Gamine New York origins

 

In the vibrant landscape of eyewear, Gamine emerged in 2016 from an unexpected place. What started as a creative experiment in New York evolved into something much more meaningful.

At the heart of the Gamine narrative lies Sergei Zubkouski, whose journey started at an Art Center in NYC. Surrounded by incredible people who shared a similar outlook on life, his mind opened to different possibilities through underground music and art. 

Eyewear wasn’t part of the plan - it started as a challenge when a friend dared him to design some fun sunglasses. Being a total outsider to the industry became an advantage, allowing him to think beyond traditional rules.

Architecture has always been Sergei’s biggest influence, alongside fine arts and furniture design. He approaches each frame as a small architectural piece that needs to be both beautiful and functional, focusing on geometric shapes and clean lines while ensuring comfort and wearability. The result is a collection that finds the sweet spot between originality and accessibility.

As Gamine grows, it remains true to its roots as a citizen of the world. While New York is where it all started and remains the soul of the brand, Sergei’s heart led him to Paris. Ideas come from everywhere - traffic signs in Tokyo, conversations in Brooklyn, or fleamarket finds in Belleville. This fluid approach to inspiration is reflected in the collection’s names, each piece carrying the spirit of different global neighborhoods.

In 2016, Gamine captured the attention of the iconic Lady Gaga, catapulting the brand into the global limelight. Lady Gaga, a predestined muse, showcased Gamine’s Marais in her Netflix documentary and proudly sported her Harajuku on the streets of Los Angeles. The world took notice, and Gamine became synonymous with bold, avant-garde eyewear.

The brand’s designs are intentionally gender-neutral, breaking free from traditional boxes. Gamine naturally attracts creative people and independent thinkers who share its mindset - it’s less about age, gender, or style and more about attitude. This philosophy flows through everything, from design to communication.

Today, Gamine stands for well-designed, quality glasses that people can actually afford. It’s not about competing with luxury eyewear or adding fancy details to justify high prices. Instead, the focus remains on getting the fundamentals right - good materials, clean design, and frames that feel authentic. It’s about creating pieces that help people express who they are while keeping them accessible.