Officially launched in 2012, Johnny Fly is a Charlotte-based optical brand with the goal of supplying ultra-stylish eyewear with something a little extra baked in. The company is known for taking classic shapes and silhouettes and putting a spin on them, notably with cutting-edge technology or a spruce of self-expression. Their refined approach to artistic utility comes at a time when sunglasses and prescription lenses are either too loud or frigidly stoic, and Johnny Fly achieves that sweet spot we’ve all been searching for in a favorite pair of sunny’s.
One of the best parts of a Johnny Fly frame is the familiarity that comes with classic style. Ask any fashion authority what always “works”, and they will tell you to look at the classics. Timeless design is eternal for a reason, and Johnny Fly supplies a suite of shapes that lean into category while dressing up their catalog with distinctly aerial interpretations. The LaForge Aviators, for instance, takes a notorious shape and reimagines the attitude. It’s like Tom Cruise in “Top Gun” but en route to the Carolinas for a balmy weekend poolside. Many of Johnny Fly’s eyewear are built with premium layered wood, like the LaForge Aviators, and exude a casual elegance that commands the day’s work (or leisure).
Much of this inspiration comes from the brand’s roots in Charlotte, which is known for its business and finance gardens. Despite the city’s position as a business market, Johnny Fly is more in sync with Charlotte’s thriving artist communities, which are incredibly supportive and accessible to all sorts of makers and craftspeople. This is where Johnny Fly retains homegrown authenticity, which directly steers their commitment to quality, function, and individuality. The brand opened their flagship retail space in the chic NoDa enclave of Charlotte in 2017, becoming a premiere space for growth and development within the community. The retail space allows consumers to interact with products, smell the leather bags, and provide critical feedback where necessary. It also provides the Johnny Fly team a chance to hear what the people want first-hand. Unsurprisingly, the consensus calls for longevity and freedom of self-expression.
The Johnny Fly treatment includes a double dose of durability, flexibility, and the latest and greatest in optical anatomy. Currently, that means nylon for lensing. The brand’s most recent collection, named the “Cosmic Collection”, is a good example of their use of nylon, which is found in all collections, into the design of four celestial frames that carry a strong gravitational pull. Polarized nylon is a unique material when applied to sunglasses, as nylon is a lighter alternative to conventional models. Because of this, nylon is more sustainable and reduces a carbon footprint, sewing clean design into its existing flexible, BPA-free make up. The “Cosmic Collection” also demonstrates the brand’s use of Italian acetate, which is a strong material for framing.
At its core, Johnny Fly is a tech-driven eyewear brand that is pioneering a frontier of optical panache with a purpose. Their extensive research behind new designs allows them to review what other cosmopolitan cities are experimenting with, like Tokyo or Berlin, and execute their own strategy to achieve unique results. More than anything, Johnny Fly is a lifestyle, seeking to inspire greater adventures beyond your peripheral vision.
