My style is my own. Depending on the day, about one third of my 5 foot, 3 inch frame floats between the 1950′s and the 1980′s, while the rest of me, though I’m never afraid to cram my foot into a pair of stilettos, is into the male aesthetic: oversized t-shirts, loose-fitting jeans, limited edition high-tops, and anything similar. I’m the type of shopper who only hesitates when buying a piece of clothing or footwear for fear that someone else already owns what I want to buy. And, if I do choose to buy an item that I know has already been (or could potentially be) in heavy circulation, you can bet your bottom dollar that I will physically alter that item in some way to make it my own.

So, if you covet the original, the individualistic, the glamorous, the artistic, and the exclusive, take note of the following two words: MERCURA Eye-wear.

Here’s the rundown:

MERCURA: Trade name in use by Mercura sunglasses. Signature eye-wear designed and sculpted by acclaimed jewelry designers Merrilee Lichtenstein Cohen and Rachel Cohen-Lunning in limited editions.

Celebrities that have worn MERCURA eye-wear: Cher. Grace Jones. Drew Barrymore. Candice Bergen. Kathleen Turner. Debbie Gibson. Goldie Hawn. Naomi Campbell. Danielle Steele. Ivana Trump. Joan Collins. Geena Davis. Madonna. Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Sharon Stone. David Bowie. Barbra Streisand. Nancy Glass. Tia Carrere. Paula Abdul. New Kids on the Block. Cindy Crawford. Elton John. Kelly LeBrock. Lil Kim. Iman

So, to those who still find their brand unfamiliar, get familiar.

From the 1970′s to the present, Mercura has consistently gone against the grain to create “Art to wear” fashions for those who aren’t afraid to stand out and be an individual.

Movie stars loved them, conservatives feared them, adventurers craved them, fellow artists applauded them… and in 2008, the works of MERCURA are made in limited editions moving full speed into our culture to meet the demands of the individualist.
~Mercura press release

Though their work was originally built for the “strong, well-exercised woman of the new millenium,” Mercura designers Merrilee and Rachel Cohen have found their eyewear to be gender-nonspecific, as men are equally intrigued by their craft.

All eyewear is handmade to order as a means to preserve that which the brand is dedicated to: originality.

Turn your person into a personality. Only if you dare, that is.

For more information on Mercura eyewear, contact mercurany@aol.com

Want to know more about Mercura? Stay tuned for an exclusive Hello Beautiful Q&A!

All photographs by Eric Martin
Models provided by Hilory Beckford Management