Sunnies side up

MANILA, Philippines - Sunnies Studios has only been around for a year, but it feels longer.

At its young age, Sunnies Studios — formerly Sunnies by Charlie — managed to become the go-to place for fancy eyewear that won’t break the bank. The real coup, though, seems to be how the brand makes it possible for consumers to access the kind of fashion that usually took months to reach local shores. Suddenly, everyone could want and have rounded browline frames (The Hepburn, arguably one of Sunnies’ most popular items).

From its onset, Sunnies Studios has kept a close watch on the global sartorial pulse — churning out designs that captured the height of every micro-trend. And with the recent unveiling of its men’s sunglasses (Sunnies Man) and retro eyeglasses (Sunnies Specs) lines, the brand continues to prove that pretty things need not cost a limb.

Sunnies Studios had its humble start as a spin-off of local clothing label Charlie, helmed by Sunnies co-owners Bea Soriano and Eric Dee. It eventually rebranded itself into its current iteration — Sunnies Studios — and in many ways reflects Sunnies brand’s growing celebrity. This is in part thanks to the brains behind the operation; co-owners Martine Cajucom, Georgina Wilson, Soriano, and Dee steer a tight ship. Maximizing their individual skills (Bea and Eric’s retail experience, Martine’s creative flair, and Georgina’s social media acumen), the Sunnies team proves that multiple heads work well under a clear, singular vision.

It’s this vision that reveals where Sunnies Studios’ success lies. Its retro logo, engaging social media presence, and well-executed merchandising come together in a delectable packaging, made apparent in Sunnies Studios’ anniversary shoot. Shot in Los Angeles spots such as Rodeo Drive and the Beverly Hills Hotel by Emman Montalvan, and modeled by Georgina, it reinforces the brand’s unassuming sense of cool, distinguishing itself as a brand that knows itself all too well.

The eyewear label also has a playfulness that consumers gravitate towards to, and Sunnies Studios is throwing a secret birthday bash on Oct. 19. To be held at a hush-hush location, #SUNNIESBDAY promises to be a pool party with the same laid-back veneer that the Sunnies brand has become known for. After all, that seems to be what makes Sunnies Studios one of the hottest retail brands today. Beyond its fashionable wares is its ability to sell an idea: when you buy Sunnies, you get a shot at looking just as cool as the beautiful people selling it to you. Maybe all you need is the right eyewear.

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Sunnies Studios currently has 25 stations nationwide, including SM Mall of Asia, Glorietta 2, SM Megamall, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma, SM Cebu, and SM Cagayan De Oro. They are also available on Cebu Pacific flights, zalora.com/sunniesstudios, ebay.com/sunniesstudios, and Avon.