It’s always sunny with Charlie

MANILA, Philippines - It’s a startup so we do everything,” shares Sunnies by Charlie marketing director and brand ambassador Georgina Wilson who, along with her partners Martine Cajucom, Bea Soriano and Eric Dee, orchestrated a swanky launch of their trendy sunglasses brand’s Mall of Asia station last Thursday during the height of Philippine Fashion Week. “We really wanted to create a brand that is curated by people who actually use it. It’s a selection of things that we love but are affordable.”

Tastemakers and influencers as well as fans and well-wishers from all over the metro lined up and gathered over cupcakes, ice cream and lemonade and tried on the ‘60s- and ‘70s-inspired sunglasses designed with a modern twist. Georgina shares, “Just because I love (something), it doesn’t mean that everyone can buy it. I wanted to make affordable eyewear a reality.” She says that Sunnies are for anybody who has the courage to experiment, “who sees eyewear or sunglasses as part of the outfit, of a complete look.” The Sunnies customer is not just going to own one pair, she says, but 30 pairs. The trendy styles as well as the prices (ranging from P299 to P799) sure make that a plausible reality.

“It’s the love that goes into it,” Georgina emphasizes. And it’s true. From the way Sunnies by Charlie is merchandised to how it’s sold and communicated online using guerilla style photography shot mainly on film, there is both a personalized face and a freshness to it that most young’ns can relate with. “It’s overwhelming to see how well people respond to it online. It’s a brand that speaks to the younger generation but can be accepted by all.”

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Sunnies by Charlie is available at SM North Edsa The Block, SM San Lazaro, SM Fairview, Robinson’s Place Manila and Robinson’s Galleria. They can also be purchased online at Zalora.

Photos by Samantha Lee