Robert Marc & Gilt Groupe: The Perfect Fit

This week on Gilt we are featuring a selection of eyewear from one of the finest names around – Robert Marc. All of the sunglasses are handmade in France using customer acetate and materials. Each pair features the trademark Robert Marc hinge which is instantly recognizable to those "in-the-know". Lenses are of the highest optical quality and have exceptional UV protection and each pair comes with a designer case and cleaning cloth.

We also had the chance to ask Robert Marc himself a few questions about his personal collection and some insight into the brand.

Gilt Groupe: What are the must haves for sunglasses?

Robert Marc: UV protection and a frame that is right for your face.

GG: Which pair do you wear the most often?

RM: As you can imagine, I have a very large wardrobe of eyewear! I
change from retro plastics to wraps to modified aviators.

GG: Plans for future collections?

RM: My new men's collection, which I will be unveiling in the fall will
have a dapper, intellectual air.  The urban color palette will be
composed of dark, inky shades and masculine earth tones.

GG: How did the trademark hinge develop?

RM: In the classic tradition of eyewear manufacturing, I designed a hinge inspired by the handmade construction of antique, genuine tortoiseshell frames.  Every Robert Marc frame is handmade utilizing old world craft and hand-assembled with my trademarked hinge.  While iconic, my clients enjoy the discrete signature.

Finding the right fit for eyewear is important (though some could say that any pair Robert Marc's frames look good on any face) so we've assembled some guidelines to help you pick the right ones.

Face shapes

Oval: Nearly any frame will work, the symmetry of the face allows for more experimentation with styles. Be sure to check out the "Madmen Wayfayer".

Round: Look for fames that make the face appear longer and thinner with angular and rectangle shapes. The "Retro Rectangle" would be one of the few options available.

Diamond/Triangle: The angular proportion of the face should be offset and softened with a rounded or wrap frame.  The "Wire Wrap Aviator" and
"Medium Wrap" would be good choices for this face type.

Square: A strong jaw line and wide cheekbones need a curved style to add definition to the face. The "70s Aviator" fits the bill.

Oblong: Look for frames that widen and shorten the face with either a round shape or squared lines.  The "Rectangle Aviator" and "Narrow Wrap" are suited for either look.