British Designer of the Year Stella McCartney will release her first collection of optical eyewear in March 2013.

The brand has an existing range of sunglasses, which launched in 2003, but this is McCartney’s first foray into straight-up optical wear.

Balancing the brand’s typical masculine and feminine shapes, the collection introduces contemporary and sporty styles with added eco-friendly credentials.

A vegetarian, Stella is famous for using no animal products in her clothes and is committed to reducing the environmental impacts of her designs.

The line features five styles in burgundy, taupe, black, teal and tortoise, including both light and spotted versions of the classic shade. McCartney has also added gold accents to the wings for a little added glitz.

As ever, McCartney is pushing an eco-friendly agenda. The glasses are produced in bio-acetate, a material made of 54% natural sources.

Renewable and biodegradable cellulose (the material, which is derived from plants, is the most common organic compound on Earth) is mixed together with natural plasticizers produced from citric acid.

The collection will hit stores in March 2013 in high-end retailers and opticians worldwide. Prices will range from £149 to £157 in the UK, €180 to €190 in Europe and $230 to $245 in the US.