Sabine Be Eyewear: Why Colour Works When It Shouldn’t
Colour in eyewear is dangerous.
Handled poorly, it becomes noise. Too loud, too chaotic, too distracting.
Handled well, it becomes architecture.
Few designers understand this balance as well as Sabine Bégault-Vagner, the creator of Sabine Be eyewear. One of the most recognisable independent eyewear brands in the world today.
On April 18th, we will be showcasing the full Sabine Be collection at The Optical Gallery in Twickenham, and it’s the perfect opportunity to experience this extraordinary design philosophy in person.
🎟 Reserve your free ticket for the Sabine Be exhibition here
Who Is Sabine Be?
Unlike many designers who arrive in eyewear from fashion, Sabine Bégault-Vagner began her career as an optician.
For more than twenty years she worked inside optical practices, understanding how frames interact with real faces, real personalities and real lifestyles.
When she launched Sabine Be in 2014, she brought something different to the eyewear world. A designer who understood both aesthetic expression and optical craft.
That combination is rare.
Colour As Structure
What makes Sabine Be truly distinctive is the way colour is used.
In many eyewear collections, colour is decorative.
In Sabine Be frames, colour is structural.
Layers of Mazzuchelli acetate, translucent tones, geometric contrasts and unexpected colour pairings combine to create frames that feel expressive without feeling chaotic.
The colour does not sit on the design.
It defines it.
Instantly Recognisable Eyewear
One of the marks of great design is recognisability.
From across the room, you can often identify a Sabine Be frame instantly.
Signature details include:
• Bold acetate construction
• Layered colour combinations
• The circle-and-square motif found in temple tips and rivets
• Expressive silhouettes that balance playfulness with structure
These elements give Sabine Be frames a personality that few brands can replicate.
Worn By Icons
Sabine Be eyewear has found fans among creatives and personalities who embrace individuality.
Among those seen wearing Sabine Be frames are Sir Elton John, whose love of colourful eyewear is legendary, and filmmaker Spike Lee, known for his bold visual style.
Their choice reflects exactly what Sabine Be represents, eyewear that celebrates personality.
Experience Sabine Be in London
On Saturday 18 April, The Optical Gallery will be hosting a Sabine Be London Takeover Exhibition.
For one day only, the entire collection will be showcased in our Twickenham gallery, including models and colourways rarely seen together in one place.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore custom lenses, bespoke tints and unique combinations through our Lens Art™ approach.
🎟 Book your place at the Sabine Be London Exhibition
Watch Our Sabine Be Deep Dive
To explore the philosophy behind Sabine Be in more detail, we recently produced a deep dive discussing the design language, colour architecture and identity behind the brand.
Watch the full video below.
Visit The Optical Gallery
The Optical Gallery is an independent opticians and eyewear gallery in Twickenham, London, specialising in niche eyewear, curated collections and bespoke lenses.
Our goal has always been simple:
to help people find eyewear that truly represents who they are.
Sabine Be is a perfect example of that philosophy.
Reserve Your Ticket
If you’re curious about bold eyewear design, colour experimentation and independent craftsmanship, the Sabine Be exhibition will be an experience you won’t want to miss.
