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Paris-born, London-educated, L.A.-based founder Sheila Vance started the company in 1998.
"From Tokyo to Paris, the selection was horrible." Vance set out to make frames that are technologically advanced, lightweight, durable—and, of course, cool-looking.
The designer spends several months each year in Japan, working on new technologies to incorporate. Past achievements: lightweight titanium frames, laser-etched detailing.
In a town where product placement is a way of life, Vance refuses to push her wares. "I have never called a stylist or agent in my life," she says. Does that mean customers like Brad Pitt, Kate Hudson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger and Kirsten Dunst paid…retail?
Sama was called upon to design the signature sunglasses for Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, which required, among other things, a design custom-fit to Arnold Schwarzenegger's face. "My hopes are that everybody feels the same way as Arnold when they wear them," Vance says. "He put them on and said, 'I wouldn't change a thing.'"
—Victoria Namkung
Sama Eyewear is available at Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue and at Sama in Milan. The new T3 collection ($175) hits stores this month.
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