When Ashbury Eyewear launched a couple years back by industry insiders Lance and Michael Hakker and pro rider Nima Jalali there was the usual round of earnest enthusiasm, "Good for you guys...best of luck." ... mixed, of course, with the hesitant cynicism that accompanies most any boutique brand launch... "We'll see how long this lasts...."

Ashbury had no doubt hit the center of the then current trends in snowboarding with a retro style that did well to compliment the, for lack of a better term, Gypsy style that had become the leading edge of cool.

And while their immediate support from friends and fans coincided with their '60s San Fran schtick, that same niche identity may also have proved fatal as soon as the fickle fashion sensibilities of snowboarders evolved into the next decade.

Of course that did happen, moving into the next decade (or two) that is. With the Frogskin revival (and innumerable clones surfacing across the market)  coupled with video game electro pop, pastel colorways and shoulder pad outerwear (well, not quite), the '80s came on stronger in the late 2000s than any other set of fashion faux-pas time portals.

To Ashbury's credit, they've kept nimble enough to adapt to the call of consumers while retaining a the clove smoking spirit true to their original retro roots.

For summer 2009 the brand presents its "Day Tripper" line, which manages to keep in-line with current styles while also offering a few unique lines of its own. Handcrafted acetate frame, a CR 39 Lens, stainless steel optical hinge and 100% UVA & UVB Protection justify the $80.00 price tag, and the multiple colorways will ensure you can compliment your kit whether hiking the pipe at Hood, hustling a cab in NYC, or skating the Mammoth Brothers park.

Grab 'em here: Ashbury Eyewear