There is no shortage of luxury eyewear labels to choose from on your hunt for the perfect pair of new glasses. In this realm, Etnia Barcelona's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship is enduring.
Created by David Pellicer in 2001, Etnia Barcelona has earned a reputation for its strong links to art, culture, and sustainability. This independent eyewear brand carries an extensive variety of eyeglasses and sunglasses crafted from premium materials and built to last.
Read on to learn more about Etnia Barcelona Eyewear and why this ethical brand may be the best choice for your new pair of glasses or sunglasses.
Key takeaways
- Etnia Barcelona is an eyewear brand with a rich Spanish heritage.
- The brand's frames and lenses are crafted from premium raw materials, including natural acetate, wood, and pure mineral glass.
- Etnia Barcelona supports a variety of social and charitable causes through the launch of its foundation.
- Etnia Barcelona is one of the many luxury, sustainable brands carried by Oculus Eyecare.
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Who makes Etnia Barcelona frames?
Etnia Barcelona is a Spanish company whose manufacturing is conducted in partnership with various proprietary labs throughout Europe.
Although Etnia Barcelona aims to keep most of its manufacturing in Spain, certain components and specialized parts, such as lenses, core design, materials, and quality control, may be conducted at secondary locations. This includes Italy’s Barberini and Mazzucchelli.
Where is the eyewear brand based?
Etnia Barcelona's flagship store is located in the city of Barcelona, Spain.
Built on Spanish tradition, the country's influence on Etnia Barcelona’s designs is unmistakable.
Three generations of eyewear
Etnia Barcelona frames exude luxury, maximum comfort, and exceptional quality.
Over three generations, the brand has remained steadfast in its mission to offer thoughtful, artistic eyewear designs, with careful attention to detail at every step of the manufacturing process.
Etnia Barcelona prides itself on using the best materials on the market today, including pure mineral glass lenses from Barberini, as well as HD Colors Technology.
Premium materials
The eyewear label uses 100% natural materials for their eyewear frames. Some of these include:
- Metal
- Acetate
- Glass
The brand also frequently uses titanium from Japan, making for durable yet light designs.
Additionally, materials such as Mazzucchelli acetate are derived from a combination of raw materials like cotton and wood, allowing for maximum comfort and an overall sustainable visual experience with every pair.
Eco-friendly manufacturing
Etnia Barcelona has made it its mission to eliminate single-use plastic from its eyewear packaging, instead working with recyclable materials such as the cotton case.
With their pledge to use environmentally-conscious materials, Etnia Barcelona promotes durability and longevity, contributing to its reduced carbon footprint and an overall better value for its customer base.
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Meticulous designs
As a brand that cares deeply about its environmental impact, Etnia Barcelona makes it a point to promote eco-friendly practices, ensuring each pair of shades is crafted responsibly.
The brand has held a wide variety of celebrity collaborations and artist-inspired collections throughout its history.
One of the most popular collections was that honoring the work of the late artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. These partnerships have helped expand the brand's creativity and forward vision.
Charitable work
From its use of high-quality materials to its carefully-operated production practices, Etnia Barcelona forms a business built on principle.
Beyond their mission to craft luxury eyewear built to last, the company also founded the Etnia Barcelona Foundation, a social project.
To date, the brand has taken part in several initiatives that have helped individuals across the world access the resources needed for proper eyecare.
This includes providing eye exams for school-aged children as well as the launch of a network of non-profit opticians to provide care in developing countries.
Conclusion
Etnia Barcelona eyewear was created on the idea of crafting high-quality eyewear inspired by an appreciation for culture and art. Over time, the brand's mission has shifted to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact.
Etnia Barcelona's bold designs and creative use of materials have earned it a solid reputation in the eyewear industry.
When searching for innovative eyewear that was created with innovation, sustainability, and comfort in mind, Etnia Barcelona is in a league of its very own.
Keep Reading: 9 Best Sustainable Sunglasses Brands in 2025
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Oculus Eyecare is Seattle’s premier optometry practice and optical boutique for those looking to see and be seen in a new way. Located in South Lake Union on Denny Way, Oculus Eyecare offers comprehensive eye care services and exams for individuals and families in Seattle. Click here to schedule an appointment or a personal styling session. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.