Tracee Ellis Ross Unveils Eyewear Collection with Emmanuelle Khanh
Tim GunnFashion consultant and TV personality known for "Project Runway" and his ethos of "make it work."
Tracee Ellis Ross, the acclaimed actress and entrepreneur, has unveiled a captivating limited-edition eyewear collection in partnership with Emmanuelle Khanh, the distinguished French eyewear label. This collaboration seamlessly blends Ross's personal style, characterized by a fondness for dramatic, oversized frames, with Emmanuelle Khanh's renowned technical expertise and a shared appreciation for impactful design. The collection, featuring two unique frame styles, promises to offer fashion enthusiasts a fresh perspective on eyewear that is both expressive and meticulously crafted, marrying historical inspiration with contemporary trends.
The collection draws heavily from Ross's long-standing admiration for Emmanuelle Khanh, a brand she has frequently worn, showcasing its distinctive aesthetic on various high-profile occasions. Her genuine enthusiasm for bold and glamorous glasses, coupled with Emmanuelle Khanh's rich archives, provided fertile ground for creative director Eva Gaumé to develop frames that resonate with both past elegance and future vision. This partnership not only highlights Ross's influence in the fashion world but also reinforces Emmanuelle Khanh's legacy of innovative design, culminating in a series of eyewear pieces that are both iconic and deeply personal.
The "Freedom" and "Truth" Frames: A Fusion of Style and Function
The collection introduces two distinctive frame models: "Freedom" and "Truth," each designed to embody a unique aspect of style while maintaining practicality. The "Freedom" sunglasses, with their exaggerated mask-style silhouette, offer comprehensive coverage and a statement-making look. Available in a palette of sophisticated shades, including black, tortoiseshell, and deep red, these sunglasses emphasize the frame's bold proportions through their classic color choices. Ross herself highlights their practical yet dramatic appeal, making them suitable for everyday wear while exuding undeniable glamour.
Conversely, the "Truth" frames are optical glasses inspired by vintage aviator designs from the Emmanuelle Khanh archives. Ross praises the aviator style for its universal appeal and optimal vision capabilities, especially when fitted with prescription lenses. To infuse a sense of joy and vibrancy, these frames are offered in an array of lively colors such as bright green, cherry red, and lemon yellow, reflecting Ross's dynamic personality. Both models are meticulously handcrafted in France and Italy, a testament to the avant-garde fashion label's commitment to quality and its distinct French heritage.
French Heritage Meets Contemporary Fashion
The collaboration between Tracee Ellis Ross and Emmanuelle Khanh is deeply rooted in a mutual respect for French design principles and a forward-thinking approach to fashion. Ross's formative years spent in Paris profoundly influenced her personal style, which she describes as a 'quiet maximalism' characterized by unapologetic individuality and a bold use of accessories. This philosophy, emphasizing genderless and functional design, aligns perfectly with Emmanuelle Khanh's ethos, a brand founded in 1969 that continuously reinterprets its unique French identity.
The hand-craftsmanship employed in creating each pair of glasses underscores a dedication to superior quality and design integrity. This blend of Parisian chic with a contemporary sensibility ensures that the "Freedom" and "Truth" frames are not just eyewear but wearable art that transcends fleeting trends. The limited quantities of these models and their exclusive launch at select Webster stores and on EK.FR on April 7th further emphasize their unique and covetable nature, appealing to consumers who value craftsmanship, distinctive design, and a touch of dramatic flair in their accessories.

