Most Notable Frames: PAI, FEN, DEAR FRIDAY, (NOT) COMMON, MENTE

The world of eyewear is filled with expensive frames. You can in part blame Luxottica for this price manipulation, setting the standard for the price of eyewear and the presumed quality you get. In all my time reviewing glasses, I’ve seen really failed to see quality among many brands, usually those owned by Luxottica, but also from other small independent retailers. It’s a sad state of affairs indeed and anti-industry pricing is all too common. 

But it doesn’t have to be always like that – meet Gast. An eyewear company that’s trying to change the game with modern stylish frames that go against the grain of quality and affordability. Gast’s philosophy is quite simple. To create handmade, high-quality eyewear at affordable prices. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen companies play around with this idea, but it is one of the first times I’ve seen an eyewear brand actually succeed in what they say. 

Gast produces quality frames far above the costs you pay. Specializing in high-quality Acate frames, its founder has stated he once worked for a high-end brand, most likely Luxottica, and got sick and tired of poor quality and expensive frames. He set out, and in our opinion, created frames that are of the same or similar quality to brands 4 even 5 times the price you’ll pay for a pair of Gast specs. Just for reference, Gast glasses start at the modest price tag of just €98.00.

When it comes to the choice of frames and style Gast produces them all. With a variety of different colorways, lens colors, and designs to meet the specific designs of all. They’re definitely not playing it safe either. Frames such as the LOGOBILLIA with its distinctive purple frames or the PERSONALIA, or are incredibly bold choices that won’t necessarily be the brand’s most popular choice but are definitely nice to have as part of a larger range.  

Overall when it comes to affordability and value for money I can’t think of a better brand than Gast. If you’ve discovered a frame for a brand that’s outside of your price range I’d recommend checking Gast to see if they sell anything similar. You won’t be disappointed with the quality you get and I respect Gast, and its founder, for effectively taking on big-name brands and attempting the fight for fair prices for consumers.