Petite fit clothing and specialized shoe widths (Narrow/regular/Wide) are nothing new. We can tailor clothing to fit our bodies because we understand the power of proportion. The make-up industry has been making headlines for shade inclusivity, and hats come in measured sizes in 1/8^th inch increments. But – what kind of sizing do we have for what we wear on our FACE?!

In the world of fashion, fit is everything. Yet, for those with smaller faces, finding sunglasses that fit well and look stylish has always been a challenge. Most sunglasses brands have a “one size fits all” mentality, which leaves the subset of the market with small heads and narrow face shapes (about 7% of the market) walking around looking like a bug and struggling to wear sunglasses that are far too wide and sliding down their face.

Enter Memorí, the brainchild of a visionary female founder who is determined to change the landscape of eyewear. With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and inclusivity, Memorí is not just another sunglasses brand; it's a revolution in fit and style.

A Visionary Beginning

Meet Kari Dowiak, the founder of Memorí. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she did not grow up knowing she would go on to be one of the very few women in the USA to own a sunglasses brand. With a degree in fashion merchandising and international business from Kent State University, and experience as a fashion design student, she first started her professional career as a Fashion Buyer and Merchant. She has worked in CPG, Health & Beauty, Sports Licensing, Activewear, and Men’s small leather goods.

Before starting Memorí, Kari worked as a Buyer for men’s accessories (SLGs) at a major USA-based retailer in New York City. During this time, she collaborated with renowned brands such as Nike, Adidas, Levi's, and Calvin Klein, designing exclusive merchandise for in-store assortments. This experience of bringing designs to life is what makes her uniquely qualified to lead Memorí. "It's nothing new to me to leverage partnerships to bring a design to life," she says. "This experience was critical in building Memorí."

"I’ve always struggled to find sunglasses that fit my face," Kari explains. "They were always too big, and none of the brands on the market met my requirements for fit, quality, design, and responsibility. I knew there had to be a better way."

Photo Above: Founder, Kari Dowiak, wearing normal size sunglasses ("Before") vs. Memorí small fit cat eye sunglasses ("After"). 

The Birth of Memorí

With this frustration as a driving force, Kari set out to create a brand that would cater specifically to men and women with smaller faces. Memorí was born from a desire to provide high-quality, elegant sunglasses that fit perfectly and were made by proud artisans, backed by generations of knowledge and pride in their craft. All sunglasses are 100% handmade in Italy using Italian materials, with cases handmade in Mexico from some of the world’s best leather craftsmen.

"I wanted to create a brand that reflects my values and those of my customers: art and craftsmanship over mass production," she says. "Every frame is made the old-fashioned way, by hand, to last a lifetime."

Breaking New Ground

Memorí is the only brand in the world 100% dedicated to crafting the perfect fit for smaller faces, an often-overlooked segment by mainstream brands. "People with average-sized faces can wear almost any other brand," she notes. "I’m designing for those who struggle to find the right fit and want the ease of knowing everything at Memorí is designed with their specific features in mind."

Memorí’s commitment to size inclusivity and sustainability has made it a standout in the segment of up & coming fashion brands. Memorí’s mission is to embrace individuality and cater to the unique needs of customers who need a smaller than average fit. This dedication extends to responsible sourcing practices, ensuring that every product not only fits well but is also ethically made, and the ultra-small-batch production runs, usually of about only 40pcs per style, deliver a level of rarity that mainstream brands simply cannot compete with.

Photo Above: Kari visiting the eyewear factory in Italy

The Future of Sunglasses

Kari’s vision for Memorí goes beyond just creating beautiful sunglasses. She hopes to end the frustration of finding elegant, high-quality options for those with smaller faces. "I want people to feel the confidence that comes with the perfect pair of sunglasses," she says. "To wear them during some of the best moments of their lives and to make great memories in them."

Kari is proud to be a female founder who values small businesses and artisans over massive conglomerates. "Just Google 'Luxottica,'" she laughs, referencing the eyewear giant. "We’re doing the exact opposite. Our suppliers believe in what we believe: art and craftsmanship trump mass production every time."

Why Memorí?

• Female Founded Sustainable Brand: At a time when sustainability is more important than ever, Memorí stands out for its commitment to responsible sourcing and high-quality, handmade products.
• Italian Eyewear Factory: Solar powered
• Acetate: Cellulose based (cotton & wood pulp) vs. traditional petrol based
• Leather: (for sunglasses cases) is byproduct of meat industry
• Slow Fashion: limited production reduces waste & encourages consumers to treat them well, for they cannot be rebought.
• Size Inclusive Sunglasses: The ONLY brand 100% focused on small fit.  Made for people sick of feeling like a “bug” in sunglasses or having sunglasses fall off of their face.
• Unique Designs: Each pair of Memorí sunglasses is an original design, 100% handcrafted in Italy

Memorí is not just about sunglasses; it's about celebrating the simple things, enjoying life, and making memories. "Life is short," Kari says. "Enjoy the small moments, take risks, and make your dreams come true. One day, only memories will remain – make them good."

Join the Movement

Kari and Memorí are here to change the way you see the world – one perfectly fitting pair of sunglasses at a time.

Memorí is currently shipping  their sunglass collection nationwide, with free shipping and free returns. Follow us on social media for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes looks at how we’re bringing our vision to life.