Morning Vibes with Vintage-Style Shades in Nelson
Good morning from Nelson, NZ—sun’s blazing today! I’m buzzing to rock my new vintage-style sunglasses—snagged online for under $20. Ever wondered how they whip up these retro looks without landing in hot water for copying?
It’s pretty straightforward. Manufacturers tweak a design by 22.5%—that’s the magic number to dodge legal hassle. Thicker arms, wider frames—small stuff like that. Add it up to 22.5%, and they’re clear—no lawsuits, no drama.
That’s why you spot heaps of sunglasses riffing off old-school vibes—Wayfarers, Aviators, Lennon round frames. They grab a vintage base, twist it a bit, and churn out something fresh but familiar. Not straight rip-offs—close enough to feel retro though.
Now you’ve got copies of copies floating around—hard to pin down what’s truly original. Still, some classics hold strong—Wayfarers, Aviators, Cat-Eye sunglasses (mostly a women’s pick). They’re the ones that stick in your head.
So when you nab a $20 pair that screams designer but isn’t, this is why. Not exact matches—more like cousins of the old designs. They keep that vintage soul, look ace, and shield your eyes cheap—perfect for a sunny Nelson day like this!

Now read our blog-Why round sunglasses are hear to stay