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Black-owned eyewear brand Vontélle partners with National Vision for special Black History Month collection

BY Ben Ebuka Oji February 9, 2024 2:08 PM EDT
Tracy Vontélle Green and Nancey Flowers-Harris, founders of Vontélle Eyewear
Tracy Vontélle Green and Nancey Flowers-Harris, founders of Vontélle Eyewear. Photo Credit: Vontélle Eyewear

Vontélle Eyewear, a company founded by Tracy Vontélle Green and Nancey Flowers-Harris, has partnered with National Vision, Inc., the second largest optical retailer in the United States, to create a special collection of frames in honor of Black History Month. These exclusive frames, called Official by Vontélle, will be sold in all 900+ America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses stores for a limited time. This collaboration marks the first time that Vontélle frames will be available in a nationwide retail setting.

“Glasses are not a one-size-fits-all all product,” said Megan Molony, senior vice president, chief merchandising and managed care officer at National Vision. “The fit and style of glasses are just as important as the lenses within them. Glasses are not meant to hide who you are and should instead be a reflection and celebration of everything that makes you unique. We chose Vontélle for this collaboration because they share our passion for empowering eyeglass wearers to showcase their culture and personality through their eyewear.”

In addition to providing a convenient way for individuals who wear eyeglasses to show their support for an emerging and Black-women-owned business during Black History Month, the release also enhances the accessibility of Vontélle’s distinctive frames that offer a better fit.

According to Vontélle, the names of the frames draw inspiration from prominent African American figures who have made noteworthy achievements in diverse domains. Among them are renowned historical Black icons such as Alice Walker, Phyliss Wheatley, Thurgood Marshall, and Medgar Evers. Both co-founders of Vontélle are alumni of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and first crossed paths as students at Morgan State University in Baltimore. The frame collection incorporates intricate design elements that skillfully combine various patterns and textures, representing the vibrant colors associated with numerous sororities and fraternities.

“Our products are designed to celebrate our cultural history, and we are so excited to make our frames available to even more customers through this Official collection with America’s Best, “said Tracy Green, co-founder of Vontélle.

Vontélle emphasizes that these frames are meticulously crafted to complement the diverse range of faces and personalities of its wearers, incorporating features such as broader nose bridges, longer temples for behind the ears, and larger lenses for those with high cheekbones, ensuring a comfortable and personalized fit. The Official by Vontélle collection comprises 15 frames that showcase vibrant, daring designs suitable for both men and women.

“We are passionate about making eyewear that’s both comfortable and stylish, while also bringing in colors and patterns that reflect our African, Caribbean, and Latin heritage,” said Nancey Harris, co-founder of Vontélle.

About Vontélle Eyewear

Vontélle was established in 2019 to meet the need for stylish eyewear that fits well. Every item and accessory is meticulously designed and crafted to honor African heritage, incorporating traditional colors and patterns that reflect the rich cultural influences of Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The patterns draw inspiration from various textiles and designs, including renowned materials like mud and kente cloth.

These unique designs empower individuals to embrace a cultural and global perspective when viewing the world. “Our products are meant to empower you to walk confidently in this world: at work, at play, for every occasion. Our commitment to celebratory ethnic eyewear fashion was born out of a need to create designs that are better fitting, durable, bold, and beautiful as eyewear is a medical necessity and worn daily.”