At Queen of Specs, founder Steph Kersey-Lane is on a mission to bring stylish, sustainable eyewear to everyone. Based just outside of Cheltenham, Queen of Specs is a carefully curated collection of vintage, preloved, and sustainably sourced designer glasses and sunglasses—perfect for those who care about both quality and the planet.
"I've been surrounded by glasses and sunglasses my whole life," Steph shares. "My dad (Phil) has been an optician for over 50 years, and I used to love visiting trade fairs with him, and also trying on endless pairs from his vintage collection." This passion for a sustainable option for eyewear led her to create Queen of Specs, where she curates unique, handpicked frames to suit every style, whether you need prescription lenses or not. If you need prescription lenses then Phil is always happy to discuss your specific options.
Just like fashion houses, eyewear brands release new designs throughout the year, but unsold stock often ends up in storage—or worse, in landfills. On top of that, a staggering 1.6 million pairs of old glasses are thrown away each year. The impact on the environment? Not great.
That’s where Queen of Specs comes in. Steph rescues "deadstock" (new but unsold) frames and lovingly restores preloved, secondhand frames by hand. "Every pair that comes to us goes through a rigorous reconditioning process—we ultrasonically clean them, replace any broken parts, and fit them with your prescription or tinted lenses if needed. There's something so special about giving a forgotten pair of glasses a brand-new life."
Finding the right frames can be tricky, which is why Steph and Phil are always on hand to help. "A lot of our customers ask for advice on what suits them, so we created an Eyewear Style Guide. I love chatting with people about their style and lens options—it’s amazing to see someone light up when they find their perfect pair. And with so many of us spending more time on video calls, why not make a statement with your eyewear?"
Whether you’re looking for vintage, preloved, or sustainable glasses or sunglasses, Steph would love to help you find the perfect fit. "I’m so passionate about what we do," she says. "Sustainable fashion and eyewear go hand in hand, and I can’t wait to share that passion with you!"