The main goal of this post is that if someone is interested in the legendary Arnel-style eyeglass frames this can be a single resource for all the available options, with a quick summary of each, and links to read about each in more depth. Obviously, it’s not finished quite yet, but best to start with something! So, with that in mind, here you go…
Moscot Lemtosh: (Full Review Forthcoming) Perhaps the most famous current maker of this style frame, and erroneously credited with creating it by many. Cheaper build quality than most all the other options, but the most readily available. Comes in tons of colors and 4 different sizes, and is priced on the cheaper side for this style frame as well. If you see this style frame on the street, chances are it’s from Moscot. I find their bridge far too wide, and the overall shape of the frame not nearly as well-done as the competition.
Tart Arnel: (Full Review Here) The current US proprietors of the original vintage model. Their website is a disaster, but their customer service is much better nowadays. They hardly ever have any extensive stock, and their frames come in only a few colors and sizes right now. They don’t have a size 48 which would be best for most people in the US market, but have been told this is coming by the end of 2022. Quality is great, and their shape is quite good as well (and comes in a few slightly different styles and fits). Would perhaps be the top pick if they have full stock in all sizes.
Julius Tart AR: (Full Review Forthcoming) The Japanese counterpart to the US Tart Arnel. You would think these would be the exact same frame as the aforementioned, but it is actually not. It’s a bit thicker, the shape is different, and is offered in more sizes. I tend to prefer the look of these frames, and these are currently my number one pick for Arnel style frames. They’re a bit chunkier, are made in excellent quality, come in multiple bridge sizes, lots of colors, and I just think look the best, though that is personal preference. The problems? Well, they’re next to impossible to get here in the US (so good luck; they hardly seem interested in US distribution any time soon), and have only 145mm temple arms despite most competition offering 150mm or more (which is great for anyone with a larger head).
Vintage Tart Arnel: If you’re lucky you can find an actual vintage frame (sometimes even unworn/unused) on eBay or other such online markets. While if you truly want the “real thing” this is the way to go, there are a few reasons why I don’t like this avenue: (1) The vintage frames in solid colors, like brown, black, or tortoise, are obscenely expensive ($1,000 and up). (2) The quality is going to be worse than modern frames just due to how old they are; you will have to seriously baby them as they will be somewhat more fragile than new frames and can be broken easily during adjustments (3) They are almost impossible to find in larger sizes better for modern styles and American’s larger faces.
Etsy: Similarly, there are tons of sellers on Etsy that have cheap replicas of the “Johnny Depp style Arnel” frame. The issue is that they are just that: cheap replicas. They never get the shape quite right, sizing is weird, and while they might only cost you $50, they will look like it. Worth a shot, I guess, but don’t get your hopes up.
True Vintage Revival: (Full Review Here) An awesome Japanese eyewear brand that makes tons of modern takes on vintage designs in extremely high quality, hand-made frames. They have two offerings for the Arnel style, actually. One being the “Arnel” and the other being their “504”, the latter being 1mm thicker all around, but available in fewer sizes (but more colors). I like both of their offerings quite a bit, but I find them to not quite perfectly fit my face for one reason or another (their smaller sizes being a touch too small their largest size a smidge too big). They also tilt the lenses at an angle — it’s a Japanese thing, apparently, and not something that I prefer. The overall shape is, also, really really good but not quite perfect in their slightly modernized interpretation. But this is all super nitpicky. These are excellent frames and an awesome option. I explain how to order them in the full review linked above.
Dolabany: They have an “Arnold” model that does a really great job replicating the classic Tart style. It also comes in a ton of colors. The issues? They only offer a 46mm size (too small for many shoppers in the US), and are impossible to order online. On principle, they proudly and defiantly (and idiotically) refuse to sell their frames online, or in any retailer other than small eyeglass shops. I hear where they are coming from, but it’s… dumb in 2022. I have never held a pair in my hands, but am told they are solid quality. Good luck finding them though!
Cult Eyewear: (Full Review Forthcoming) These are not quite the Arnel shape, but the thinner, more historically-accurate-to-James-Dean style frames. The founders went through archives to perfectly replicate the frame that Dean wore, and did a stellar job. They come in a bunch of colors and sizes, and you can even custom order a pair to your exact size specifications. The quality is a step down from TVR or Julius Tart etc., but is still a high quality frame (TVR and Julius Tart are so well-made that even a step or two down are still excellent quality) and a slight step up from Moscot. I’m a big fan of these frames, but they don’t quite scratch the Arnel itch given their (intentionally) different style.
Old Focals: A supplier of movie props, they have their own interpretation of the Arnel frame. I have ordered it to give it a look, and was unimpressed. The shape is not great and doesn’t flatter the face as much as it should if done better, and the quality isn’t great either. I don’t think these are terrible, but I think you can do better. Still, at the price point, they might be the best option! (I have also heard they have a stock of genuine vintage Arnels which you can call and order if you’d like!)
If you know of any other options for this style frame please leave it in the comments and I will add it to the list and investigate further!