Arckiv (unit 87A, the Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, Camden Town, London, NW1 8AH) is so much more than another vintage eyewear store. Concentrating more on design and production values than the ephemeral fashion of the day,  Arckiv is exacting in its selection,  expecting each frame or pair of sunglasses to be a beautifully engineered artefact, stylish, and perfectly suited to its purpose.  Located in an almost magical space in the Blacksmith’s area of a 1850 Horse Hospital it is only a short walk from the restored and invigorated  Roundhouse and is just across the road from Ron Arad’s historical design studio. Arckiv has bought collections of prototypes and one-off pieces from important European designers and factories and is now engaged in developing its own range of eyewear based on what it defines as “the fascinating strangeness,  almost surrealism” of vintage eyewear.

While including vintage eyewear’s gold standards such as Persol, Ray Ban, Cazal, Carrera, Porsche, Boeing, Dior and Mikli, Arckiv stocks a host of equally noteworthy and stylish lesser known brands,  as well as one-off pieces by individual craftsmen.

Arckiv also provides a first class lense service at highly competitive prices.

Arckiv. has provided eyewear for many films including Bryan Singer's Valkyrie, Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Spielberg's Munich, Daniel Craig’s Flashback, and his next James Bond film ”Quantum of Solace.”  Productions at London’s Royal Opera House and National Theatre regularly feaure our eyewear as do several West End musicals, including Billy Elliot. A recent (April 2008) much publicised Mario Testino photo shoot on Malibu beach with Kate Moss and Giselle Bundchen featured Arckiv vintage sunglasses.