The launch of the new line fits into a recent period of expansion by Gorman, which opened its 16th store in Sydney's Strand Arcade last week, as well as its first South Australian outlet in Adelaide last month.
The new range, made up of eight sunglass styles, is set to debut across all Gorman stores nationally by October 7 and will also be sold via the brand's online shop, which is currently undergoing a refresh and will relaunch in August.
The hand-made collection incorporates three main lens shapes, in key shades of red-orange, and will retail for approximately $200. Selected styles will also feature detailing using a layered resin technique.
Founder Lisa Gorman credited the addition of the new category to Gorman's recent retail expansion, and said both activities are part of a broader expansion plan for the brand.
“The decision to expand the brand has been there for some years now, so we're just following through with the plan, pretty much as we wanted to with regard to where we are placed and the number of stores we have,” she said.
“In terms of the new line, we've been buying eyewear for quite some time, six years or so, and it's always done quite well, but we felt we were at the stage now where we could do our own product because we've got enough retail outlets to be able to produce the minimum profit that you need to commence with any category.”
However, Gorman said the brand would be taking a break in regards to retail outlets, following a busy first half of the year.
“There are no new retail stores in the pipeline at the moment. That's not to say there won't be more, but we feel for now that we have the main shopping locations covered,” she said.
Daniela Aroche