Authorized Shady Character Retailer
An authentic revival of the James Dean collection, licensed by the James Dean Estate. Every frame fully genuine, never a mass-market reproduction.
NYC's Largest Luxury Eyewear Collection
Shady Character
Shady Character was born in 1970s New York, founded by Linda Rae Tepper and Steve M Abrams of the Manhattan vintage shop The Ruby Slippers. Captivated by deadstock Tart Optical frames, they convinced the legendary maker to produce eyewear to their own spec, and their 1980s James Dean collection became one of the most storied releases in eyewear history. Today the collection returns, officially licensed by the James Dean Estate and handmade in Japan from Takiron cellulose acetate, including numbered James Dean Arnie box sets limited to 350 worldwide. Explore Shady Character sunglasses, optical frames, and collector sets at Visionary Optics.
7,000+
Frames Across 3 Locations
3
NYC Locations
35+
Years in Business
Filters
Shady Character Arnie 46-24 Optical
Sale price$550.00
2 colors available
Shady Character Arnie 44-22 Optical
Sale priceFrom $450.00
3 colors available
Shady Character James Dean Arnie Box Set 46-24
Sale price$1,100.00
2 colors available
Shady Character James Dean Arnie Box Set 46-22
Sale price$1,100.00
2 colors available
Shady Character James Dean Arnie Box Set 44-24
Sale price$1,100.00
2 colors available
Shady Character James Dean Arnie Box Set 44-22
Sale price$1,100.00
1 color available
Shady Character Arnie 46-22 Sunglasses
Sale price$495.00
3 colors available
Why Shady Character at Visionary Optics?
Shady Character began in 1970s New York, founded by Linda Rae Tepper and Steve M Abrams of the Manhattan vintage shop The Ruby Slippers. Their frames were made to spec by Tart Optical, the workshop behind some of the era's most enduring American shapes. The label built its name on a James Dean collection, and today's frames are a revival licensed by the James Dean Estate, faithful to originals that are now rare collector pieces.
Every frame is handmade in Japan from Takiron cellulose acetate. The signature James Dean sets pair the Arnie frame with a sun clip built from titanium with 16K gold plated hardware, and the sun styles are fitted with Shima Optics lenses. The Box Set and Clip Set are released as numbered editions of 350, each a complete presentation of the frame and its clip.
Visionary Optics stocks Shady Character across our three NYC locations. Visit any of our shops for an in-person fitting, where our opticians can pair your frame with ZEISS precision lenses, with in-stock styles available for same-day pickup.
The Visionary Optics Difference
New York Origin, Made in Japan
Born in 1970s New York at The Ruby Slippers with frames by Tart Optical, now handmade in Japan from Takiron cellulose acetate.
Numbered Editions and 16K Gold Clips
The James Dean Box Set and Clip Set are numbered editions of 350, pairing the Arnie frame with a titanium sun clip with 16K gold plated hardware and Shima Optics lenses.
Expert Shady Character Fitting
Our opticians know the line's acetate construction and clip system and pair each frame with ZEISS precision lenses, with in-stock styles available for same-day pickup.
Can't Decide? Visit Us.
Nothing beats trying frames in person. Visit any of our three NYC locations and let our experts help you find your perfect pair.