Quay Eyewear Makes An Excellent Case for Going Bigger & Bolder
Have you ever wondered what happens to a festival vendor after the event is over? In Quay’s case, they go on to become a global empire.
Evolving from humble roots in Melbourne’s music festival scene to one of the eyewear industry’s biggest brands, Quay creates chic, high quality eyewear that’s “made to be seen”. Their designs instantly become the focal point of any outfit. And, best of all, they don’t break the bank. Quay are leaders in accessible luxury eyewear, serving up premium materials at wallet-friendly price points. Discover how the brand manages to do it all below.
Image credit: Quay
Why Blend In When You Can Wear Quay?
Quay eyewear is immediately recognizable thanks to its signature oversized shapes, striking silhouettes, and eye-catching colors. You won’t find simple or basic within a Quay collection.
The designs are as fashion-forward as they come; the Quay team is committed to advanced trend forecasting. There aren’t any imitations of viral pieces. Quay are early adopters that set trends rather than following what’s already out there. The brand works in limited-edition batches that reflect current cultural movements to keep collections fresh, exciting, and never generic.
Boldness might be what draws people in, but there’s a lot more depth to a Quay design. Each style is still very much made for real life, from casual everyday moments to festivals and trips filled with movement.
Plus, flattery matters. Each pair of optical and sunglasses, designed in the brand’s San Francisco headquarters, are created with different face shapes in mind. That’s why any given collection feels so diverse. Anyone can find a pair of Quays that works for them. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough consideration for the customer, the designs are also tested to be digital-friendly. Translation: Quay eyewear looks equally fabulous in photos and IRL.
Affordable Eyewear That Feels Anything But Cheap
While many eyewear brands with lower prices cut corners to favor affordability, Quay finds solutions that allow them to offer premium quality at a reasonable price point. They work with cellulose acetate and CR39 lenses instead of plastic—the same materials used in optical-grade prescription glasses.
So despite the double digit price tag, you can still count on Quay glasses to be durable and long-lasting while providing enhanced clarity and suitable UV protection. It’s the best of both worlds.
Image credit: Quay
How Quay Went From Festival Find to Fashion Favorite
Inspired by Melbourne’s creative scene and youth culture, Quay was founded by high school sweethearts Linda and Allen Hammond.
They started out selling their designs at festivals around the city in the late 90s, which eventually led to the official creation of Quay in 2004. The eyewear lovers spotted an advantageous gap in the market that fell between cheap gas station sunglasses and luxury designer frames.
This was a problem felt all over the industry, so the Hammonds headed to Los Angeles in 2009 to give Quay international recognition. Their intuitive business instincts paid off, as the brand is now loved across the globe. Quay has been worn by style icons like JLo, Paris Hilton, SZA, Emily Ratajkowski, and Lady Gaga, and has been featured in prominent fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Women’s Wear Daily.
Should Quay Be Your Next Eyewear Obsession?
You need some Quay in your collection if…
Statement styles are your staples. Sunglasses are your favorite way to take a look from average to amazing.
You want to be ahead of the style game, because you’re not into following the same trends as everyone else.
Quality matters just as much as aesthetics, but you don’t want to spend a small fortune on well-made eyewear.
Quay is the brand for you if basic isn’t part of your style vocabulary. Find your next favorite pair of Quay sunglasses at Eyespecs!