Today, U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced Krewe du Optic of New Orleans, La. as Small Business of the Week, and will be submitting it into the official Congressional Record.

“Whether it’s our food, architecture, or drawl, New Orleans is undoubtedly home to one of the more unique cultures across America. However, while we’re 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,” said Vitter. “I would like to recognize Stirling Barrett’s Krewe du Optic as Small Business of the Week. Stirling’s artistic designs have earned him not only tremendous success in the last three years, but they’ve 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. In the years since, Barrett’s eyewear line has enjoyed enormous success in the fashion industry, becoming the first New Orleans-based top-ten finalist for the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund. In addition to Krewe du Optic’s flagship store in New Orleans, Barrett has opened a second brick-and-mortar store in Savannah, Ga. and is planning for continued expansion across the South.

As the Senate Small Business Committee Chairman, Vitter continues the tradition of honoring America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.

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