Inside Scoop - The Bay Window Collection
As seen in 20/20 Europe magazine, we are delighted to bring you The Bay Window Collection.
For our latest collection, we are reflecting on our family’s earliest known ancestor and architectural design styles to craft premium eyewear for the Bay Window Collection. This collection introduces 27 new frames, blending the story of our German heritage with modern style. Inspired by the charm of St. Louis and the warmth of home, this collection includes 20 new optical frames, 4 new sunglass frames, and 3 additions to their limited-production Special Reserve series. We've also added 18 new colorways, including fresh frame shapes made of metal, acetate, or combination, and a subdued-modern color palette.
“With the Bay Window Collection, we wanted to weave together the stories of our ancestors and the architectural wonders of St. Louis into something wearable, practical, and beautiful,” said co-owner Jack Erker III.
As a fifth-generation heritage brand, we're paying homage to both our German ancestry and St. Louis roots. Designs in the Bay Window Collection are inspired by St. Louis’s rich immigrant history and architectural influences. Like the iconic bay window, this collection was crafted with a unique blend of modern and gothic elements drawn from German design. Each handcrafted frame features the emblem of a bay window engraved on the temple tips and a custom German hinge.
"Every frame in this collection is a reflection of who we are: deeply connected to our roots, but always moving forward with innovation," added co-owner Tony Erker. “It’s a tribute to where we came from and a nod to the beauty of our home.”
The significance of the Bay Window to the Erker family contains dual meaning – our family’s namesake and an example of classic St. Louis architecture. Two centuries ago, in Pfaffenwiesbach, Germany, a baby was anonymously left in the nook or an open bay window. Orphaned and nameless, those who found the baby gave him the name Erker – the German word for bay window – thus marking the beginning of the family name.
“It's remarkable to think that something as simple as a window could shape a family’s legacy for centuries,” expressed Jack Erker III. “With the Bay Window Collection, we’re honoring both that legacy and the city of St. Louis that has been our home for so long.”
Each collection features unique elements and thoughtful design touches, celebrating a 145-year legacy in optics. Each frame is named after iconic St. Louis landmarks, reflecting the deep connection to the city we call home. The Special Reserve line pays tribute to dedicated sales representatives within our company, featuring limited-edition frames with a luxurious shiny silver finish.
To discover the artistry and heritage of The Bay Window Collection from Erker’s 1879, visit here.
