Quay Recognized for Eyewear Design
Eyewear brand Quay is racking up accolades for its design. The brand was selected for its fashion-forward sunglasses and also named a top brand for stylish prescription frames, reflecting consumer demand for eyewear that merges aesthetics with function.
Founded in 2004 by Linda and Allen Hammond, Quay (pronounced "key") began its journey on the Australian music festival circuit. The brand was built from a stall selling affordable, stylish sunglasses to festival-goers, tapping into a market for fashion-forward eyewear that stood between cheap, disposable frames and high-end designer labels. The brand's growth was heavily propelled by a digital-first marketing strategy, leveraging Instagram early on to partner with influencers. This online buzz was amplified by a series of high-profile collaborations with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Lizzo, Chrissy Teigen, and Kylie Jenner, whose collection in 2017 sold out almost instantly. This strategy of accessible style and celebrity endorsement helped Quay expand its global footprint. The brand is now available in over 2,000 retail locations worldwide, including partnerships with major fashion retailers like ASOS and Urban Outfitters, in addition to its own direct-to-consumer online store. In early 2020, Quay ventured into the prescription eyewear market, recognizing the demand from its younger, trend-conscious customer base. The company initially launched its optical line through in-store kiosks and has since expanded to offer single-vision prescription glasses directly from its website as of January 2026. The move into prescription frames represents a significant strategic shift, positioning Quay to compete with established optical players by offering the same bold, fashion-centric designs in its prescription collections. The brand is also wholesaling its ophthalmic and sun frames to eye care professionals, acknowledging that the majority of consumers prefer to purchase prescription eyewear in person.
