TurnKey Promotions is deeply committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Our mission as a small business revolves around minimising our environmental impact while delivering meaningful marketing initiatives and high-quality promotional products.
Sea Shepard Australia is a non-profit marine conservation organisation that campaigns to defend, conserve and protect the world’s marine life and ocean eco-system. Their mission is to protect defenceless wildlife and end the destruction of habitat in the world’s oceans.
“From the gentle giants of the sea to its smallest creatures, Sea Shepherd’s mission is to protect all marine life species living in our oceans. Our campaigns have defended whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, penguins, turtles, fish, krill and aquatic birds from poaching, unsustainable fishing, habitat destruction, and exploitive captivity.”
Sea Shepard Australia
To show your support for Sea Shepard Australia, TurnKey Promotions clients are encouraged to place an order for any of three great new additions to our drinkware line-up.
For each unit ordered, fifty cents will be donated to Sea Shepard Australia to support their efforts in clearing plastic pollution from our oceans and protecting marine life. An order for 1,000 bottles or cups, for example, will result in a $500 donation to Sea Shepard Australia.
The new range consists of the Allegra Bottle (1L or 750ml). Olive Reusable Cup and Windsor Tea Infuser Bottle.
Allegra Bottle (1L or 750ml) The Allegra features double-wall, vacuum insulation to keep drinks hot or cold for hours. Plus, this bottle will fit in most car cup holders. Colours: Sky/Carolina Blue, Onyx/Onyx, Dove/Gunmetal, Sage/Fern, Sand/Chestnut, Blush/Rose, White
Olive Reusable Cup(350ml) The double-wall Olive Reusable Cup is an aesthetically pleasing monochromatic stainless steel cup that features both a straw drinking option, as well as a regular takeaway cup drinking spout. Colours: Green, Pink, Brown, Blue, Black, Grey
Windsor Tea Infuser Bottle The glass Windsor Tea Infuser Bottle has a huge 1L capacity fitted with a giant tea infuser and neoprene sleeve to help insulate your bottle. Colours: Black, Navy, Cream, Blush
To place an order or enquire about any of these products, please contact TurnKey Promotions on 1300 153 707 or email info@turnkeypromotions.com.au.
Autumn at TurnKey Promotions means APPA Roadshow, and this year we levelled up our trade show game by attending both Sydney and Brisbane legs of the event.
Roadshow is the biggest exhibition in the local promotional products industry and a staple in our events calendar every year. This is where we get the chance to touch, feel, and critique hundreds of newly released products before bringing them to you, our valued clients.
Here’s a sneak peak at the hottest new products in the industry right now:
Which of these is is your favourite and why?
We are loving the Rollink Flex Earth Suitcase, touted as the “world’s smallest suitcase” for its capacity to fold into an incredibly compact 5cm (9.5cm including wheels) when not in use. Wow!
To enquire about any of the above products, please contact TurnKey Promotions at diana@turnkeypromotions.com.au.
The annual PPAI Expo brings together thousands of industry professionals, suppliers, and distributors for an unparalleled experience of innovation, networking, and education.
This year, more than 16,000 industry professionals from across the globe visited the Las Vegas-based expo to meet more than 1,000 exhibiting companies and discover the latest trends and products set to reshape the promotional products landscape in 2024.
From cutting-edge technology solutions to sustainable and eco-friendly products, the Expo showcases emerging trends that reflect the ever-evolving needs and preferences of consumers.
As the biggest promotional products show in the world (and one of the first in the calendar year), the trends that emerge at PPAI Expo each year often set the tone for the rest of the year. If it’s big at PPAI Expo, you can bet it’s going to be big at home soon.
Exhibitors at this year’s show revealed several trends influencing the promo industry today, some of which were illuminated in colorful lights, while others were less easy to spot.
Sustainability and social responsibility were front and center at this year’s show.
While less than a quarter of the products sold by promotional product suppliers in 2023 were marketed as sustainable, this will likely increase in 2024, with stands of the biggest suppliers in the industry flush with eco-friendly and sustainably-sourced products. More suppliers than ever before spruiked products that not only had eco-friendly characteristics and features, but could prove said features with instantly recognisable eco-credentials.
The sustainability theme was also prevalent in the abundance of wow-inspiring, Instagram-worthy packaging innovations on display at the show, with a notable emphasis on reducing or eliminating packaging waste.
As pandemic-era travel hesitancy becomes a thing of the past, air travel has once again ignited in popularity and products designed to make traveling easier and more convenient for individuals were left, right and center at the Expo. Attendees were presented with a range of innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the travel experience, from travel accessories that optimize organisation and comfort to technology-driven devices that streamline the journey.
In the sphere of apparel, oversized offerings and heavyweight T-shirts appeared to be enjoying a moment, while unisex styles were also a staple in new collections from almost all of the big apparel suppliers on the show floor.
On the 26th of January 2023, Australian citizens at home and abroad will celebrate the 235th birthday of Australia.
While the date formally commemorates the establishment of the first British colony in New South Wales, the holiday has taken on a much deeper meaning in recent years.
Australia Day is a great opportunity to come together and celebrate the place we call home, regardless of what your belief is about the date of the holiday itself.
Today, you will find that Australia Day is commemorated not so much by formal ceremonies but by colourful, festive events that seek to promote a sense of community, multiculturalism and inclusion.
Why should you celebrate Australia Day in 2023?
Celebrate your national and cultural identity as an Australian individual or organisation.
Reflect on the past and acknowledge Australia’s significant cultural and ethical transformation throughout the past century.
Promote values of inclusion, diversity and multiculturalism.
Simply put, Australia is a great country to live in, and we should all acknowledge how lucky we are to live in a country renowned for equality, fairness and its democratic values.
Businesses can celebrate Australia Day with a fun Australia-themed promotion or marketing campaign. Be inspired by some of these great Australia Day-themed products from TurnKey Promotions:
Full Size Sublimated Bucket Hat Fully customizable polyester bucket hat. Available in three adult sizes (57/58/59cm) or three children’s sizes (54/55/56cm).
Premium Sublimated Socks Premium polyester socks available in one size that suits shoe sizes from EUR 38 – 43 and AUS 7-12.
Waterproof Temporary Tattoos Promotional temporary tattoos are non-toxic and easy to use! Available in 4 different sizes that can fit onto any part of the body.
Reversible Foldable Stubby Holder A secure neoprene base lets you slide in full beer bottles without worrying about them falling out. Cuts at the base let you fold the holder flat for easy storage.
To enquire about any of the products listed above, please call TurnKey Promotions on 1300 153 707. Alternatively, for more great Australia Day-themed products, please browse Turnkey Promotions’ Australia Day 2023 Catalogue.
On the 1st of November 2022, NSW will join the ACT, QLD, SA and WA at the forefront of the national sustainability movement by implementing a ban on single-use plastic items.
The ban follows the state-wide prohibition of lightweight single-use plastic bags (implemented in June) and includes straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, bowls, cotton buds, polystyrene takeaway food containers and more.
The scale of damage inflicted by callous human disposal of plastic products throughout the past 50 years is simply immeasurable. Since regular production of plastic bags began in the 1970’s, scientists tragically estimate that mankind has effectively killed off 49% of all marine life species (Living Blue Planet Report 2015, WWF).
By banning harmful plastic products, we are reducing the shameful amount of plastic that currently pollutes our oceans and taking an important step towards a brighter, more sustainable future for us all.
“The ban is expected to stop 2.7 billion single-use items from ending up in our natural environment and waterways over the next 20 years.”
NSW Treasurer and Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean
A number of products are temporarily exempt from the ban. These exemptions extend to serving utensils (such as salad servers or tongs), packing seals for food and beverage items and items that are mechanically attached to or included within food packaging (such as a straw in a juicebox).
A two-year exemption for plastic-lined paper plates and bowls that are decorated with patterns and/or pictures has also been granted by the state government to give small businesses time to adjust to the new legislation.
These everyday products have been a part of our lives for decades- what do we use now?
There are so many great alternatives to these soon-to-be-banned plastic products- and TurnKey Promotions can help you get your hands on them in no time at all!
We pride ourselves on sourcing thoughtfully designed, clever alternatives to products comprised of toxic plastics or materials. Plus, we can customize any item we source with your company logo or brand message.
Some of our favourite eco-friendly, reuseable products include:
Ash Recycled Large Shopper Tote This durable shopper tote holds more than 30lbs. features a large open main compartment, 11.5″ drop handles and is made of RPET material.
Replaces: Single-use plastic bags
Harvest Produce Bags in Pouch Includes five mesh drawstring bags in a drawstring polyester pouch.
Replaces: Plastic produce bags
Newton Salad Shaker This shaker holds salad and dressing in separate compartments (710ml).
Replaces: Polystyrene takeaway food containers
Delish Eco Cutlery Set Includes full size fork, knife and spoon in a push-lid container. Made from a 50/50 blend of wheat fibre and BPA free polypropylene. Replaces: Disposable plastic cutlery
Reuseable Straw in Bottle Opener Case The flexible, reusable straw collapses to fit into a portable container equipped with a bottle opener.
Replaces: Plastic straws
Bendigo Enamel Bowl Durable stainless steel bowl which is BPA-free and has a stylish enamel finish.
Replaces: Paper bowls (takeaway food packaging)
To enquire about any of the products listed above, please call TurnKey Promotions on 1300 153 707. Alternatively, for more great eco-friendly promotional products, download and browse Turnkey Promotions’ Eco-Living Catalogue.
My not so hidden secret is my absolute love for stationery. I used to dream of owning a filofax when I was young!
I only recently thought about the connection with my business. A lot of the promotional products I work with clients on, are in actual fact, stationery products. My love for stationery, however did start from a very young age. (“Show you the child at 7 and I show you the adult!.”)
If you know me well, you know how much I am in love with my TurnKey Promotion pens. Since the day these pens were delivered they have come into conversation more times than I can count!
I know for sure I am not alone with this borderline obsession. Which got me thinking, where does this world wide fixation on stationery come from. In the times of ‘paperlessness’ (so we thought!), stationery stores are not going away. If anything, in the last 10 years we are seeing more stores pop up.
Thanks to thepaperdashery.com they have shed some light on where the obsession with stationery comes from:
New stationery represents a fresh start
Stationery provides an alternative to digital communication
Stationery puts power and control into your hands – literally
There is a belief that stationery makes us more organised and creative
Stationery provides a channel for us to express our true selves.
Who thought a pen and notepad or diary could deliver so much!
So it appears there are a lot of emotions and feelings, consciously or subsciously flying around in stationery stores. A place of self reflection, clearing the past and ‘potentialising’ the future. Stationery stores are limiting their marketing potential… we are no longer talking about paper and pens, we are talking about people’s lives in big ways! Kikki K (Australia born, starting in Melbourne in 2001 and now has 100 stores) has run with this notion, offering in-store self development workshops. ‘Saved by the ballpoint pen!’
Stationery stores have definitely upped their game, which is most certainly the reason, for those who once watched their love fade away, have since reunited. The choice of stationery products, the colours, the luxuriousness… these are no longer boring places we paced for office supplies. They have become the kind of stores that you think twice about, before entering, because you know for certain, you will spend longer than you initially plan to. An adults toy world!
To be honest I am not sure if this is a gender specific obsession. I know a lot of women who have stationery obsession, but I don’t know of a lot of men. Enlighten me if you have some examples.
For me personally, stationery provides a tactileness, that I increasingly crave – post the computer taking over our lives. Stationery without even realising helps me to connect and focus on what I am doing right now. You definitely don’t want your mind wondering when you write the first word, line, paragraph in your brand new diary!
I found a list (thank you Gena-mour Barrett at BuzzFeed) that has confirmed my stationery obsession is real – “Anyone who’s slightly obsessed with stationery has secretly done:
Organised your pens by colour, type of pen, etc.
Taken the line width of your ruled paper seriously.
Practised your handwriting before making that first sacred mark in a new notebook.
Lied and said you didn’t have a pen because you didn’t want someone to take it.
Been excited by the prospect of starting a new job or term at school because it means having to go stationery shopping.
Refused to use a beautiful notebook for way too long because you still haven’t found a good enough reason to use it.
Convinced yourself that new stationery is the key to organising your life.
Winced when someone asked to borrow a piece of paper because it means ripping a page from your precious notepad.”
Lucky for me I have turned my obsession into a business, and so researching, sourcing, reviewing, testing, selling, stationery products for my day-job is a perfect fit.
These are some of my latest obsessions that you may also find yourself becoming obsessed with:
Who doesn’t love a sharpie!
Highlighter Pencils
Rule & Flags
An array of beautiful writing Pens
Pencil case kit
Coloured Pencils
Pen Highlighter Set
Post-It Diary – Lasts for a long time!
Coloured notebooks
Trusted, all purpose notebook.
Paper Clip Dispenser
High End Pen Set
If you need a sample, don’t hesitate. Nothing would bring me more joy!
Denim is a rugged, sturdy, twill weave woven (a special characteristic which sets it apart from other fabrics) made from 100% cotton fabric.
In 1873 American Jacob Davis (A Tailor) and Levi Strauss (Cloth Merchant) collaborated to fulfil an order for a pair of trousers that would be “sturdy and wear well” – which would become ‘Jeans’.
The days of denim are still strong
A Poll by ShopSmart (from Publisher of Consumer Reports) found the average American owns seven pairs of jeans. Roy Morgan Research reveal that in any given four-week period, more than 1.7 million Australians 14+ buy at least one pair of women’s and/or men’s denim jeans (2016). And to prove the timeliness of denim, millennial Lorna Burford, a 30-year-old blogger in England, has between 400 and 450 pairs of jeans.
Denim is a material that has lived on through cultural revolutions, generational change, socio-economics and fashion trends. Interestingly if you look at the evolution of denim jeans in particular, you will see a direct correlation with people’s consciousness, i.e. how they are feeling about the world that they are living.
20’s and 30’s – Denim jeans were worn by workers.
50’s – “Bad Boys” Marlon Brando and James Dean glamorised denim jeans on film. As a result, Public Schools in America banned jeans for being too provocative.
60’s and 70’s – We saw the hippy denim jean, denoting freedom and less structure.
80’s – Was the start of designer denim. Where Brooke Shields became the face of Calvin Klein Jeans.
A flashback to my days of double denim!! Feel free to share your denim flashback with me so we can reminisce together!
90’s – The grunge era came on coinciding with the rise of hip hop. Here we saw very baggy, casual styles.
Early 2000’s – Low-rise jeans became popular thanks to Britney Spears.
Mid to late 2000’s – The skinny jean was the big innovation, thanks to denim stretch technology. Providing ‘go to’ apparel for any occasion.
Today – We see a lot more variety. There is no set trend as such; Straight Leg, High waisted, Vintage Distressed/Shredded Denim are trending. The extreme cut out style is something I’ve never seen or previously heard of… not sure if this will take off (I certainly won’t be wearing them!). The average smaller independent eco friendly denim lines are also popping up challenging the bigger brands as they are just as accessible via internet shopping.
Denim Sustainability
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important across all industries. The denim industry is no exception. Some of the innovation in this area includes:
Investment in clean technologies. For example, in the fibre stage of making denim, biodegradable synthetics and bio elastomers are being used to help mills create more sustainable denim.
The introduction of both natural (e.g. Hemp or Linen) and man-made (e.g. lyocells) alternatives to the thirsty cotton crop.
The avoidance of consuming new resources and replacing with recycled fibres like new Refibra which is made out of waste material during the manufacturing process.
Introducing sustainable alternatives, organic and BCI cottons, when requiring new cotton.
Denim not just for jeans – Denim Promotional Products
The versatility, durability and appeal of denim fabric has enabled cross-industry utilisatilisation. We have seen denim shirts, jackets, dresses, shorts, skirts, headbands, swimming costumes, shoes, etc.
In short, there is no end to denim. Now you can find a variety of products made out of denim like mobile phone covers, aprons, quilts, pillows, notebooks, sunglass frames, bags, hats, computer cases, towels, drink holders … the list continues.
The promotional products industry is also trending with denim, with some of the following denim promotional products now available to take your company logo:
Bags, for play, shopping and work. People are looking for materials that last, protect and have style. And denim totes and satchel bags certainly fits this bill.
Apparel. Aprons and Denim shirts bring a premium feel to any brand.
Hats are available in different denim fabrics enabling versatility in the style that best suits your brand or product positioning.
Below is an example of Trip Advisors Travel Accessories pack. You have a backpack, wash bag, passport, bag tag, diary and pencil case. The complete pack for a branded gift to customers. Some elements translate to different industry gift ideas, for example, course enrolment, company welcome pack and new member gifts.
Since researching Denim for this article, it made me think about the longevity of materials and trends. On Quora (platform to ask questions and connect with people who contribute unique insights and quality answers) there was some interesting feedback about people thinking that denim won’t be around for too much longer.
From everything I have seen, read and experienced during my lifetime, I would have to disagree with this. There is something about denim that makes people not only feel good but express themselves in a very individual way, despite being a mainstream material. I thought the whole athleisure surgence (e.g. leggings, tights), would take over, but it appears not. Denim jeans has a strong hold over us. My only guess as to why, is because it has continually evolved with the times and always feels contemporary whilst connecting us to our past.
Whilst you were summering it up in Australia during January, I was trumping it up in America!
This was travel for both work and play!
The Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Expo was the main purpose for the trip – the biggest industry expo in America. We are talking 11,000 distributors representing 4,000 companies and 30 countries, attended by over 20,000+ people. The Everest of Expos, both in respect to the variety of products, the exhibition space … and trying to get through it in three days. Then throw in the Las Vegas location – the epicentre of ‘can you make it bigger and better’!
With something as big as this, you have to plan and be selective from the start, or you could find yourself lost in the noise, hype and excitement.
The opportunity to attend this Expo in Vegas was a milestone for not only my business, but also for me personally …. as I extended the time to experience America is a completely different way.
We, my husband and I, experienced Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco and then drove to Las Vegas via California Highway 1 for a stay in San Simeon, home to the amazing Hearst Castle. We miraculously stumbled across over 3,000 elephant seals that come to the coastline every year to give birth and mate….But that is for another time and something I would be happy to share if you are thinking about travelling to America.
So, back to the show.
We had a plan and it worked very well.
The first two to three days were purely education in sales and marketing, specific to the promotional products industry. I attended a lot different educational sessions. I think it was 16 in total. Customer Service online and offline, continues to be top of mind. There was also a lot of education around high performance selling, unifying sales teams and the latest trends and topics related to social media, metrics, branding and positioning. A great opportunity to immerse myself in how the world is seeing business and integrating promotional products to further extend and leverage marketing communication and programs.
For the following three days I walked the Trade Show floor on the lookout for new products or a new and fresh approach to existing lines and found the segments with a lot of momentum are:
1. ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS are big and only getting bigger. Which is great to see. Recycled straws, recycled materials, less materials, reusable straws, bags, containers for food and drinks.
2. BLING AND MORE BLING! What I mean is bling decoration on anything and everything – bags, drink bottles, in cars, books, clothing, phones. I don’t think this is going anywhere soon. The asian influence in our markets continues to grow, and anything bling acts as a means of creating your own signature add on. Click on the image below to view the Sequin Artwork.
3. SOCKS has turned into a means of self expression. We are seeing a lot of branded socks out there. If designed with the customer and positioning in mind – this is very effective.
4. DENIM. The days of denim are definitely not behind us. There is a lot of denim still to be lived. It’s exciting to see the different ways in which this material is being integrated with other materials – and bringing new life to products we haven’t seen before.
5. THE EXPO LIVE ‘GET IN TOUCH’ interactive stage was also a good bit of fun. There is where live product demonstrations and interviews with industry leaders were streamed. A non-guilt rest break!
Also throw in the very talented, knowledgeable and ENGAGING KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
David Goggins, the closing speaker, was a stand out for me. He spoke on the topic “Stop Talking Yourself Out of Being Great”. An inspiring talk about personal accountability and building momentum. He spoke about in the early challenges in his life, becoming a Navy SEAL in most elite unit in the American military, and the only member of the U.S. Armed Forces to complete SEAL training. He also was in the U.S. Army Ranger School, where he graduated as Enlisted Honor Man, and Air Force tactical air controller training. A few years later he became one of the greatest endurance athletes in the world.
Scott Stratten was also another great speaker . Who was named a top five social media power influencer by Forbes. He has completely changed how corporations do business. During his presentation, he shared his ‘radical’ insights on how to engage better with customers through social and viral marketing and blended real-world strategies with memorable stories to rethink the way we market and sell.
Connie Podesta … well I have not laughed so much at this stand out presentation on sales as I’ve never heard it being presented before. As an award-winning author, Podesta is an expert on the psychology of sales, leadership, change, life balance and getting your act together, which helped to inspire industry professionals to do what it takes to increase sales, attract and retain more customers, build longer-lasting relationships, strengthen leadership skills and become more profitable, happier and successful.
So back to our plan for the show. It worked well. Or we thought it was working well. Until….we heard about the ‘Pop Up Puppy Stand’. (Which was amongst foodie pop-ups chocolate-dipped bacon, meatballs and rolled ice cream and caricature artists and an illusionists). In a flash we made a run to cuddle the most beautiful puppies.
This is genius marketing distraction and also drove traffic to less populated areas of the venue … and the perfect reminder that we are fundamentally, as humans, emotionally driven. Which brings me back to why promotional products continue to work.
Paul Bellantone, CAE, PPAI president and CEO said. “Promotional products are the only medium that allow us to connect with consumers on a tangible level”.
The benefit of tangible connections, is increasing emotion, trust and engagement – which are the foundation for establishing sustainable business and brands.
If you would like more information about the show and the latest promotional products please get in touch – info@turnkeypromotions.com.au
Halloween’s a weird one, both in concept and history. A holiday that reflects pagan sensibilities, of Welsh and Iris h origin, under the guise of a Christian holiday. Today it doesn’t have much to do with honouring saints or praying for the dead, and has instead taken on a face that more significantly reflects hallmarks of contemporary American culture. Spooks, scares and sweets all wrapped up in enormous orange marketing efforts. When and why then did it make its way down under? It doesn’t seem a very good fit.
There’s something decidedly Autumnal about Halloween. A celebration of harvest time and getting comfy against the coming cold. It’s wrapped up in oranges and auburns, with pumpkin’s flooding the streets (and every product imaginable https://www.eater.com/2017/9/26/16330438/pumpkin-spice-food-pop-tarts-kit-kats-milanos-jello). With it coming at a time when we here in Australia are breaking out the eskies and barbies again, there’s an understandable dissonance.
The Australian kick back against halloween is, however, perhaps more to do with its commercialisation and a particularly American form of commercialism at that. The holiday itself, as aforementioned, has little to actually do with Australian culture and has only taken its first stumbling steps into the Australian national consciousness in the last few years. Its popularity has grown particularly amongst younger generations, due to the influx of American media through the internet and television. Deakin Business School researcher and consumer behaviour expert Dr Paul Harrison (http://this.deakin.edu.au/society/should-we-really-be-celebrating-halloween-in-australia) has charted the close association between American big business and Halloween’s present day incarnation. America is responsible for producing a vast amount of the world’s sweets. Confectionary giants like Mars, Inc. hold a massive place in contemporary culture and have everything to gain from any and all foreign markets embracing a holiday devoted to the celebration of all that is sweet and sugary.
Harrison believes this is where disgruntled Australians should focus their aggravations, on the commercial side of things rather than the holiday itself. Harrison suggests that, as Australia has done with so many other cultural traditions in the past, the country should be open to the holiday. Halloween is not merely a product of America, but something celebrated the world over; by differing people in differing ways.
Business is at the heart of Halloween and is the biggest player in its expanding popularity. Perhaps the key to Australia coming to terms with Halloween is in acceptance and adaptation. It seems unlikely the practice is going away any time soon. It’s time to put that distinctive Aussie spin on an old, and already amorphous tradition. In both business and practice.
Here in Australia we’ve got a special need for sunglasses. Long summers characterised by surf, beaches and barbies are staples of the Australian way of life. We have some of the highest and most consistent temperatures on earth and we’ve also got a great big hole in the ozone layer above us. Sunglasses have become a very stylish necessity.
Designs and products are very often referred to as ‘classic and timeless’, in the case of sunglasses this is actually closer to the truth than most. The earliest recorded examples of sunglasses date back to the classical period. Everybody’s favourite matricidal pyromaniac, Nero, watched the gladiatorial battles of ancient Rome through a pair of polished lenses. Whilst across in China, judges used smoky quartz glasses to hide their expressions in court. These early adopters were certainly innovators, but this eyewear of old did little to protect against anything other than glare.
Sunglasses have cropped up in the centuries since. Yellow tinted lenses were prescribed in the 18th and 19th centuries to treat syphilis, due to the disease causing light sensitivity. The modern form and usage of sunglasses however, didn’t really hit its stride until movie stars started framing their faces in the early 20th century and they didn’t go truly mainstream until Sam Foster found a market for cheap, mass-produced lenses in the 1920s. Ray-Ban hit the scene in the early 30s, and once a Life magazine piece sang this new fashions praises in 1938, people began scooping them up in droves.
Styles and shapes have drifted in and out of fashion over the course of the 20th century, but a great many of the first forms have stood the test of time. The Wayfarer remains an immensely popular style and is virtually unchanged since its 1956 debut. Ray-ban has remained a front runner in the field, and many of their original designs have endured. The eyewear of JFK and Buddy Holly can be seen today on Beckham and Pitt.
With time has come affordability, and today you can scoop up a pair of sturdy and effective shades for an astoundingly low price. Design patents on these timeless styles have long since expired and the market for competitively priced sunglasses has never been stronger. What’s more, it’s still a great area for experimentation and putting a twist on an old classic, as our partners are doing today. When it comes to sunnies, you can’t really go wrong.
