If you’re looking for the best vintage sunglasses in Paris, Second Vue is an idyllic paradise.
Hidden on a quiet little side street in The Marais is a vintage sunglass lover’s paradise. Second Vue is a dream for freaky eyewear fanatics. Think: ultra wide funky Prada aviators, unsigned 1960s French wonders, gloriously fabulous Y2K Chanel fantasies and beyond. There is truly something for everyone. The shop may be small but the shelves are well-stocked, with even more in the back if you dare to ask and explore.
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The Marais is a forever favorite neighborhood of ours in Paris for vintage shopping and Second Vue has been on our list for quite a while. We finally stopped by in between shows during couture week this July. The shop opened in 2021, spearheaded by Alice Violier Amzalak, the granddaughter of an optician. Each pair of sunglasses is refurbished by on-site opticians, cleaned, and adjusted before purchase, and wrapped up nicely in a new velvet case.
As vintage sunglasses collectors, some of our favorite pairs we’ve collected over the years are unsigned gems that are purely marked “made in France” or “made in Italy” ; these have become increasingly hard to find in the U.S., so it’s amazing to see so many great options all in one place, in great condition and ready to wear. Prices range just under €200 to upwards of around €800 for really rare finds.
We left with a truly iconic pair of vintage Patrick Kelly button sunglasses, in a funny circular shape with a faux tortoiseshell hue and retro little adorable buttons.
Second Vue, 15 Rue Commines, 75003 Paris, France
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