Introduction
Picture this: A modest sunglasses stall at Australian music festivals blossoms into Quay, today’s most talked-about eyewear sensation. Melbourne’s own homegrown brand, established in 2004, now proudly serves fashion enthusiasts through 2,000 retailers worldwide.
Quay, pronounced “kee” stands apart in the luxury eyewear landscape with its signature bold designs and refreshing approach to pricing. Most designer sunglasses demand premium prices, yet Quay delivers stylish, UV-protected frames on a budget. Their remarkable collection spans classic aviators to striking cat-eye designs, earning coveted partnerships with fashion giants like Nordstrom and ASOS. Today, Quay delights customers across 100 countries with their distinctive eyewear.
Find them now at Boerne Vision Center! Available in our Fair Oaks and Boerne locations. Ready to discover your perfect pair? Let us walk you through Quay’s remarkable journey – from its humble Australian roots to global recognition – and help you find frames that speak to your personal style.
The Birth of an Australian Eyewear Empire
Meet Linda and Allen Hammond, whose passion project in 1999 flourished into the beloved Quay brand in 2004. Their story touches hearts – two 14-year-old school lovers who built an eyewear empire without a penny of borrowed money.
From Festival Stalls to Global Success
The Hammonds spotted something remarkable – a sweet spot between basic gas station sunglasses and luxury designer frames. Their keen eye for opportunity led to their first big break with City Beach’s 50-store network. Even when markets tumbled during the Global Financial Crisis, their unwavering spirit drove them to the US shores in 2009, where Los Angeles trade shows welcomed their fresh designs.
The Hammond Family Vision
Family bonds and natural instinct guided every business decision. The story grew sweeter when son Zak joined the family venture in 2009. Together, this talented trio crafted fashion-forward eyewear that didn’t empty wallets. Their genuine approach resonated with customers, helping Quay flourish across 2,000 retail locations worldwide.
Melbourne’s Fashion Influence
Melbourne’s sun-soaked culture and vibrant festival energy breathed life into Quay’s creative soul. The city’s bold fashion spirit mirrors perfectly in every frame design. Success came naturally because they truly understood their audience – fashion-loving festival crowds seeking quality eyewear without designer price tags.
Smart thinking led the Hammonds to embrace Instagram early, partnering with fashion influencers to showcase their stunning designs worldwide. This brilliant move helped them grow from just 10 retailers into an internationally celebrated eyewear name.
What Makes Quay Eyewear Stand Out
Quality craftsmanship meets creative innovation in every Quay frame. Our dedication to excellence shines through carefully selected materials and thoughtful design features, offered at prices that make luxury eyewear accessible to all. Work with our team at Boerne Vision Center and we can custom tailor the perfect lens options for your favorite frame!
Signature Design Elements
Each Quay frame tells its own style story through carefully crafted details. Watch for the distinctive triangle notches adorning our aviators and the elegant metal accents gracing our oversized squares. Our talented design team draws inspiration from runway trends, bringing ideas to life through detailed sketches and creative mood boards.
Premium Materials at Affordable Prices
Your comfort matters to us. That’s why we chose Quay for its cellulose acetate, a remarkable bioplastic crafted from cotton fibers and wood pulp. This premium material feels wonderfully light on your face while offering lasting durability. Its unique properties let us create vibrant colors and striking patterns that catch everyone’s eye. Best of all? These luxury features come wrapped in a wallet-friendly package!
Innovation in Lens Technology
Your eyes deserve the best care possible. Our advanced lens technology delivers:
- Crystal-clear vision with premium anti-reflective coatings and blue-light protection
- Feather-light materials that feel wonderful all day long
- Complete UV protection in every style we create
We’ve enhanced your wearing experience with scratch-resistant surfaces and polarized options. Our prescription collection now includes progressive lenses, perfect for those seeking fashionable frames that meet all their vision needs.
Celebrity Collaborations and Influence
Quay’s remarkable journey sparkles from festival grounds to Hollywood’s brightest spotlights. Our Australian charm has won hearts worldwide, drawing admiration from entertainment’s biggest stars.
Notable Celebrity Partnerships
Magic happened when Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez joined the Quay family in 2019 for their first shared campaign. Their collection dazzled with premium materials and polarized lenses, welcoming luxury without breaking the bank. The style story continued as Paris Hilton brought her signature Y2K magic to life through 12 bold, colorful frames.
Limited Edition Collections
Spring 2024 welcomed SZA’s creative vision to the collection. Her personal favorites, TTYL and On Set, shine alongside eight uniquely curated designs. Quay CMO David Adamson beautifully captures the spirit: “Our brand was born in the music festival scene, so we are intrinsically connected to music”.
Red Carpet Moments
Style icons choose Quay to make their moments memorable:
- Emily Ratajkowski and Alix Earle grace Quay frames with effortless style
- Chrissy Teigen shares her love for the accessible beauty of the brand
- Lady Gaga radiates joy in pieces from the Pride collection
Quay frames light up screens beyond the red carpet, catching eyes on hit shows like ‘Euphoria’ and ‘The Icon’. Each star partnership adds special magic to the story – from Lizzo’s beautiful message of inclusion to Jennifer Lopez’s signature “instant swag” touch.
Shopping Guide: Finding Your Perfect Quay Pair
Let us help you discover your ideal Quay sunglasses. Our expert team knows every detail of our extensive collection and we’re excited to guide you toward frames that feel made just for you.
Understanding Frame Styles
Your perfect style awaits among our five signature frame shapes:
- Timeless aviators that never go out of style
- Sophisticated square frames for bold presence
- Glamorous cat eye designs with vintage flair
- Sleek shield styles offering maximum protection
- Playful round frames capturing retro charm
Finding your perfect fit matters to us. Our frames range from small (137mm) to extra large (153mm). Take a moment to measure your face width – this simple step ensures your chosen frames feel wonderful from the first wear.
Choosing the Right Lens Type
Your eyes deserve the perfect lens partner. Our polarized lenses excel during sunny adventures, reducing glare while enhancing color vibrancy. Daily errands? Our gradient lenses adapt beautifully to changing light. Want to make a statement? Our mirrored options catch every eye.
Let’s match your lifestyle with the perfect lens:
- Polarized: Your trusted companion for driving and outdoor fun
- Gradient: Seamless adaptation to varying light
- Solid: Reliable sun protection all day long
- Mirrored: Bold style meets bright-light performance
Where to Buy Authentic Quay
Boerne Vision Center is one of the first optometrists in the US to carry the professional ophthalmic collection of Quay. This means you can work with your favorite Boerne Vision Center optician to design a custom frame and lens package that works for you. Imagine having the style that celebrities have flocked to all in your own prescription!
Conclusion
Quality meets style in Quay’s heartwarming journey from modest festival stalls to beloved global eyewear name. Our passion for exceptional design and carefully chosen materials has captured hearts from Hollywood to Main Street, while keeping prices friendly.
Your perfect pair awaits in our thoughtfully curated collection. Whether you fancy timeless aviators, statement-making designs, or precision prescription lenses, each frame tells a story of quality craftsmanship. Our advanced lens technology and attention to detail ensure your eyes receive the care they deserve.
Finding frames that feel uniquely yours becomes a delightful experience with our expert guidance. Whether you explore styles through our virtual mirror or visit our welcoming stores, you’ll understand why both style enthusiasts and practical shoppers choose Quay.
Beautiful eyewear shouldn’t strain your wallet – this belief shapes everything we create. We invite you to explore our collection and discover frames that protect your eyes while expressing your personal style. Your perfect Quay moment awaits.