Lizzo on New Eyewear Collaboration: ‘Self-Expression is Something I Can Stand Behind’
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It may be a tumultuous time in the country, but Lizzo is hoping to spark a little joy and self-confidence with a new sunglass collaboration inspired by her personal style and activism. Released last week, the QUAY X LIZZO collection features a range of affordable frames that the singer designed in conjunction with the Australia-based accessories brand, Quay. The bold, statement-making designs (think studded frames, big prints and holographic colors) include gender-neutral sunglasses and optical frames fitted with blue light lenses to help reduce eye fatigue and glare.
Quay (pronounced “key”) debuted the collection alongside a new Lizzo-fronted campaign, dubbed “Confidence is Quay.” The campaign launched with Quay and Lizzo teaming up to make a donation to Feeding America with a portion of sales from the first week of release. Quay says it donated more than one million meals through Feeding America’s network of food banks, pantries and food kitchens.
QUAY x LIZZO Collection, starting at $15, available at QuayAustralia.com
Pieces from the collection start at $15 for a chainlink-style sunglass strap (which doubles as a necklace). Eyewear, meantime, starts at $55. The collection features eight frames in total, ranging from oversized aviators to juiced-up sunglass shields. Some of the designs are completely new to the brand, while others were popular styles re-worked, Quay says, “with [Lizzo] as their muse.”
Quay says they specifically sought out the singer for the collaboration, calling her, “An icon of confidence, self-love, and self-expression.”
“She speaks her truth and, in doing so, empowers all of us to do the same,” says Quay CEO, Jodi Bricker, in a press release. “Confidence, self-expression, and authenticity are at the core of everything we do at Quay, and we’re excited to partner with someone who owns that.”
Lizzo, who has been outspoken about her struggles with self-esteem and unrealistic beauty standards, says she was excited to work with Quay after they agreed to create a line of shades that would fit and flatter a range of face shapes and personalities. “Quay is different from other eyewear brands out there,” she says. “They’re cool and fresh, but also inclusive and attainable. Their message of confidence and self-expression is something that I believe in and can stand behind. Combine all that with the opportunity to do good with Feeding America, and it doesn’t get much better than that.”
Lizzo took to social media to promote the new collection last week. The long-time Minneapolis resident has also been using Instagram to address the recent unrest in her adopted hometown, urging those with a platform to speak out on behalf of the activists and protestors. “I wonder what would happen if all the big companies and celebrities who have showed support on social media came out and used their platform to let activists and protesters speak and be seen?” she wrote over the weekend. “I stand with Minneapolis. I believe in us. Change is gonna come.”