Verve and Beauty

Globally respected for their beauty and quality of craftsmanship, the RAPP family’s limited-edition collections of hand-made eyewear are sold at a select few boutiques throughout the world, as well as our own shop in Toronto.

History

The shop ‘RAPP OPTICAL’ was established in 1983 as high-end retail optical dispensary in Toronto Canada, but quickly turned to frame design and manufacturing, with the NEW brand creation of ‘‘RAPP EYEWEAR’’.

Country-of-Origin became an extremely important source of cultural pride for us, because frames which are fabricated in our country represent a living narrative of identity, history, and proof of existance.

We offer audacious shapes and strikingly beautiful colors of satin-finish acetate. Together with brushed raw titanium temples, our frames create a distinctly original look.

Each new RAPP EYEWEAR collection is a limited edition, and the frames are designed, machined and assembled in-house in our factory in Toronto, by our artisinal team of dedicated staff.

RAPP EYEWEAR exhibits annually at international fashion optical tradeshows, and these collections are featured in a select number of hand-picked optical shops throughout the world.

Since our inception, an eccentric sensibility has influenced the aesthetic direction of our design and brand.

RAPP FRAMES have a signature look, making the frames instantly recognizable without visible insignias and logos. Notable wearers of RAPP EYEWEAR are musicians Sir Elton John, Questlove, and visual artist David Hockney.

We are an independent retailer and Manufacturer of HANDMADE EYEWEAR. RAPP specializes in designing and fabricating limited collections of beautiful, hand-made eyewear, which are custom-made for a small number of discerning optical clients throughout the world.

In order to ensure exclusivity, the frames are individually fabricated, and are manufactured from a very large palette of custom colours, in limited runs. Those who purchase our frames are in a unique position to be wearing a truly limited-edition handmade piece. We do not mass-produce.

The main reasons that we have decided to offer our collection in this way is to keep true to the notion of individual identity, and to allow the consumer to select eyewear which is genuinely unique in a world of mass produced optics. The Rapp Optical team utilizes its years of ability, know-how, specialized knowledge, and practical expertise. This team brings a multitude of skills and wide range of talent to the table: licensed opticians. trained jewellers, curatorial science, and literature. Rapp designs have a distinctive and innovative look that has appealed to clientele in the Rapp Optical retail venue. Research and development by Rapp into new techniques and designs continually further the pioneering attributes of our eyewear products.

  • “I purchased a set of frames from Rapp a few years ago. I live in Vancouver and was in Toronto for only a few days for business. I had been casually looking for new frames in Vancouver for about a year with no luck, and then I walked into this store on College St. The salesperson had some great suggestions, showing me maybe 20-30 frames. I really liked 2 or 3 of them, and eventually settled on a set of their in-house Rapp frames. That was an overall great experience,”

    Harper S. Vancouver BC

  • “Rapp carries a wide, and well curated, selection of cool and well made frames. As other reviewers have noted, there's plenty of over the top frames that I don't think anyone would actually wear. They also carry more basic frames, though, and everything in between. One of the best parts about Rapp is the staff. They're super cool and unbelievably good at picking out frames that suit your style and your face. They tend to start by picking out a diverse selection of frames for you to try on, then they'll narrow that down as they get an idea of what you're looking for. I ended up with a pair of glasses that wasn't just functional but fun.
    Mel Rapp also knows the technical side of glasses and lenses better than most. If you have a really complicated prescription he's the guy to talk to.”

    Matt S. Seattle, United States

  • “After being overwhelmed by the choices when purchasing a new pair of glasses and none of them really having the wow factor,  I was told to go to Rapp Optical. And am I glad I did. Julia gave me a completely stress free, professional, seamless experience with delivery of the WOW factor.
    My frames are unique and fabulous. The lenses amazing.
    All in all I would highly recommend Rapp Optical for a first class experience.”

    Annabel M. Toronto. ON

  • I have been buying glasses at Rapp for many years and keep on going back whenever I need new ones. I love this store's antique interior, its fantastic selection of unusual frames and the very helpful staff from Mel on down. Yes there are frames that are 'over the top' that few if any would buy, but that is a good thing as it indicates that they are pushing the boundaries of design; in the same way you see clothes on run ways that most people would never wear but highlights the designers creativity. As I keep my glasses for a long time and wear them every day, I do not mind spending the dollars for something that makes me smile. I travel quite a bit around N America and frequently get asked "where are those glasses from?" Rapp of course.

    Ray M. Toronto. ON

  • “I was looking for unique high-end handmade designer frames. I did my research ahead of time on-line so I knew what designer eye wear and price range I would be expecting to see.  The shop has an open and positive ambiance.  I was greeted by Kyle who listened to my needs and wants and showed exactly what I wanted to see. I was blown always with the exceptional service Kyle and Mel provided me with. They were true professionals and changed my eye wear shopping experience forever. I was relax in the shop and had fun trying on the different frames. The shop is definitely worth the visit. I am glad I listened to my peer and went to Rapp.  I know I am going to love my new eyeglasses. I will definitely be a repeat customer to Rapp”.

    C.B. Toronto. ON

  • “I had been looking high and low for frames. I knew exactly what I wanted - cat eye frames. Every smaller (and cheaper) store I looked at, they didn't have any. Even the pricier stores would have maybe one or two pairs of cat eye frames, but they were boring or wwwaaayyy over priced.
    Now here comes Rapp. Through reviews on Yelp, and watching Sandra Pittana rave about Rapp on CityLine, I knew I had to check it out.

    The store is very cool, resembling more of an old antique jewelry store than an optical shop. I walked in and was greeted very warmly, and let the funky sales gal know that I wanted cat eye frames and she went to town. I loved 99% of everything she recommended. I settled on a pink and grey pair”.

    Shari M. Toronto. ON