Draft:Solkyst

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Solkyst Solkyst is a Canadian sunglasses brand founded in 2020 by Meghan Victoria. The brand specializes in high-quality acetate-framed sunglasses designed to flatter a variety of face shapes and sizes, with a particular focus on individuals with wider faces. Solkyst has gained recognition for its unique approach to eyewear design, catering to those who often struggle to find stylish, well-fitting sunglasses.

History Solkyst was created during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when founder Meghan Victoria, a professional makeup artist based in Toronto, Ontario, saw her career put on hiatus due to the restrictions on in-person work. With over a decade of experience in makeup artistry, Victoria turned to design as a creative outlet. She realized that many people, like herself, struggled to find sunglasses that fit their wider faces comfortably while also offering a fashionable look. This inspired her to begin designing sunglasses specifically for individuals with wide and cheeky faces. Initially, the brand focused on creating stylish sunglasses for a niche market of "wide-faced babes," as Victoria often referred to her target customers. She leveraged her understanding of face shapes, sizes, and bone structures to design frames that enhanced and flattered these face types. The sunglasses were crafted using high-quality acetate frames and durable nylon lenses, ensuring both style and functionality.

Product Expansion While Solkyst initially catered only to those with wider faces, it didn't take long before requests came in from customers asking for smaller sizes. In response to this growing demand, Meghan Victoria introduced the "Wide-Faced Petite" collection in 2023. The collection received a positive response from customers, leading to the decision to expand the brand's offerings to include more styles in smaller sizes. In an effort to streamline sizing across all silhouettes and styles, Solkyst introduced three standardized sizes: Wide, Midi, and Mini. These sizes allowed customers to easily find sunglasses that fit comfortably while maintaining the brand's signature aesthetic.

Dragon's Den Appearance In 2023, received national attention when founder Meghan Victoria appeared on the CBC television show Dragon's Den. The show, known for featuring entrepreneurs pitching their businesses to a panel of investors (the "Dragons"), provided Meghan Victoria with a platform to showcase her brand and its unique approach to eyewear design. During her appearance, Meghan Victoria highlighted the brand's commitment to offering stylish, well-fitting sunglasses for people with a variety of face shapes and sizes. The appearance on Dragon's Den was a significant milestone in Solkyst's growth, helping to increase its visibility and solidifying its reputation in the eyewear market.

Notable Recognition Solkyst gained significant attention in the fashion world in 2024 when actress Jenna Ortega was spotted wearing the brand's sunglasses at the premiere of Beetlejuice 2 in London and Venice. Ortega's public appearance helped elevate the brand's visibility, attracting new customers and solidifying Solkyst's position in the competitive eyewear market.

Barbie® 65th Anniversary Collaboration In 2024, Solkyst was selected as the exclusive designer and distributor of Barbie® sunglasses to help celebrate Barbie's 65th birthday. As Barbie marks her milestone anniversary, Solkyst joined in the global celebrations by creating a special collection of sunglasses that pay homage to the iconic doll's legacy of empowerment, style, and cultural influence. Through this collaboration, Solkyst crafted a limited-edition eyewear line inspired by Barbie’s many personas and her impact on generations of fans around the world. The 65th anniversary celebration of Barbie has included numerous storytelling initiatives, showcasing empowering narratives and bringing Barbie's legendary legacy to life through the voices of fans, influencers, and renowned creators. Solkyst's partnership with the Barbie® brand contributes to these celebrations, offering unique and stylish eyewear designs that align with Barbie's message of self-expression and confidence.

Design Philosophy At the core of Solkyst's design philosophy is a commitment to creating sunglasses that flatter and enhance the natural features of the wearer. Meghan Victoria draws on her background in makeup artistry to craft frames that complement various face shapes, with an emphasis on wide faces. The brand's designs combine fashion-forward aesthetics with practicality, offering durable sunglasses that provide both style and comfort.

Materials and Production Solkyst sunglasses are made with high-quality acetate frames, known for their durability and flexibility. The lenses are made from nylon, providing excellent UV protection and clarity. The combination of these materials ensures that Solkyst eyewear is not only fashionable but also functional for everyday wear.

Branding and Market Position Solkyst is positioned as a premium brand that caters to individuals who seek stylish, well-fitting sunglasses designed for their unique face shapes. The brand's inclusive approach has resonated with a growing customer base, from those with wider faces to petite customers seeking well-fitting eyewear options. The Barbie® collaboration further elevated the brand's market presence, expanding its reach to new audiences and positioning Solkyst as an innovative force in the eyewear industry.

See Also Sunglasses Fashion accessories Eyewear industry

External Links Dragon's Den - https://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/ Solkyst - https://www.solkyst.ca/ Interview - CITL Interview with Meghan Victoria