Fashion often finds itself at the crossroads of style and substance. But what happens when a brand dares to combine sustainability, social impact, and timeless design? Enter Coco Leni, a luxury eyewear brand with a mission as bold as its frames: blending eco-consciousness with empowerment. Founded by Arjun Sagar, Coco Leni is rewriting the rules of eyewear by making sustainability stylish and impactful.
A Vision Rooted in Craftsmanship and Sustainability
Arjun Sagar’s journey into eyewear began with his exposure to craftsmanship in his father’s garment manufacturing business in India. Years of experience in the eyewear industry and time spent in Germany under the mentorship of Matthias Haase inspired him to reimagine eyewear as more than a fashion accessory.
Image Source: Instagram/cocoleni
‘By creating long-lasting, biodegradable frames, we’re reimagining a typically disposable product into one that respects both craftsmanship and the planet. The inspiration behind Coco Leni came from a desire to create a brand that seamlessly combines style, sustainability, and social impact. I wanted to challenge the conventional fast-fashion model and focus on producing timeless pieces both in terms of fashion and the values we uphold as a brand. It represents the fusion of tradition and innovation. It’s a nod to both the art of craftsmanship and the drive for modernity, a blend that speaks to the intersection of cultures and generations.’ Sagar shares.
Every Coco Leni frame is handcrafted with eco-friendly materials such as ‘bio-acetate’, ethically sourced buffalo horn, and titanium. The goal? To create durable, biodegradable eyewear that respects the planet and lasts a lifetime.
Empowering Women, One Frame at a Time
At the heart of Coco Leni lies a commitment to uplifting local communities, particularly women artisans. The brand employs over 30 skilled women artisans, providing them with training and opportunities to achieve financial independence.
Image Source: cocoleni.com
‘These women are the soul of our brand, and they bring love, care, and a deep sense of purpose into every piece they craft. At COCO LENI, we believe in building more than just a product; we believe in nurturing talent, providing financial independence, and creating opportunities for women who may not have had access to such skill-building avenues before. Through collaborations with local artisans, many women have been able to gain new skills, access better employment opportunities, and take part in creating products that tell their own stories,’ Sagar says.
Each frame takes an average of 48 hours to complete, reflecting the dedication and precision involved. This initiative doesn’t just create eyewear—it nurtures talent and provides a platform for women to thrive, contributing to their communities and telling their own stories through every handcrafted piece.
Sustainability Meets Circularity
Coco Leni’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its products. From using biodegradable materials to adopting minimalistic, recyclable packaging, every step is designed to minimise environmental impact. The brand’s frames are designed with timeless aesthetics, encouraging customers to choose quality over quantity.
‘We focus on creating high-quality, durable designs that transcend fleeting trends, encouraging consumers to invest in pieces that will last them forever,’ Sagar explains.
Image Source: cocoleni.com
Additionally, Coco Leni recycles production waste, ensuring a circular approach to manufacturing. This aligns with their vision of reducing the environmental footprint of an industry often criticised for its wastefulness.
Balancing Social Impact, Sustainability, and Fashion
One of Coco Leni’s key strengths lies in balancing style, sustainability, and social impact. The brand focuses on versatile designs that appeal across seasons and occasions, making them a staple in every wardrobe.
‘Each piece is intended to be worn across multiple occasions and years, reducing the pressure to constantly buy new, disposable items. Sustainability at COCO LENI goes beyond just design—it’s about the materials we choose and how they impact the environment and communities,’ Sagar notes.
Through this holistic approach, Coco Leni not only supports environmental and social goals but also sets a benchmark for ethical fashion.
A Movement for Change
Coco Leni combines timeless craftsmanship with a mission to empower women, reduce waste, and inspire meaningful choices in fashion. For Sagar, the journey has always been about creating something bigger than himself.
‘Coco Leni isn’t just about eyewear; it’s about creating a sustainable future while empowering the women who make this vision possible, he concludes.
As Coco Leni continues to expand its reach, its commitment to sustainability, circularity, and social impact remains unwavering. It serves as a reminder that fashion can—and should—be a force for good.
Image Source: Instagram/cocoleni
Coco Leni proves that sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand. Each frame crafted by skilled women artisans is a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality, the environment, and the communities it supports. Choosing Coco Leni isn’t just a style statement—it’s a commitment to making a difference.
So, the next time you pick up a pair of sunglasses, ask yourself: are you looking good or doing good? With Coco Leni, you can do both.