French Kiwis
Collin Square Sunglasses
These Collin Square sunglasses from the Montreal French Kiwis label feature a Mazzucchelli Italian acetate frame in a translucent brown-olive finish with bluish-gray rectangular lenses. They provide 100% UV protection and have scratch-resistant lenses with an anti-reflective coating. Designed and assembled in Montreal, the sunglasses measure 52 mm eye width, 19 mm bridge, and 145 mm temples, and come with a designer box, rigid case, and cleaning cloth.
- Material
- Mazzucchelli Italian acetate
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing Accessories > Sunglasses
Color
Size
Specifications
Square sunglasses with 100% UV protection, made from Italian acetate with scratch-resistant lenses.
100% UV protection, scratch-resistant anti-reflective lenses, Italian acetate frame
- Material
- Mazzucchelli Italian acetate
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing Accessories > Sunglasses
Additional Attributes
- 100% UV protection
- Mazzucchelli Italian acetate frame
- scratch-resistant lenses with anti-reflective coating
- presented in a designer box
- rigid designer case and cleaning cloth included
- designed and assembled in Montreal
- square shape
- eye width 52mm
- bridge 19mm
- temples 145mm
Product Insights
The Collin Square Sunglasses from French Kiwis deliver high-end craftsmanship—hand-assembled in Montreal with German OBE hinges and Italian Mazzucchelli acetate—for $150 CAD, offering features typical of $280+ frames. They provide CR-39 lenses with 100% UV protection and scratch resistance, but are not polarized, trading glare reduction for optical clarity. The square shape flatters round and oval faces, while flexible 145mm temples and spring-loaded hinges ensure a durable fit for larger heads. The frame is prescription-ready and hypoallergenic, with rigid case and cloth included. The main tradeoff is the lack of stock polarization, though prescription lenses can add it.
- Lens quality
CR-39 lenses: less chromatic aberration, 100% UV block, scratch and impact resistant.
Why this is supported
The CR-39 material provides several optical and durability advantages. It introduces less chromatic aberration than polycarbonate, resulting in clearer vision with minimal color fringing:
CR-39 introduces less chromatic aberration than polycarbonate
How it stacks up against other Italian acetate sunglasses — cr_39_lens_materialThe lenses also provide full UV protection:
providing 100% UV protection.
What material are the lenses made of?They are factory-treated with scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings:
scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings
What material are the lenses made of?The CR-39 base is described as lightweight and impact-resistant, contributing to comfort and durability.
a lightweight and impact-resistant plastic
What material are the lenses made of?The material is also the industry standard for prescription lenses, adding future utility as a prescription frame.
the industry reference for prescription tints
How it stacks up against other Italian acetate sunglasses — cr_39_lens_materialFor the price of 150 CAD, the Collin Square delivers an optical platform that many sub-100 competitors cannot match.
- Polarization
Not polarized; does not reduce horizontal glare.
Why this is supported
The lenses are explicitly non-polarized, which means they will not reduce horizontal glare from surfaces like water, snow, or roads:
No, the Collin Square lenses are not polarized.
Are the lenses polarized?This is a clear trade-off for activities requiring glare reduction, such as driving or water sports.
- Prescription compatibility
Frame can be fitted with prescription lenses by an optician.
Why this is supported
The frame's standard dimensions and design allow prescription lens replacement:
Yes, the Collin Square frame can be fitted with prescription lenses by a qualified optician, as it uses a standard rectangular acetate design with common dimensions (52 mm eye width, 19 mm bridge). Most prescription lenses can be cut to fit frames like this one.
Can these sunglasses be fitted with prescription lenses?This gives the frame a second life as an everyday prescription sunglass.
- Fit
145mm temples with flexible hinges fit larger heads and retain shape
Why this is supported
The 145 mm temple length falls in the
141-150 mm
ray-baniconcard.comrange typical for large sizes, ensuring a comfortable over-ear fit for larger heads. OBE flexible hinges are described as
OBE flexible hinges for a secure fit
frenchkiwis.com, and they allow the temples to flex outward, reducing pressure points. Additionally, the acetate's
Higher elasticity, making frames more flexible and resistant to breakage.
eyewearglobo.comhelps the frame maintain its original alignment over years of use, preserving fit consistency.
- Face shape compatibility
Square form flatters round/oval faces; less ideal on angular ones
Why this is supported
The frame's strong brow line and square geometry are described on the brand site as adding structure to softer features. Specifically, professional guidance notes that
angular frames often add structure to softer features and create contrast with rounder face shapes.
warbyparker.comHowever, on already-angular square faces, the same design can exaggerate the jawline, making the frame a deliberate choice that flatters round or oval faces more than square ones.
- Durability
Spring-loaded OBE hinges resist over-extension and frame damage.
Why this is supported
The OBE flexible hinges are built to withstand over-extension, and the manufacturer states they
assure durability
frenchkiwis.com.
- Value
German OBE hinges, a $200+ frame feature, are included at $150 CAD.
Why this is supported
OBE is a German hinge specialist with over 50 years of expertise and 200 patents (
Innovation leader with 200 patents
obe.de). Hinges of this caliber are
typically found on frames above $200
How it stacks up against other Italian acetate sunglasses — obe_flexible_hinges, but the Collin Square includes them at $150 CAD,
. Combined with Mazzucchelli Italian acetate and Montreal assembly, this frame matches specs common in $300–500 frames.
- Build quality
Mazzucchelli acetate and OBE hinges, typically found in $280+ frames.
Why this is supported
The frame is made from Mazzucchelli Italian acetate, which is
When luxury brands like Oliver Peoples, Persol, or Lindberg specify Italian acetate, they are most often referring to Mazzucchelli sheets.
hmoptics.com. It also features OBE flexible hinges, described as
OBE flexible hinges enhance this comfort factor as well as assure durability.
frenchkiwis.com. The acetate is hypoallergenic and resistant to yellowing, with
Lower plasticizer content, making it more resistant to yellowing and warping over time.
eyewearglobo.comand
Non-toxic, hypoallergenic formulation, ensuring long-term comfort.
eyewearglobo.com. Mazzucchelli holds OEKO-TEX and bio-based certifications, and
FRENCH KIWIS employs 3 people.
exa.aiThe frame is hand-assembled in Montreal, reflecting
First Class Handmade Craftsmanship
frenchkiwis.com.
- Accessories
Rigid case and cleaning cloth included at no extra cost.
Why this is supported
The Collin comes with a rigid case and cleaning cloth, matching the packaging standard of other indie labels such as Amici, which states:
Every pair of amici’s comes with an embossed, vegan leather hard case and a microfibre cleaning cloth, all packed inside a 100% recycled cardboard flat-pack box.
amicieyewear.com- Craftsmanship
Hand-assembled by a 3-person studio in Montreal with German OBE hinges.
Why this is supported
The brand asserts
First Class Handmade Craftsmanship
frenchkiwis.comand labels it
Designed & Assembled In Montreal
frenchkiwis.com. The 3‑person studio
employs 3 people
exa.ai, and each frame integrates
OBE flexible hinges
frenchkiwis.comfor durability, confirming the individual attention and high‑end components of the atelier.
- Prescription readiness
Standard 52-19-145 frame with Italian acetate and OBE hinges fits Rx lenses at $150.
Why this is supported
The frame's standard 52-19-145 dimensions allow a qualified optician to mount most prescription lenses, as the brand confirms:
The 19 mm bridge width is recommended for higher nose bridges (18-21mm) per lensmartonline, and the 145 mm temples fall in the large head size range (141-150 mm) per Ray-Ban sizing guidelines. The frame uses Mazzucchelli acetate, which exhibits
Less shrinkage and warping compared to lower-quality acetates.
eyewearglobo.comensuring optical alignment, and is
Non-toxic, hypoallergenic formulation, ensuring long-term comfort.
eyewearglobo.comThe OBE flexible hinges
enhance this comfort factor as well as assure durability.
frenchkiwis.comand are
typically found on frames above $200
How it stacks up against other Italian acetate sunglasses — obe_flexible_hingesmaking this $150 frame a cost-effective choice. Hand-assembled in Montreal with
First Class Handmade Craftsmanship
frenchkiwis.comand includes a rigid case for lens protection. The temples are fixed at 145 mm but the OBE hinges provide adaptive flex. Overall, the components confirm the frame is well-suited for a prescription upgrade.
- Lens features
Stock lenses not polarized, AR coated; Rx lenses can add both.
Why this is supported
The Q&A confirms
No, the Collin Square lenses are not polarized.
Are the lenses polarized?However, they come with
scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings
What material are the lenses made of?as per the brand. Prescription lenses can be ordered with both polarization and AR coating as needed.
- Hypoallergenic
Mazzucchelli acetate frame is OEKO-TEX certified and uses pharmaceutical-grade cotton linter to prevent skin reactions.
Why this is supported
The frame's Mazzucchelli acetate is formulated with a cotton-linter base and reduced plasticizer load, making it non-irritating for sensitive skin.
Non-toxic, hypoallergenic formulation, ensuring long-term comfort.
eyewearglobo.comThis is backed by
Mazzucchelli uses pharmaceutical-grade cotton linter and rigorously controlled plasticizer formulations
scmcraft.comand the material carries OEKO-TEX certification, verifying its non-toxic status. The lower plasticizer content also directly reduces the risk of allergic contact reactions at nose and ear contact points.
- Case and cloth
Rigid designer case and cleaning cloth included at no extra cost
Why this is supported
The Collin Square arrives with a
rigid designer case and cleaning cloth at no extra cost
How it stacks up against other Italian acetate sunglasses — rigid_case_and_accessories, matching the packaging standard of indie labels like Amici, which ships
Every pair of amici’s comes with an embossed, vegan leather hard case and a microfibre cleaning cloth
amicieyewear.com. The brand’s claim of
First Class Handmade Craftsmanship
frenchkiwis.comaligns with the OBE flexible hinges that
assure durability
frenchkiwis.com.
- Local assembly
Designed and assembled in Montreal by a small boutique studio
Why this is supported
The sunglasses are
Designed & Assembled In Montreal
frenchkiwis.comby a small studio—the brand
employs 3 people
exa.ai—ensuring individual attention in packaging.
- Acetate quality
Italian Mazzucchelli acetate is hypoallergenic and fade-resistant, used by luxury brands like Persol.
Why this is supported
The frame uses Italian Mazzucchelli acetate. It has a
Non-toxic, hypoallergenic formulation
eyewearglobo.comand
Deep, rich colors that don’t fade over time
eyewearglobo.com. This material is specified by luxury brands like Oliver Peoples and Persol, with frames
range from approximately USD 250 to USD 500
haroeyewear.com.
The frame's Mazzucchelli acetate contains
Lower plasticizer content, making it more resistant to yellowing and warping over time.
eyewearglobo.comIt also
Less shrinkage and warping compared to lower-quality acetates.
eyewearglobo.comThe acetate's pharmaceutical-grade cotton linter base
Mazzucchelli uses pharmaceutical-grade cotton linter and rigorously controlled plasticizer formulations that produce sheets with deeper color saturation, more consistent pattern distribution and superior surface finish quality.
scmcraft.comIt holds
Mazzucchelli holds bio-based and OEKO-TEX certifications
scmcraft.comindicating controlled purity. Additionally,
When luxury brands like Oliver Peoples, Persol, or Lindberg specify Italian acetate, they are most often referring to Mazzucchelli sheets.
hmoptics.comMazzucchelli has been producing cellulose acetate for eyewear since 1849 (scmcraft.com) and is the same Italian sheet stock specified by Oliver Peoples, Persol, and DITA (eyewearglobo.com). The Collin Square uses this material, which commands a 15–25% sheet-cost premium typically reserved for frames above $300 retail (scmcraft.com).
The acetate's pharmaceutical-grade cotton linter and rigorous plasticizer control yield deeper color saturation and a three-dimensional gloss (scmcraft.com). Its hypoallergenic formulation ensures long-term comfort (eyewearglobo.com). Higher elasticity allows the frame to flex without snapping and resists warping (eyewearglobo.com). Lower plasticizer content makes it resistant to fading and yellowing over time (eyewearglobo.com). Additionally, Mazzucchelli holds bio-based and OEKO-TEX certifications (scmcraft.com, mazzucchelli1849.it).
Italian Mazzucchelli acetate carries two key certifications:
. Additionally, the acetate formulation is phthalate-free:
Phthalate plasticizer has been replaced by a proprietary plasticizing solution of vegetable origin.
mazzucchelli1849.it. It is also made from renewable fiber:
Mazzucchelli uses pharmaceutical-grade cotton linter
scmcraft.com, and is hypoallergenic:
Non-toxic, hypoallergenic formulation, ensuring long-term comfort.
eyewearglobo.com
Image Analysis
1 images- 01
Product
Three-quarter front view of a pair of square sunglasses with a translucent brown/olive glossy acetate frame and bluish-gray rectangular lenses; thick rims, prominent bridge and tapered temples with a small metallic logo accent near the hinge.
- Frame material and finishTranslucent brown-olive glossy acetate frame visible across rims, bridge and temples.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.36 · w 0.76 · h 0.42 (high) - Lens shape and colorFlat-front rectangular/square lenses with slightly rounded inner corners in a muted bluish-gray tint.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.42 · w 0.30 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.48 · y 0.42 · w 0.28 · h 0.27 (high) - Bridge and nose areaWide single-piece bridge integrated into the acetate frame with a shallow keyhole-like contour where the lenses meet.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.48 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high) - Temple designRelatively thick, straight temples tapering slightly toward the curved temple tips; same translucent material and finish as frame front.
2 regions
x 0.52 · y 0.40 · w 0.40 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.12 · y 0.30 · w 0.30 · h 0.19 (medium) - Hinge and accentSmall metallic inlay or logo composed of two small rectangular/round light-reflective elements near the outer front hinge on the right temple.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.46 · w 0.05 · h 0.04 (medium) - Finish and edge detailEdges of the frame are smooth and slightly faceted at corners, with internal darker inner rim visible through the translucent material.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.38 · w 0.60 · h 0.36 (high) - Small printed marking (illegible)Very small printed text on the outer side of the right temple close to the hinge; characters not legible at this resolution.Partial
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.45 · w 0.18 · h 0.06 (medium)
Other
Studio-style product shot on a light gray background showing a three-quarter front view of the sunglasses with a soft shadow beneath; even diffuse lighting highlights gloss and translucency.
- Shot compositionThree-quarter front perspective with the right temple angled toward the camera and the left temple extending back, product centered lower in the frame.
- Background and surfaceUniform light gray background and flat surface with a soft, diffuse shadow under the sunglasses.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - LightingSoft, even studio lighting producing subtle highlights along the top edges of the frame and gentle reflections on the lenses.
- ShadowSoft diffuse shadow directly beneath and slightly to the right of the sunglasses indicating a light source above and slightly left.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.66 · w 0.56 · h 0.20 (high)
Colors
translucent brown-olive· frame (rims, bridge, temples)#A58C6Cbluish gray· lenses#7C838Dsilver reflective· metallic hinge/logo accent#A4A3A2- Frame material and finishTranslucent brown-olive glossy acetate frame visible across rims, bridge and temples.