Disclosure: Tart Optical was kind enough to supply The Peak Lapel with a heavily discounted pair of glasses for the purposes of this review.
Tart has started stocking more options and more sizes as their new orders are coming in from production. I was also given a 10% discount coupon code for readers of this site off any frames on their site. Just use code THEPEAKLAPEL2023 at checkout.
If you’ve seen photos of celebrities wearing glasses before, you’ve likely seen the Tart Optical Arnel eyeglasses frame before. They are one of, if not the single most famous eyeglasses frame ever produced. A similar frame was originally worn by James Dean (many people think it’s the same; it’s not as his was thinner and not made by Tart), and the style became instantly popularized. Tart Optical started producing their Arnel frame — inspired by Dean’s glasses of choice — but made several adjustments, including making the overall look chunkier, and creating a signature bridge shape, rivet design, and temple arm taper. In all, it was instantly a classic, and has forever remained quite sought after.
Naturally, many copycats emerged, including Moscot NYC’s Lemtosh (which many erroneously believe to be the creator of this frame design). And while Moscot’s frame is fine, it’s not quite as nice as the original, both in quality and in precise shape / balance. In addition to Moscot, many other brands have tried to duplicate this frame, or put their own spin on it, but none have perfectly captured the precise magic of the Tart frame. Indeed, Tart itself split into a US company and Julius Tart Optical which is the Japanese counterpart. We’ll take a look at all these frames and versions in subsequent reviews, but for now let’s focus on Tart Optical here in the US.
Fans of fine eyewear likely know that Tart Arnel frames have been quite difficult to get, with original vintage models listed in the thousands of dollars on eBay. Many will also likely also know that Tart Optical has existed here in the US for many years, but that heir frames were nothing of the original quality, and their customer service was so bad and scammy that the BBB ratings were abysmal.
BUT - this has all changed. Tart Optical was taken over by all new managements just a couple years ago and it is now a wonderful little company making truly fantastic frames, with superb customer service. If you have hesitated to order from Tart Optical in the past, there is nothing to worry about any longer. The new management has been digging up all eyeglasses specifications, and making all the classic Tart frames in their original glory, in as high a quality as possible.
This of course includes the original Arnel frame, which is available in multiple sizes and fits, and even their “Arnel 55” model which is a slightly different take on the same traditional frame. All of these glasses are beautifully designed, and perfectly proportionally balanced. They use 7-barrel hinges, and fine Italian acetate. The second you hold these frames in your hand you’ll understand why they cost about $500.
My personal favorites are, of course, the original Arnel (though I have a soft spot for their great FDR frame as well). The shape is perfect, and the color options and depth of the acetate is in a league beyond what you’d find in most glasses you’ve likely held before. There is heft to these frames without them feeling heavy on the face. My one complaint? They used to come in a size 48 in addition to the smaller 44 and 46 sizes. I have been assured the larger sizes are coming back, eventually, but there is no timeline as to when. The 46 works okay on my face, but my gut is that a 48 would look even better. (Though I am quite happy that they offer longer temple arms in general; another rare thing to see.)
And, by the way, even if you have no need for optical correction, all of these frames make truly incredible sunglasses, and all are available as such on their site as well. Indeed, like I said at the outset, if you’ve ever seen a celebrity wear a pair of sunglasses, there is a good chance it was an Arnel (or a similar copy).
Now, Tart’s website is a little rough — some might say quaint? — but what they lack in web design skills they more than make up for in wonderful-glasses-making skills. Tart Optical’s Arnel frame is a tried and true classic, and I am quite happy it is once again readily available here in the US. If you’re not sure which is best for you, order 2-3 pairs, and return the ones you don’t like. Their customer service is great, and they’ll help you get the best option for your face via email!
(Keep an eye out for more eyeglasses reviews of this sort coming soon!)