Hi there! We know about Artsee Eyewear and we're totally worked up to ask you questions about this amazing and surreal shop, but for those who don't know what's Artsee and who are we talking to?

I am Carlos Venegas, owner of Artsee Eyewear Miami. Artsee is a place where art and spectacles collide, resulting in carefully curated selection of eyewear and accessories.

So, Artsee doesn't have your regular old Raybans? Tell me a little bit about the designers that you carry.

We believe that if you are going to be wearing something on your face, it must be special. That is why all our glasses are handmade, applying a variety of techniques and materials. One of our collections PQ Eyewear is designed by Ron Arad , whos innovations result in the most comfortable and versatile frames. Another good example is Rolf Spectacles, handcrafted in Tirol (Austria) made from pure wood in a 78 steps process that takes around 4 months! Unbelievable! But everything makes sense once you try them on, an art piece ..

Glasses are not only about how you are seen, but also about how YOU see. We provide our customers with the latest technology in lenses by Carl Zeiss, doing all types of prescriptions, tints, mirrors , etc. Edging them in house gives us the opportunity to monitor every step of the process while keeping the integrity of the frame. Lenses are customizable in a thousand different options you never thought about, thats what we are here for. We are opticians..then stylists.

The Artsee store is kind of an experience of its own. How would you describe the store to someone who's never experienced it for himself or herself. When you walk in the store, you can't see very much of the merchandise. Last time I was there, a pair of glasses modeled after TV antenna were on display and some kind of mock-hipster glasses with a double frame were in a case, but you can only see a small fraction of the merchandise, right? How do you guys remember where everything is?

The experience starts as soon as you walk into the store, as you said there is not much display. We don´t believe in that. Spectacles are meant to be fitted, like a suit. Depending on your needs and prescription there are some frames better than others, by fitting our customers with the glasses that we keep in drawers we make it easier for them. With sunglasses it's the same story, somebody that spends a lot of time on a boat has different needs than a woman complementing her outfit for an outdoor wedding. There are three sitting areas integrated into the furniture, they can sit and enjoy a espresso or prosecco while we show them some nice specs.

You're located at 1111 Lincoln Road, the world's most beautiful parking garage and a really amazing representation of an interesting mixed-use retail space. How does being in that building work for your business? Also, more importantly, how do you stay away from Shake Shack everyday?

There is no better place for Artsee than the 1111 Building, it is the perfect match. Both the store and building where conceived from the appreciation for details, utilizing the spaces in the best way possible while introducing new concepts. On top of that the parking is very convenient , people are starting to recognize Lincoln Road as a shopping destination and 1111 as an exclusive retail area.

It is indeed a challenge not to eat at Shake Shake frequently, but every now and then I indulge myself with a custard.

So, let's talk seriously, are these glasses that you can wear to like, go to Publix or put gas in your car or are they strictly for special occasions?

Our glasses can and should be worn on a daily basis. It's true that they are quite special but they're still functional, not delicate or for special occasions. Once you buy your get your first pair of Artsee, you will want more...then you can pick what to wear. But by no means should you restrain yourself from wearing a funky pair of glasses just to run some errands.

Lately you've had a couple of other brands represented, like Paula Mendoza (who we just featured!) and M2MALLETIER – I'm seeing a little bit of a Colombian designer connection. Am I onto something?

Hehe... Well, I am Colombian as well, but to be honest that has nothing to do with the fact that we feature Paula Mendoza and M2Malletier; they are such talented designers with fresh ideas and impeccable craftsmanship that it is impossible not obsess over their products. We are an eyewear store and will always be, but by having this amazing jewelry and handbags we are giving our customers the chance of creating a whole look with unique pieces. They appreciate special products.

About those butterfly glasses.... I think someone told me they're a special edition made especially for Artsee. Are there other glasses there that are made specifically for Artsee?

It is an honor for us that an iconic brand like Oliver Goldsmith allows us to dig into their vintage pieces and reproduce them exclusively for our store with the acetates we select. The butterflies are the perfect example. There´s always a story behind the frames that we carry and we are proud to tell them. Since the manufacturers we work with are not mass-production companies, we work closely with the designers and meet with a couple of times during the year, there are always exclusive pieces and collaborations for Artsee Miami.

artsee is located at 1111 lincoln road, find them on our NICE PLACES map

artsee. where the sunglasses are art, you'll see