Creative Director, Founder and CEO of Krewe du Optic, Stirling Barrett started the successful eyewear company in 2013 with the ambitious goal of creating a fashion brand in his hometown of New Orleans. It has exceeded expectations and triumphed in a city that isn’t always known for its fashion scene. A former photographer, Barrett says he’s always “hustled” work-wise, and it has clearly paid off with the success of this company.
The company’s on-trend sunglasses and prescription eyewear have caught the attention of celebrities as well. “Beyoncé was the first celebrity to be spotted wearing them.”
He adds, “New Orleans was ready to have a brand like this.”
Since its inception, Krewe has opened five stores: two in its hometown, one in New York City and two that are mobile shops that make appearances at festivals and the like. The company also distributes its products to more than 5,000 stores through wholesale and will be opening up internationally next year.
Currently, the company is building a 15,000 square-foot warehouse in the Lower Garden District with plans to move in by November. “We are putting roots even further down,” says Barrett. “That’s really exciting.”
