Seattle - January 26, 2009

Working Class Hero

Costalots by M. Costa Sunglasses

Norma Rae, Edie Sedgwick, Willy Wonka: How does such inspiration come direct from the factory floor?

Still, some assembly may be required.

Take former bartender and Brooklynite Matt Costa, who happened to pick up a pair of vintage Titmus frames. Fashioning them for a friend, he then exchanged the customary clear lenses for tinted ones. The result: Costalots by M. Costa sunglasses.

Unassuming thick translucent frames combined with tawny lenses create these sleek, neutral shades. Each retails at under $200, so in a market emblazoned with status Fendis and Chanels, the name has a smidge of irony.

You know, without making a big production.

Available at Veridis, 1205 East Pike Street (206-402-3789 or veridisclothier.com); online at oaknyc.com.

Love it when he talks nerdy to you? Nominate your office tech boy for DailyCandy’s Get with the Programmer contest.