When Stirling Barrett founded New Orleans eyewear brand Krewe du optic in 2013 he was no stranger to drawing inspiration from his native city. In art school and beyond, Stirling created composite photo collages of New Orleans that mirrored the port city’s multicultural fabric.

Acting as creative director, Barrett designs each of the frames that Krewe sells out of their French Quarter flagship and various stockists. The durable Italian acetate shades come with handy suggestions based on face shape, and it’s no wonder the flattering goods have been spotted on the likes of celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Kendall Jenner.

Inside the airy flagship, Stirling and his team serve up Merchant espresso – a local favorite – and bright furniture extends that infamous Southern hospitality to the customer. Krewe takes its name from exuberant Mardi Gras paraders, and Stirling’s seemingly built a brand around being in a good mood.

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