Selima Optique And Zankov Launch Capsule Sunglass Collaboration

According to social media (and many Gen X and Boomers who live here), there is a yearning for the glory days of old New York. In the bygone era, many attributes were the sort of magical connections that took place in IRL and were not masterminded in boardrooms or via digital platforms. Instead, these kismet moments happened when creative worlds collided while out and about, most likely in New York’s social scene. A meeting such as this was the genesis for a new eyewear collaboration between Selima Optique and ZANKOV.

That’s how the collaboration between these two creatives happened. It was while both were dining at the classic eatery Il Buco, a NoHo staple since 1994 and just down the street from Selima Optique, which opened in 1993. The eyewear institution Selima Salaun is also a bit of a NoHo fixture, and spotted Henry Zankov dining in the restaurant. Curious by nature, the optical entrepreneur approached the fashion designer she had seen around town and introduced herself. It turned out that Zankov was also a fan of Selima’s work. The bond over the mutual love of fashion was instant. Several chance meetings followed; thus, the pair was certain it was fate that they collaborate creatively.

The result is a three-style limited-edition capsule sunglass collection that “celebrates the intersection of bold design and effortless elegance, an embodiment of the spirit shared by both,” according to a release. The styles debuted with the Spring 2025 ZANKOV collection and hit retail distribution this week.

From a starting point of styles core to Selima Optique’s oeuvre—the Aleksandr, a bold square acetate frame with dynamic color contrasts between the face and arms; the Toni, an aviator style with a lightweight metal frame, inspired by the eyewear worn by Italian police in the 1970s and the Carolyn, a minimalist classic inspired by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy—Zankov applied his strong color combos in bright hues to the frames. This is especially prominent in the Aleksandr and Carolyn styles, which demonstrate Zankov’s bold color aesthetic. Nary, a pair of black frames is found in this collection. Instead, frames in hues such as red and lavender, navy, royal blue and Electric yellow, Carrot orange, and Capri Blue prevail.

The sunglasses are available at Bergdorf Goodman and Selima Optique. The duo hosted a party at Selima Optique at 7 Bond Street to fete the new partnership.