In the hipster haven of East Nashville, optical company Warby Parker and their touring bus are conversation staples. But when the company contacted me and asked if I would help promote their new Winter Collection, I was hesitant. Warby Parker is one of a growing number of “one-for-one” model businesses, meaning when you buy a product from them, they give a similar product to someone in need. In the case of Warby Parker, this means when you buy glasses from them, they donate a pair to someone else.
The one-for-one model of business is nice, but these businesses aren’t necessarily sustainable. When I started researching more about Warby Parker, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they are a carbon-neutral company and a B Corporation. Not only do they provide funding and/or glasses for non-profits to provide vision care to people in developing countries — they partner with these companies to help entrepreneurs in these communities continue to provide affordable eye care.
Fair enough.
The new Warby Parker Winter Collection features rustic, cozy designs with the vintage feel for which Warby Parker is known. Each pair of glasses costs $95, which includes prescription lenses and anti-reflective coating. (I know, right?! My current pair of glasses probably was double that price even with insurance coverage.)
If I were choosing a new pair of glasses today, I think I would go with the Webb in Saddle Russet or Amber. I could totally see myself wearing these, managing a newsroom and giving orders like Katharine Hepburn.
Warby Parker is making some interesting waves in the fashion and optical communities. I would love to see even more transparency and sustainability from them; their glasses are manufactured in Chinese factories, although they do use Verite to audit their factories for fair working conditions and employee happiness. They aren’t fair trade, but in my opinion, Warby Parker is bringing a more sustainable model to eyewear, and I’m hoping things go up from here. And at such a cheap price-point, the company makes eyecare more affordable for average Americans as well.
What do you think of “one-for-one” companies and their sustainability record? Does Warby Parker break the mold? I’d love to see a pic of your Warby Parker glasses or another sustainable fashion find! Leave a link in the comments, or tag an Instagram or Twitter pic with #fairfashionfri.
Warby Parker contacted me about promoting their new winter line, but I received no compensation for this post. Yep, I’m just a sucker for sustainable companies.
