Barrel & Drum goes back to basics with eco-friendly sunglasses

Who says fashion can’t be eco-friendly?

With the fashion industry slowly shifting towards sustainability and ethical consumerism on the rise, up-and-coming designers and brands have responded with their own take on the trend.

As the environmental movement takes on the Middle East, Bahraini designer eyewear line, Barrel & Drum, is bringing a fresh and contemporary eye wear alternative to the region that is as sustainable as it is stylish.

Priding themselves as “a brand that goes back to basics,” Barrel & Drum’s debut collection of wooden sunglasses are made out of high quality, eco-friendly materials including bamboo and natural wood. Their desire to break out of the mold and allow people to express their individuality led to the launch of a chic yet vibrant brand that strips back “the pseudo-glamour and grandeur of designer eyewear to create pieces that are grounded, natural, yet utterly stylish.”

“I personally love wooden eyewear because it’s such a breath of fresh air – it’s so different compared to the run-of-the-mill Ray-Bans we’re used to seeing everywhere,” said Wafa Al Obaidat, creative director of Barrel & Drum. “I think it’s a trend because they’re durable, hypoallergenic, and unique in addition to being eco-friendly. I think the Middle East and the GCC are ready for this trend as wooden eyewear fits in seamlessly with the casual chic style we tend to take on here.”

Launched in November 2014, Al Obaidat says the brand’s name stems from Bahrain’s reliance on the oil barrel. Drum, which also means barrel in Arabic, was a subtle way to introduce the country’s history, culture and heritage to the brand without being too obvious.

With minimalist designs repurposed with signature wooden frames, the Classic Collection includes extremely versatile and durable styles using high-quality, repurposed and comfortable wood including Black Sandal Wayfarer, Bamboo Wayfarer, Zebra Wood, Ebony Wood Metal Rimless and Ebony Wood Rims.

“Sustainability is arguably one of fashion’s biggest trends of the moment,” said Al Obaidat. “Even the major fashion houses like Gucci and Stella McCartney have started catering to customers who prefer eco-friendly fashion. I think this has a lot to do with the education and environmental awareness of consumers nowadays who are much more savvy.”

Their stylish shades are already stocked in boutiques across the GCC including Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and the UAE.

By launching a eco-friendly brand in a region that is home to one of the top global markets for luxury spending, B&D strikes a delicate balance between design, fashion and sustainability, proving that luxury brands can make a fashion statement as well as take an environmentally responsible stand.

“Designed with contemporary and simplistic sensibility – Barrel and Drum can be worn by people from all walks of life who seek to do things a little differently,” said Al Obaidat.

And if their debut collection is any indication, anyone who wears a pair of these sunnies is bound to leave both a social, fashionable and eco-friendly mark.