Collection: Morel

Morel has accompanied all the great eras of eyewear: from the steel wire rimmed frames of the early 20th century to the more modern designs of the 1960s to 1990s. Always seeking innovation, the company develops lightweight, comfortable and elegant solutions, while maintaining demanding manufacturing standards.

Founded in 1880 in the Jura region, the historic cradle of French eyewear, Morel is one of the few family-owned companies that remains independent. Its identity is based on a subtle balance between cutting-edge technology, understated design, and artisanal finishing. A philosophy that can be found in every pair of the brand's vintage pieces.

Vintage Morel frames from the 1970s to the 1990s are characterized by thin metal structures, often gold-plated, or acetate-metal combination frames. The shapes are mainly rectangular or panto, sometimes with a double bridge, in the technical spirit of precision optics. There are also full acetate frames in sober shades—tortoiseshell, matte black, translucent brown—with wide temples and riveted hinges. Sunglasses often feature gray or brown lenses with a uniform or gradient tint. The logo remains discreet, inscribed on the inside of the temple or in the form of an engraved stamp.

In 1985, Morel launched the Koali collection, named after a Polynesian flower, marking a turning point in the company's history: for the first time, a house brand was developed with its own identity, targeting a more creative and feminine audience. This segmentation model subsequently inspired other French brands to create differentiated collections. Some vintage Koali frames produced in the 1990s under the Morel umbrella are now sought after for their less conventional shapes and unusual shades.

Vintage Morel sunglasses offer a heritage interest for those interested in the history of French eyewear outside of the fashion world. Their Jura-based manufacturing, formal sobriety, and technical quality make them representative pieces of optical design from the 1970s to the 1990s. Little distributed outside of specialized channels, these glasses remain relatively rare on the second-hand market. They constitute a tangible testament to local industrial know-how, rooted in a territory and in the continuity of a family tradition.