You know that feeling you get when you get something in your hand that is really just so well crafted that you have to take a moment, well that pretty much sums up every piece of eyewear from Article One. Their new collab with one of our perennial favorites, Ciele, is one of our latest favorites. The design is a mix of modern and retro and the quality and precision with which they are made is really second to none. Whether you choose to wear them to run or out on the town, you will not be disappointed.
Quick Details and Specs
- GTGlass frames are made from TR90 polymer plastic which stands up to all temperatures.
- Silicon nose pads hold it in place and contain a wire skeleton so you can squeeze it down during a workout.
- Lenses are Italian made Divel CR-39 Polarized lenses that block UVA/UVB.
- Retails at $275.00 USD and available direct from Article One.
- Comes in 3 colors – Red Rocks (Red), Whitaker (Black), Wallace Intl (Off White/Yellow).
- Comes with a lifetime warranty, as do all their products.
A Brief History of Article One
Article One has always had the goal to produce eyewear that stands the test of time. They make things you want to hold and to hold onto. They do not make throwaway running sunglasses, instead, they produce works of art you will want to take care of. All their frames are made in a small village in Northern Italy in family-owned factories and their makers’ video “Labor of Love” really tells the story best. Just know what you are getting is something that was built with passion and not something to be taken lightly.
A Labor of Love from Tyler Haft on Vimeo.
Materials and Finish
The Article One X Ciele eyewear uses their GTGlass which is made from a TR90 polymer plastic material. This allows them to stand up to varying temperatures without losing shape. They can also take a beating and clean up really nicely. Internal to the frames is a wire-based skeleton that runs the core of the frame. This allows them to squeeze tight during workouts and then flex a bit when you are done or are wearing them casually. The arms are also attached with multi-directional spring hinges so they can handle a variety of face widths and the constant on and off. Silicon nose pieces have been added which you can use to squeeze tight against the nose or loosen depending on feel.
Ciele bridge details The spring arms The neck strap on The neck strap off
As we move to the lenses, we find their Italian-made Divel CR-39 polarized lenses. These block 100% of all UVA and UVB rays. They also help with glare issues and then internally they added another anti-reflective coating which eliminates interior bounce back issues. To finish it off, they have included an easily removable retainer neck strap that can cinch against the back of the head. Lastly, a final touch is their hard case which keeps it all safe.
Fit and Run Test
ArticleOne Ciele 20
Our first thought was really, we cannot run in something as beautiful as this but run we did. The glasses are definitely a bit heavy, but when you cinch them down with the included strap, they hold tight to your head. They do not flinch at all and boy do they look good. Glare is handled really well and honestly just not a lot to complain about. They are definitely going to feel a lot different from what you have used before simply because they are just much higher quality than what you probably have purchased prior. Do not let this deceive you, they get the job done just fine.
Overall Conclusion
Without a doubt, Article One has an amazing story and a dedication to producing high-quality eyewear. The Ciele collaboration seems like a perfect fit bringing together two companies with a focus on aesthetics and performance. The outcome is the Article One X Ciele GTGlass and at first glance, they seem like something you want to dress up more than hit the road and trails in, but once you cinch that rear strap down they do not back down. The look is solid, the build is phenomenal, and while the price is high, these are really something that will last you and will feel and perform fresh every time you reach for them.