[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6919]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING KREWE DU OPTIC

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, whether it is our food, 
architecture, or drawl, New Orleans is undoubtedly home to one of the 
more unique cultures across America. However, while we are not 
necessarily known for our contributions to the fashion industry, one 
young entrepreneur is changing that with his popular Crescent City-
inspired eyewear line Krewe du Optic. I would like to recognize 
Stirling Barrett's Krewe du Optic as Small Business of the Week. 
Barrett's artistic designs have earned him not only tremendous success 
in the last 3 years, but they have also caught the attention of the 
national fashion industry, helping to develop New Orleans' role and 
reputation in national and international fashion.
  New Orleans native Stirling Barrett is an artist, designer, and 
entrepreneur who launched Krewe du Optic in 2013. The unique eyewear 
line combined Barrett's love of art, fashion, and the Crescent City and 
has been embraced by the fashion industry across the United States and 
around the world. Two years after his initial investment into the New 
Orleans-inspired eyewear concept, Barrett cemented his commitment to 
the industry and his hometown by opening a flagship brick and mortar 
store on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's historic landfall. 
Despite the geographical challenges of running a designer line from New 
Orleans, Barrett has been quoted as saying, ``Krewe is about doing 
something from somewhere no one expected.'' This philosophy rings true 
since New Orleans, which certainly serves as a hub for 
entrepreneurship, has not been historically associated with the fashion 
industry. Earlier this year, Krewe expanded its operation by opening a 
second store in Savannah, GA.
  Most recently, the growth of the Krewe brand has reached historic 
proportions, becoming the first New Orleans-based top-10 finalist for 
the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion 
Fund. Krewe received the runner-up award for technological creation of 
sunglasses that double as a camera and are able to capture memories in 
a natural way.
  For their unique creativity and commitment to community, Stirling 
Barrett and the entire team at Krewe du Optic have made New Orleans 
proud. Congratulations for being named Small Business of the Week, and 
I wish you continued growth and success.

                          ____________________