While we're obligated to tell you that you should protect your eyes year-round, there's no denying that the peak of sunglass season is almost upon us. But choosing your summer sunnies can be daunting when navigating today's market, where the options are somehow endless and slim all at once. To spend $7 on fast-fashion frames or $700 on designer— that is the question. Unless, of course, you've heard of INDY Sunglasses, a sustainable Brooklyn-based brand by eyewear enthusiast Indie McFarlane.
Looking Ahead
They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and nothing screams "soul" like Indie's passion for filling one of the most frustrating gaps we face in the fashion industry today. Originally from Scotland, Indie was first introduced to the eyewear industry while studying in London, where she worked for a small sunglass company, ToyShades. "I always had an addiction to sunglasses growing up," she told The Citizen's Poste. "But I noticed there were no sunglasses in between the cheap street eyewear you get for $10- the fast fashion- or... you know, $700 from Gucci." She recalled her light-bulb moment in deciding to be the one to pave the middle ground: "I was like, 'I'm gonna figure this out.'" And so, she did, and INDY was born.
Indie McFarlane via INDY | IndySunglasses.com
22-year-old McFarlane's approach started from scratch, with streams of YouTube videos on how to start a business and heaps of trials in design and production. But that didn't stop her from pursuing a product that checked every box. "A lot of customers will come to me, and they're like, 'Okay, your sunglasses are affordable. But do they have UV protection?' and I say, 'Of course!'... You don't need to be spending hundreds of dollars on a pair of good sunglasses."
As business went on, she continued to stay educated and up-to-date on sustainability on top of functionality, leading INDY to make the official switch from plastic frames to a material called biodegradable acetate. "They're made from wood pulp and cotton fibers... it's basically recycled materials. If your sunglasses are lost, or if they break, or you just don't want them anymore after 20 years of having them- whatever it is- they can break down naturally." It was a tough call, as transitioning would cut profit margins nearly in half, but Indie took it on passionately. "I would rather give my customers sustainability and quality than sell cheap plastic for myself."
Bella Hadid wearing the INDY Liotta | Courtesy of INDY
And it's safe to say things paid off. Today, INDY has worked its way into the wardrobes of style icons like Bella Hadid and Alicia Keys, and the brand currently has a long list of partnerships past with more on the way for Summer 2024. McFarlane giddily spilled her agenda, revealing in-the-works collaborations with brands like Session Gym, Fenity, and NÜTRL.
That's Her Style
If there's one thing Indie does like no other, it's balancing timelessness with current trends. She takes her design inspiration from everywhere- old movies and street art to the color of a peach- but vintage eyewear is her biggest muse. Her favorite INDY frames are the Nolita, though recently she's been a sucker for an oval shape. "I'm not usually an oval girl," she confessed, reaching for a pair of caramel-lensed SoHo frames resting on her display, "I usually prefer a cateye. But I made sure these oval sunglasses were lifted at the top."
via @indy_sunglasses on Instagram
As an entrepreneur, one thing that sets McFarlane apart from many of today's ambitious founders is her authenticity and transparency. Indie likes to keep things personal, crafting her designs to reflect her own panache and sense of style. She often shares behind-the-scenes videos on the brand's Instagram detailing her design and administration process, most of which takes place from her home in NYC.
But things aren't always as effortless as she makes them look. Indie shared that her constant search for new inspiration in creative direction on top of managing business logistics can get exhausting. Thankfully, she has a fantastic support system to lean on. "I call [my dad] at least three times a week like, 'I'm so stressed out,' and he helps me pick apart things. He's very calming; he's like my biggest mentor." Indie also expressed gratitude for her team member, Brittany, who helps her organize her busy schedule and stay on track: "She's like a hype-woman for me."
via @indy_sunglasses on Instagram
From long, detailed to-do lists and staying intentional about time management to upholding her personal life, there's no denying that Indie is putting more than just her skills into INDY, but her heart and soul.
Where to Shop
INDY sunglasses currently sell online via their website, with frames averaging $79 apiece. But if you're more inclined to try on your sunnies in person, you'll be thrilled to hear they're launching in Anthropologie stores this June.
By Mackenzie Ostrowski