HQ: New York, NY
Founders: Leila Merz and Athina Rickmers
Social:Instagram
Category: Eyewear
E-comm:sideeye.com
Price Range: $290 – $330
Hero Product:223 Butler St ($290)
PR Representation: Redgert
How to get in touch: info@sideeye.com
Origin Story
Founded by two friends who met during their first day of the MBA at Columbia Business School in New York, Side Eye was created in response to an eyewear industry often driven by inflated markups and superficial branding. Side Eye combines refined New York design with exceptional Italian craftsmanship, working exclusively with independent family-run factories in Italy. Every frame is handcrafted with a focus on quality, longevity and timeless design rather than trend-driven consumption.
The brand also brings a more personal and intentional perspective to luxury. Each style is named after a meaningful New York address, creating a subtle connection between the collections and the founders’ shared experiences, memories and the city that shaped the brand.
