Will.i.am launches eyewear collection ill.i Optics

From Black Eyed Peas to sunglasses designer

will.i.am poses for the campaign of his latest venture, eyewear label ill.i Optics

Will.i.am launches a new eyewear label, ill.i Optics, which reinterprets the most iconic sunglasses and specs of all time.

In partnership with the innovative Australian designer George Gorrow, the Black Eyed Peas award-winning-artist has created a range of sunglasses for men and women, which pays homage to the evolution of eyewear.

The collection features rare vintage shapes that have been twisted and reworked into more contemporary styles.

Will.i.am, whose real name is William James Adams, said: "I see a gap in the world of eyewear and this is my installment of what I feel is missing want this to be an honest brand - it's about dedication and passion."

This is not Will.i.am’s first foray into design. He has previously designed a £199 iPhone camera in collaboration with Selfridges, which he described as “fashion via technology”. A special lens case and free app transformed the iPhone 4s into a fully loaded camera.

Now he makes a move to eyewear design and unveils a label under his name - well sort of.

Bold sunglasses from will.i.am's new label, ill.i Optics

Ill.i Optics covers the two past decades and takes inspiration from one of the most iconic eyewear designs, featuring a wide variety of bold shapes made of acetate and metal.

The debut collection flies back in time to will.i.am’s early career days and revives the eighties’ hip hop pioneers and graffiti artists that often wore oversized glasses.

Will.i.am said: "When you fund and design something yourself you give birth to something that's an extension of you.

"ill.i is about discreet but strong details; it's a quiet riot, a powerful silence.”

ill.i Optics eyewear is available from selected retailers worldwide from 16 September