Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Funke and Blake Danforth.
Andrew and Blake, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Starting in 2012, we began with a passion for vintage eyewear. The history of design, and the story behind a frame: where it came from, who wore it, and the impact that it made. It all instilled a desire to convey a certain love that would encourage, if not necessitate a store. Having the store is like having a home, it is where the heart is.
Vintage eyewear is the blood of the Guise Archives Eyewear Co., it affords us reference to what is contemporaneously being presented in modern fashion. In the product that we carry, we find the origins respected in what is currently being produced. With that, our continued development as a store and a brand ensconces us comfortably in LA’s “Culture of Eyewear”.
With our distinct dictum of “Independent and Handmade”, the Guise selection, from start to finish; from our roots to now, the vintage elements are appreciated and represented, as it always has been. We began/opened with an homage to the stories of eyewear and we still maintain it. In stocking modern lines, as well as vintage, we simply love to illustrate the illustriousness of eyewear in its vast array of elements, beyond that of accessory or medical device. We opened with a wish to educate and enlighten people…anyone that enters the shop. Our passion is what we wanted to present to the world. We wanted people to see what we see; love what we love. In optimum quality, the story comes full circle. It’s the sort of mentality that if we showed you why and what there is to love about a certain frame, then you’re going to love it, too.
Has it been a smooth road?
We’ve learned a great amount over the better half of a decade. Business was something that has had a learning curve to it but we’ve been creative and enjoyed it. As for the industry and the history, there is so much to know about eyewear beyond the science, design, fashionable elements… It has been a continued education in all respects. Business can be a fickle creature, but our passion for eyewear has always kept the perspective of what we are about and what we are trying to do.
Eyewear is our love and we simply are after demonstrating thus.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Guise Archives Eyewear story. Tell us more about the business.
Other than the passion and love that we have for eyewear, as well us being students of eyewear history, we pride ourselves on our abilities. We love a challenge. So, when customers come to us seeking a rare frame, a rueful repair, a curious customization… Whatever, we light up like pinball machines.
We embrace what others might be reluctant to touch. Repairs, for instance that may have been deemed irreparable by another optician or store, we are always prepared to attempt the repair. A frame that can’t be identified, we’ll dig in and determine its name, history, and availability.
We celebrate creativity and craftsmanship and if the frame can be brought back to life, we will breathe life back into it.
We understand that frames are like giving a face a new feature. And, perhaps you get accustomed to seeing that feature for it is a part of your face. A broken frame can be the equivalent to a broken nose. Your appearance might change, and that isn’t desired. Therefore, we are always willing to see if we can resurrect what has been lost, located what can’t be found, or create something that you’ve long desired.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
There’s a lot of history… A lot of great lines… A lot of creative people. We are interested to see where the future takes us, as well.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7928 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, Ca
90046 - Website: guiseshop.com
- Phone: 323.782.1093
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @guisearchives
- Facebook: @theguisearchives The Guise Archives Eyewear Co
- Twitter: The Guise Archives @guisearchives
- Yelp: The Guise Archives Eyewear Company
- Other: Pinterest: Guise Archives
Image Credit:
Jax Pulwalski
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