If you are wondering where stars like Swae Lee and Big Sean are getting their vintage Cartier frames, look no further. Over the years, Spencer Shapiro has silently become the go-to vintage eyewear contact for celebrities and luxe enthusiasts alike. His work over words mentality has driven him to spread Detroit’s Cartier culture across the world.
StockX caught up with the “Board Certified Cartiologist” for another installment of “That’s 5.”
The following interview has been lightly edited.
What influences you?
I would have to say both of my grandpas. On my mom’s side my grandpa was more blue-collared – he worked at the Ford plant. He taught me the value of finding the treasure in things. We would go out to garage sales and search for antiques. It didn’t matter what it was; if it was a cool bird feeder or salt shaker he would get it. He also taught me a lot about respecting nature and that ties into my love for animals.
On my dad’s side, my grandpa was always big into fashion. He would have all the Gucci outfits, custom Brioni suits, Loro Piana sweaters, Rollies, all of that. It was really cool to me. I would see him in a crazy gold watch and ask him what it was like, “What is a Rolex Presidential?” He would tell me about it or I would just look it up. Seeing how people respected him was inspiring to see as well.
Also, fashion-wise, being around the rise of Revive MI in my teenage years and seeing their style influenced me. That was THE cool place to be. Everybody that was fly was always coming in. I would see all of the Detroit rappers coming in with their Cartis on (especially the guys from DoughBoyz Cashout) and wonder what these crazy wood goggles were. “What were these glasses called Buffs?” I needed a pair. Once I got my first pair of wood [framed Cartier glasses] at age 16 I became obsessed with it. I fell in love with the frames and the history behind them.
Most overrated?
From a food standpoint, In-N-Out cheeseburgers. They are really overrated for what they are. Everybody’s always on Instagram talking about how it’s the best place in the world, but I wouldn’t wait in a long line for them. I’m good on that.
Most Underrated?
What’s really underrated to me is going back into the archives and bringing out old stuff that nobody has. Everybody is so hooked on getting the latest Yeezys or Supreme Box Logo tee, but there are so many other things you can touch on. A lot of different pieces that were released back in the day got overlooked as time went on. The older Dunks, Jordans, and Air Forces – all of these shoes from the late 90s to early 2000s are scarce nowadays and that’s where it’s at. The thrill of the hunt is underrated. Going out and finding something you weren’t expecting feels better than getting a bot and getting the newest release.
What are you most excited about, right now?
It’s a really awesome era we live in. We have the power of the internet bringing everybody together. Virgil is at Louis Vuitton right now, opening doors and bringing young people in. Companies like StockX exist that give creative thinkers an opportunity to change the traditional retail model all while creating jobs in Detroit. It’s an exciting time in the world right now.
What’s next for you?
I want to continue to take a more international approach to things, building my network across the world. I also want to start getting my pieces stocked in stores!
Bonus Question: Was that 5?
This is Spencer Shapiro and That’s 5!
Find Spencer Shapiro on Instagram @shapirospencer
