If you’ve been following both local and South Korean stars on Instagram, you’ve likely caught wind of Gentle Monster, the eyewear brand behind those huge black sunglasses Son Ye Jin wore on the smash-hit k-drama Crash Landing on You. Also, none other than Jennie of BLACKPINK rolled out three collabs with them since April 2020, and remains a continuous collaborator and ambassador.
The celebrity power is hardly the most interesting thing about Gentle Monster, though. It’s an exciting, highly conceptual brand that’s big on theatrics, which sets it apart from other huge players that also distribute optical wear. In 2017, the otherworldly Tilda Swinton, another collaborator, appeared in a campaign of theirs that was more of a metaphor-driven short film. Gentle Monster’s Instagram page is lusciously absurd, brimming with dizzying layouts that feature peculiar imagery, ranging from the baroque to the futuristic to the alien. With the vibrant visuals they’re constantly pushing, Gentle Monster’s meta branding seems to invite a new way of seeing.
What is Gentle Monster?
Founded in 2011 by Hankook Kim, Gentle Monster is a South Korean eyewear brand known for their modish designs that are equal parts modern classic and retro-futuristic. They offer everything from Anna Wintour-esque sunglasses to experimental frames made of mock pencils and matches. The silhouettes are timeless, but have a unique spunk about them.
Is Gentle Monster a good brand?
All of Gentle Monster's metal frames are made in Korea, while all acetate frames are carefully crafted in China. They offer both decorative sunglasses and frames for prescription glasses. This is a good brand if you are looking to collect high-quality, impactful pieces that you can eventually build into a stylish collection.
The brand is also trusted by countless celebrities who have served as collaborators, endorsers, and ambassadors. They have flagship stores across South Korea, China, as well as in BGC, Taguig.
What are some of the best Gentle Monster glasses?
If you’re looking to invest in some pieces, we’ve rounded up five fetching picks from the brand. In store are tinted glasses, subtle statement frames and lenses that are still in stock as of writing.
1. Reme 032(B)
The Reme features thin, gold rims in a squarish shape. Light cyan-tinted lenses are reminiscent of the surface of a swimming pool, which make this pair perfect for summer. It's a statement pair without being bulky or gaudy. This design also comes in a variety of tints, including rose, light gray, and dark gray.
Reme 032(B), P13,700, GENTLE MONSTER, gentlemonster.com
2. Linda YC2
Citrus colors are definitely vogue right now, and you can never go wrong with investing in a bright piece that can salvage even the plainest outfit. The Linda YC2 will make you stand out in a crowd in the best possible way. The Linda also comes in hazel, watermelon, and black.
Linda YC2, P14,140, GENTLE MONSTER, gentlemonster.com
3. Koki BC1
The Koki is a two-tone cat eye frame that befits the glare of 90s runway models. It's sleek, moody, and fun all at once. This design also comes in a banana yellow and brown duo.
Koki BC1, $280 (approximately P16,397.64), GENTLE MONSTER, gentlemonster.com
4. Her 01
The Her 01 is arguably one of Gentle Monster's most popular designs, after its appearance in K-dramas. A handful of local celebrities own it as well. It's obvious why this is such a crowd favorite: It's the perfect iteration of the black oversized pair of sunglasses that has been a fashion staple since time immemorial.
Her 01, P13,650, GENTLE MONSTER, gentlemonster.com
5. Solbei BRC2
A barely-there pair, the nude Solbei BRC2 will be the perfect non-intrusive accessory for any outfit. It's transparent enough to wear on days when you want to show off your eye makeup, but defined enough to still make a statement. This design also comes in black, dark brown, and red violet.
Solbei BRC2, SGD 396 (approximately P17,178.62), GENTLE MONSTER, gentlemonster.com
How much are Gentle Monster glasses?
A pair of sunglasses will set you back between P12,670 to P21,000. Most pairs fall in the P12,670 to P15,000 range. The tinted lenses with thinner, more delicate frames have a higher price point than the wide-rimmed black pieces.
Are Gentle Monster glasses worth it?
Gentle Monster is making waves in retail for their unorthodox brand execution. If you are inclined to invest in a brand that goes about their business in an art-focused way, then Gentle Monster might be for you. All their stores resemble art installations, and they seem to treat their products as components in an interactive art work. The brand evidently invests a great deal of thought and emotion into their products, making each pair of Gentle Monster glasses worth their price.
Where can I buy Gentle Monster frames?
Given its high demand and cult-like following among Filipino clientele, Gentle Monster finally set up its first physical flagship store in the Philippines last October 2023. Fans of the South Korean eyewear brand can now make their way to 5th avenue, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig to shop their latest and trans-seasonal pieces.
How are style stars wearing their Gentle Monster frames?
1. Sarah Lahbati rocks her sunnies in a casual daytime look featuring a white crop top and tattered denim shorts.
2. Michelle Dy is perfecting minimaist chic with a taupe tube top, assorted golden earrings, and black HER 01 sunglasses.
3. Chie Filomeno is beach-ready in a white tube top and assorted earrings.
4. Jessy Mendiola wears a dainty pendant necklace and a smocked tube top with daisy prints, and Her 01 sunnies.
5. Anne Curtis perfects the errands-day look in a striped knit longsleeved top and black sunglasses.
6. Blue is Jennie's color of the day! The rims of her sunglasses match her manicure, making for a cohesive look.
8. Rei Germar wears a green bikini with black narrow sunglasses.
9. Renee de Guzman wears her tortoiseshell pair with a crossbody bag, dark trousers, and a constrast-stitch top.
10. Heart Evangelista adds an avant-garde touch to her Parisian OOTD with the Maison Margiela x Gentle Monster wraparound frames.
11. Kyline Alcantara keeps it light and youthful with her pink tube dress, along with the Y2K-esque Glitter 02 frames from the Jentle Salon collection.
12. Dressed in a light blue ensemble, fashion influencer David Guison pulls the preppy look together with black, square-framed specs from Gentle Monster.
13. Celebrity photographer BJ Pascual teams a pair of gray Maison Margiela x Gentle Monster frames with a matching laced gray top, layered underneath a black suit set.
14. Ida Anduyan injects a subtle hint of color to her all-black ensemble with rose-tinted aviator specs from Gentle Monster.
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