Last Updated on February 2, 2026 by Eve Dawes
Why Morgenthal Frederics stands out in luxury eyewear
Morgenthal Frederics glasses are one of those sustainable luxury fashion brands that may be logo-free and rooted in quiet luxury, but whose standout eyewear designs never go unnoticed. The New York heritage brand doesn’t just create head-turning frames! It produces some of the highest-quality luxury glasses and sunglasses available today, with exceptional attention to materials, fit, and craftsmanship. Founded in 1913, Morgenthal Frederics is known for its iconic designs using sustainable buffalo horn, titanium, and acetate. As well as designer collaborations such as The Oscar de la Renta x Morgenthal Frederics collection, and truly one-of-a-kind pieces. I’ve always felt sunglasses are deeply personal, a subtle but powerful way to express individual style. Which is why Morgenthal Frederics’ unique, made-to-feel-personal designs resonate so strongly with me.
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What makes Morgenthal Frederics so special
It a nutshell their materials and craftsmanship. From the their fine acetate and pure titanium made by artisans in Japan to their horn pieces that are painstakingly handcrafted in Germany. Morgenthal Frederics Horn collection are one-of-a-kind, heirloom-quality pieces, that take hundreds of hours of handcraftsmanship in Germany. If you’re looking for bespoke glasses, they also offer a custom horn program which is ideal for people who value handcrafted, unique, pieces.
My experience with Morgenthal Frederics Twist VIII Sun tortoiseshell sunglasses
Sunglasses have always been more than an accessory for me. My collection has long outgrown its drawer with a mix of everyday pairs, statement frames, and investment pieces. Living in the desert, sun protection matters, but so does how a pair frames the face and elevates an outfit. I own everything from Amazon finds to luxury names like Chanel, Dior, and Prada. Yet Morgenthal Frederics stands out as one of the most luxurious and considered eyewear brands I’ve owned.
The Oscar de la Renta x Morgenthal Frederics Twist VIII Sun tortoiseshell sunglasses review:
I tend to always gravitate towards feminine, butterfly and tortoiseshell frames for the retro, classic and glamorous look which is how I ended up looking at the The Oscar de la Renta x Morgenthal Frederics series. What made the Morgenthal Frederics striking Twist VIII Sun tortoiseshell sunglasses stand out, was that the shape was more exaggerated yet delicate than any of the pairs I already own. I have a small face, so I often struggle to find a style that fits my face. I also love the look of the twisted metal on the bridge.
There’s 26 different styles in the The Oscar de la Renta x Morgenthal Frederics series, so if the Twist VIII Sun style isn’t your taste, definitely check out the rest of the collection. It ranges from acetate to horn, neutrals to bold reds and blues, funky tulip shapes to classic cat-eye frames. Expect to pay anything from $545-$2,895 for one of these styles.
Fit: I feel like the size of the frames is perfect for me, the silhouette flatters my face, and fits my personal style aesthetic. The only thing I had to have altered was the arms to fit around my ears better. Measurements: Width: Wide A: 56 DBL: 20 Temple: 140.
Color: I’m obsessed with the color! I have the ‘Dark Tortoise Sun’ which is a stunning dark tortoiseshell. I feel like it’s such a classic neutral that goes with everything. If you want more of a statement pair, they also come in Pink, Blue and Grey Smoke.
Weight and comfort: The Oscar de la Renta x Morgenthal Frederics Twist Series is handmade in Japan with stunning Italian acetates and titanium accents which makes them so lightweight. Because of that, I find them really comfortable, even when worn for long periods of time. I also appreciate how durable they are.
Are Morgenthal Frederics sunglasses worth It?
The Oscar de la Renta x Morgenthal Frederics Twist Series sunglasses I have are $550 which is one of their more affordable pairs. That’s cheaper than both my Chanel and Dior sunglasses, so I think they’re worth it. Especially as they’re so comfortable and it means supporting a sustainable luxury fashion brand. When it comes to the pairs over $,2000, that’s deeply personal, and I haven’t made the splurge yet myself.
Why is Morgenthal Frederics so expensive?
Morgenthal Frederics price is due to a combination of factors. Founded in 1913, for over a century, this quiet luxury brand has been committed to creating the world’s most superior eyewear. This luxury sustainable brand uses rare and luxurious materials like rare buffalo horn and handcrafts their eyewear which can take multiple artisans hundreds of hours. You also have to take into account the quality of the lenses.
You can also expect to pay more for a bespoke pair. So if you don’t love any of their models, they don’t fit your face, or you want something completely unique, this is for you. Designed to your exact specifications, including the color, material, and size you can get something absolutely perfect for you.
Another benefit of investing in a pair of Morgenthal Frederics glasses is that they offer horn care and refurbishment programs for the product’s lifetime. So you really are investing in something that should last you forever, as long as you don’t sit on or lose them!
What makes horn special?
Morgenthal Frederics uses hypoallergenic, natural and sustainable buffalo horn in their luxury eyewear which makes each piece unique, lightweight and comfortable. My biggest concern when I started researching Morgenthal Frederics was how their horn is sourced. To be clear, no animals are killed for their horns! The horn is sustainable as well as environmentally and ethically responsible, from the sourcing to their processes.
The horn is “collected after the natural life cycle of the sacred Asian water buffalo”. Their factory is also powered by renewable energy (wind and water). Lastly, all of the waste is used as a natural fertilizer for the German vineyards around their factories. It’s this level of conscious creation and attention to detail that I really appreciate, not just the stunning designs.
Where can I find a Morgenthal Frederics near me
There are 13 Morgenthal Frederics boutiques in the US, you can find your nearest store using their store locator. I’m eager to visit one as I’ve heard nothing but great things about their service and level of expertise.
Where are Morgenthal Frederics products made?
While Morgenthal Frederics is based in New York City, their sustainable buffalo horn, wood and slate collections are all crafted in Germany. Whereas their metal frames, like the Twist III Sun below, that use world-class titanium and acetate eyewear are produced in Japan.
How to style Morgenthal Frederics glasses
This will come down to the style you have. If you go for a statement pair, let them be the focal point of the outfit and keep everything else pared back. If you go for a more classic, neutral color pair like I did, the beauty is how versatile they are, and how good a cost-per-wear you can get.
When you’re splurging on glasses, I think it’s better to go for something you can get the most wear from. This particular tortoiseshell cat eye pair goes with everything from jeans and sweaters to summer dresses and cocktail attire.
Shop Morgenthal Frederics glasses and sunglasses
If you’re looking for ultra-feminine styles, check out ‘The Classics’ and ‘The Butterflies’ collections. The Classics collection was inspired by iconic women in fashion over the decades and are handcrafted in Japan from fine Japanese acetate to get those beautiful rich colors. The collection includes Iris, 186, and 187. Whereas, the Butterflies collection is full of “classic Morgenthal Frederics flair” in bold hues like black and blue, and tortoise and teal.
The best place to shop for Morgenthal Frederics eyewear is in their boutiques, especially if you’re looking for a bespoke pair or prescription lenses. However, if you’re looking to save money or shop even more sustainably, you can often find them for under $100 on the pre-loved market.
