Freda Banana is a unique eyewear brand that was created in New York in 2012 by founder and creative director Alexia Jane Hebet.  It quickly became a recognised brand worn by stylish girls on both sides of the Atlantic.

The main inspiration for the funky and original shades came from Alexia's trip to Burning Man where one of the "Ten Commandments" of the desert festival is 'radical self expression'. Frēda Banana captures that ethos very well, as all the sunglasses have a one of a kind design and are hand made by the creator herself. Each frame is handmade in Greece and embellished in her studio in Notting Hill. It can take a few hours to create a pair, depending on the complexity of the design but each pearl is meticulously glued on, one by one. 

Today we feature the Freda Banana limited collection in collaboration with another brand we absolutely love ekat, who together have conceptualized the "Bowie" design just in time for summer. 

What are your greatest inspirations Alexia?

Underground Pop-art, living in New York City  for 6 years I’ve been feeling the Studio 54 waves all over the streets of the city, I was meant to live in this era. 

Fashion Icons? 

Grace Jones and Thierry Mugler.  Both are pioneers in the avant garde movement. 

Favorite websites or amazing social media handles you follow?

• I’m addicted to Facebook and it's bad...

• For inspiration I love themanrepeller.com and Moda Operandi for new trends.

And anything else you would like to share?

Yes, I love you Leila <3

I love you Alexia and I can't get over how cool Freda Banana is, everyone needs to get their pair. x Leila