The Sunglasses Guy @ Chandi Chowk. By Annalisa Merelli
The Sunglasses Guy, Chandni Chowk, Delhi. Somewhere near McDonald's. They say, and they have been saying for quite a while, that you can find everything in Chandni Chowk. We would never doubt that, and although it is difficult to prove the scientific accuracy of such a statement, we have seen much to suggest that it is entirely true.
One of these is what we like to call "The Sunglasses Guy". The Sunglasses Guy has had his tiny shop on Chandni Chowk for quite a while, at least according to the framed newspaper article he hung behind the counter.
His shop is a one-meter-by-two dusty treasure chest full of the most unexpected and awesome vintage sunglasses we've seen in a while. They probably look even more incredible than they are because of the surroundings, and certainly it helps that their prices tend to leave most customer in disbelief (in the best sense possible).
Browse the window, crowded with frames under layers of yellowish dust, or ask to see something special: you'll be shown beautiful (and perfectly intact) old Christian Dior sunglasses, cool old-school Ray-Ban, and a lot more.
There's no fancy vibe whatsoever around the place, so distinguishing the "old" from the "vintage" is really only up to you, but we can guarantee that there are some pretty great pieces in there. Which carry with them - free of charges - all the memories of busy Chandni Chowk and unexpected finds.
Now, you might be wondering how can we be so generous as to share such a secret. Well, we are, but only half way. We won't give you a shop's name, nor an exact address.
Go explore and hunt for your treasure.