Ilori

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This upscale sunglasses retailer unveiled its flagship location in Soho in 2007. The gallery-like space displays 40 luxury lines, including niche brands like Alain Mikli, Kata, Sama, and Saki, as well as big names like Derek Lam and Proenza Schouler. Each pair of glasses rests in its own compartment on backlit shelving units, separated by glowing Art Deco designs. The shop sets itself apart from nearby competitors like Morgenthal Frederics and Silver Lining Opticians with its glamorous digs (“Would you care for a French chocolate while you browse?”) and limited-edition wares that incorporate unique materials like mixed acetate and metal, Swarovski crystals, pearls, studs, or feathers. Each pair is custom-sized and fitted, readied while you wait in one of the store’s plush burgundy armchairs. Rare designs are scattered throughout the store in glass cases and exhibited in the front window next to modern sculptures bearing fist-size eyeballs. But the main attraction is the assortment of unusual, form-bending styles, like a Fabien Baron pair with arms of twisted, interwoven wires, Kata’s whimsical, wavy frames, and Tiffany & Company’s glitzy versions with diamond decked cutouts at the temples. — Lauren Murrow

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Best of New York Awards

• "Best Sunglasses Store for Logo Lovers" (2009)