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Carrera: The Rebel’s Collection
You may be surprised to learn that Carrera frames are intimately tied to auto racing. The name itself comes from the Carrera Panamerica, which had drivers speeding from one end of Mexico to the other in the 1950s and was known as the most dangerous race in the world. Like those drivers, the eponymous sports glasses created by Austria’s Wilhelm Anger have been fearless since the day they hit the streets in 1956.
In 1964 Carrera filed a patent for Optyl, an innovative plastic that weighed 20% less than acetate, was sturdier, and adapted to the wearer’s face. Carrera has been behind many other sleek innovations, including the first ski goggles with interchangeable lenses.
To reinforce the brand’s high end sports appeal, Carrera teamed up with Ferdinand Alexander Porsche and launched the Carrera Porsche collection in 1979, featuring sunglasses with interchangeable lenses as well as the first ever folding glasses. Two other iconic collections would embody the adventurous spirit of the brand: Boeing and Sunjet.
At the Calgary Olympics in 1988, Carrera ski goggles owned the podium. They were worn by no less than 16 gold, 13 silver, and 16 bronze medallists. Carrera continued to conquer the world of sports by creating a collection of cycling sunglasses that premiered at the historic 1989 Paris–Roubaix.
The two most popular Carrera styles, Champion and Safari, were recently revamped for a contemporary take on the vintage look. Some of the world’s hottest celebrities wear the brand, including Madonna, Brad Pitt, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga.
Carrera has truly carved out an enviable niche in casual and sports glasses. And no wonder. It’s hard to go wrong when you combine bold looks with precision technical design. Discover the collection at your nearest Opto-Réseau clinic or find your inspiration in our Frames section.
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