EDIT: For anyone we haven’t replied to about sizing for the Aldo, Carolyn, and CBK—we’re working on getting back to you—but, in the meantime, pinning this to try and show the size differences <3
#Bisous
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Introducing the CBK.
In the 90s, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy helped popularize our Aldo—understated, oval sunnies that complemented her sleek, chic minimalism.
In the 2000s, after receiving enough bespoke requests for a softly larger version, we launched the Carolyn: an ode to the originator…with a grand total of 11 extra millimeters.
Normally we’d say size doesn’t matter, but when it comes to fashion—every millimeter counts.
So, now, we’re launching a third size: the CBK, with another 14mm added to ensure we have a perfect fit for anyone.
In homage to a style icon who was “quintessentially New York” and whose wardrobe emphasized “meaningful luxury,” the first limited series of CBKs are handmade at our bespoke atelier in New York City.
They’re now available, in all of the original colorways, online and at our New York retail locations.
#Bisous
Quotes: @sunitakumarnair (via @cbkalifeinfashion )
Frames: Aldo, Black; Carolyn, Tokyo Tortoise; CBK, Auburn Tortoise
#SelimaAldo #SelimaCarolyn #SelimaCBK
The Jacqueline: Coming soon in Auburn Tortoise and White 🤎🤍
Our ode to Jackie O has been getting a lot of love lately, so—while our atelier works on restocking them in Black—we’ve also been testing out new color and lens options. We’re j’obsessed with how these turned out, but… what do you think: Blue lenses or the classic dark brown??
If you want to see them in person, we’ll be debuting these three at the Sleep Code’s Spring Trunk today from 12-7 at 873 Broadway NY NY 10010 <3
Selima’s always loved Jacqueline Kennedy’s style and this round, slightly oversized silhouette is our nod to her taste in sunglasses—which often blended chic Parisian shapes with bolder American sizes and colors. We love that people have been interested in this vibe and that we got an excuse to make a few pairs of these new colors at our atelier in NYC. Now we can’t wait to see how they look and feel in-person.
And, if you can’t make it, let us know which lens color you prefer so we can start getting them ready to launch at our stores and online 😘
Sunnies we’ve been loving lately :)
We’ve been curating a variety of our original 1990s and 2000s styles recently, including some oversized wraps (like the Matt and Wilson) and classic minis (like the Liv and Zozo). This week, we’ll be revealing that selection at the Sleep Code’s Spring Trunk, along with some newer frames we’re beginning to roll out (like the Abbey and Maricruz in Sun).
And yes… that is the Fitzgerald in Slide 2. It’s still technically unreleased and the waitlist isn’t open yet, but we will have one or two available as we continue gathering feedback and preparing to launch.
May 14th & 15th: 12pm - 7pm
873 Broadway, Spacious Studio 1, 2nd Floor
New York, NY, 10010
And we’re so excited to be alongside a tremendous group of women-owned businesses, including:
- The Sleep Code (@thesleepcode )
- Alexandra Golovanoff (@alexandragolovanoffparis )
- BR Collaborative (@br_collaborative )
- Devon Woodhill (@devonwoodhilljewelry )
- Don’t Let Disco (@dontletdisco )
- Emme Parsons (@emmeparsons )
- Gigi Burris (@gigiburris )
- Hunting Season (@huntingseasonnyc )
- Izie (@izie.official )
- Lemlem (@lemlemofficial )
- Rùadh (@ruadhnyc )
- St. Rose (@st._rose )
Je love how the Alex Mill girls have been styling the Carolyn 🤩
And if you want to try them out too… They have a very limited amount of the Carolyn, in all of the classic colors, available *now* on Alex Mill’s website and at their 77 Mercer St. location in NYC <3
While we’re sold out of the classic colors in Aldo, Carolyn, and CBK currently (and only accepting preorders), Alex Mill asked for theirs back in December and they’re finally here ! Just like the Aldo that Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy popularized in the 90s, this run of Carolyn sunglasses is made in France and available in Black, Auburn Tortoise, Olive, and Tokyo Tortoise.
Also, for those of you still waiting on your pair, we’re sorry about the delays but… good news soon so keep an eye on your inbox :)
#Bisous
@selimaoptique ’s iconic frames are officially available at Alex Mill Mercer Street!!!
In the 90s CBK walked into Selima’s shop and bought four frames—the exact ones we have now♥️♥️
(head to 77 Mercer to scoop a pair while they last)
Q1 dump ✨
It’s been a wild few months and, whether you bought from us, posed for us, or simply were patient with us… we’re so thankful for all of you <3
As a pretty small business, we probably… weren’t as prepared as we could have been for the release of “American Love Story.” Unfortunately, that led to delays in shipping orders and responding to inquiries. Fortunately, 99.9% of you have been incredibly understanding and we’re so grateful for you and your support. (And, for the 0.1% who have been a little… less kind… we’re sorry, we’re trying our best, and we still love u.)
Despite some customs & tariffs holdups, we’ve been producing small batches of our Aldo, Carolyn, and CBK frames in-house at our bespoke atelier in NYC and, at long last, we’re expecting restocks from our French partner factory in April. So, if you’ve been waiting on an order or are thinking about placing one, we’re very excited to get you ready for the springtime :)
1. Jhayna wears the Fitzgerald
2. Carolyn chez Bar Bianchi
3. Selima & her favorite doll
4. Bisous for Stevie
5. Gabe wears the Abbey
6. Snow sign
7. Abbey wears Le Matt
8. Fitzgerald prototypes 😈
9. Selima & Pedro wear the Carolyn & Abbey
10. Snowman wears the Air (bespoke)
11. Chris giving Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in the Carolyn, a headband, and a downtown dive bar
12. Bedazzled lenses
13. Bedazzled “Little Man” 😍
14. Sahana wears the Abbey
15. The Jolie (c. 1990s) & a pen from our beloved Fish Cheeks
16. Le Matt x Le Fournil 🇫🇷💕
17. The Big Boys
18. Meru wears the Abbey
19. An elegant man wears the Sean
20. An open bar hates to see us coming…
Okay yeah we actually have to do a full Jake post because our photographer apparently got a little distracted by him and we can’t even be mad because… look at this divo. J’obsessed 🤩
And yes if you’re wondering how, during a Carolyn Bessette Kennedy styling event, they managed to shoot like 4 different frames with multiple locations and multiple props?? Yeah so are we. But, as they say: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Merci Jake for being stunning, everyone for being patient, FASHIONPHILE for hosting, and, last but not least, Timo for getting distracted—because these pics are #gorg (but if anyone is upset they didn’t get enough camera time… now you know who to blame) <3
Jake: @jaketvillegas
Timo: @timonas.andreadis
Stunning set: @fashionphile
Sunglasses: Yoko (Iridescent Sage), Carolyn (Black & Honey, in optical), Maestro (Matte Black & Blue), Carolyn (Olive), Carolyn (Tokyo Tortoise)
Bisous: @selimasalsa
The maker of THE CBK sunglasses, @selimaoptique 🕶️, has officially joined the #TOTECLUB
A bad habit of the long time friend of Mickey’s? “I have a history of throwing my glasses into my pocket or bag without a case. But I’m working on it… as you can see.”
Head to stories to find out what else she’s keeping in her tote!
Divas in Selimas: 90s edition 💋
Ugh, beautiful, stunning, gorgina, j’obsessed, and on and on and on. So fun seeing everyone try on our glasses at FASHIONPHILE <3
Eyewear is such a unique accessory and finding the right silhouette can be so important. We loved giving everyone a little Carolyn Bessette Kennedy shopping moment—where people could test out the Aldo, Carolyn, and CBK for size, as well as a selection of ‘90s styles from our original collections.
There’s been so much talk about minimalist, capsule wardrobes since Love Story released, and we feel like they only work if you find high-quality pieces that are tailored to your style and proportions. From the Aldo and Carolyn to the Zozo and Yoko, each millimeter and angle means something different to each face, and we’ll never get over how cool it is watching people glow when they try on a frame that just… fits (especially when it’s one they were never expecting !). It’s like watching self-actualization and personal style blossom in real time. Glasses and sunglasses are so fun.
Merci @fashionphile for hosting, @timonas.andreadis for photo’ing, and everyone for joining :)
Tom Sachs in the Mike (and pieces from his I.S.R.U. NikeCraft collection) 👨🚀🌕
The Crafter: Tom Sachs (@tomsachs )
The Glasses: Mike, Crystal Clear
The Photographer: Clark Hodgin for slides 2-3 (@clarkhodgin ), unknown for slides 1 & 4
The Clothing: NikeCraft ISRU (@nikecraft )
#SelimaMike