that identified the brand. The temples featured a distinctive striped pattern, a nod to Carrera's sports heritage.
Safari: A Design Synthesis
The Carrera Safari sunglasses, introduced in 1981, featured a unique design inspired by ski goggles. With a distinctive graphic on the sides and a coloured line along the upper front profile, the Carrera Safari embodied the brand's sports DNA. The iconic "C" in the middle of the front frame became a symbol of Carrera's ability to blend the worlds of racing and fashion.
Niki Lauda: A Legendary Partnership
In 1985, Carrera chose Austrian Formula 1 world champion Niki Lauda as the face of the brand. Lauda's determination, fearless attitude, and commitment to pushing boundaries mirrored Carrera's DNA. The eyewear crafted by Carrera embodied a sporty attitude, merging style with performance.
The Champion: A Timeless Icon
The Carrera Champion, introduced in 1987, is one of the brand's most iconic models. Its aviator-inspired full-frame profile and the proud placement of the "C" in the centre of the front frame became a symbol of Carrera's sporty origins reinterpreted with a trendy twist. This iconic design has transcended time, remaining unrivalled to this day.
The Boeing Collection: A Technological Marvel
In 1989, Carrera took a pioneering step in collaboration, partnering with Boeing, the largest aircraft manufacturer of the time. The result was the Carrera Boeing collection, a groundbreaking range of optical frames and sunglasses. These frames featured innovative shock absorbers integrated into the temples, ensuring flexibility and comfort while enhancing the design.
Sunjet by Carrera: Embracing Pop Culture
In the 1990s, Carrera's Sunjet collection drew inspiration from Pop culture and street trends. These colourful and playful glasses and sunglasses featured striking contrasts and graffiti-inspired graphics, reflecting the spirit of the era. Carrera became a statement brand for those who dared to stand out from the crowd.
The Enduring Legacy of Carrera
Carrera's legacy in eyewear is marked by innovation, style, and functionality. From the racetracks of Formula 1 to the slopes of winter sports, Carrera sunglasses have left an indelible mark. Their designs, aerodynamic frames, and vibrant lens colours perfectly matched the fast-paced world of sports. Even today, Carrera sunglasses evoke a sense of speed, performance, and timeless style.
Wilhelm Anger: The Visionary Founder
The driving force behind Carrera, Wilhelm Anger, was not just an entrepreneur; he was a visionary. His patent for Optyl® in 1964 revolutionized eyewear, making it hypoallergenic, durable, and significantly lighter than other plastics. Optyl's memory effect ensured a comfortable fit for wearers.
Carrera has evolved into a beloved everyday eyewear brand, cherished for its exceptional quality, enduring durability, and unparalleled comfort. It has consistently earned the trust and loyalty of individuals who appreciate eyewear that not only exudes style but also stands the test of time.Notably, Carrera's reputation for comfort is a key factor driving its popularity. With a focus on ergonomics and wearer satisfaction, Carrera consistently delivers eyewear that feels as good as it looks.
The brand's appeal extends far beyond everyday consumers, as it has graced the faces of numerous celebrities over the years. From Hollywood stars like Jared Leto, Channing Tatum, and Dakota Johnson to music sensations such as Shakira and Alicia Keys, Carrera's eyewear has garnered the attention and admiration of renowned personalities. Even on the red carpet, Carrera finds its place, with actors like Penn Badgley and Robert Downey Jr. choosing to showcase their style with Carrera frames.
Carrera has transcended mere eyewear; it has become a symbol of enduring quality, comfort, and fashionable allure, endorsed by celebrities and cherished by discerning eyewear enthusiasts worldwide.
Best Selling Carrera Sunglasses:
Shop the full Carrera eyewear collection below:
Au Revoir,
PRET A VOIR
0 comments