Mystery Box Revealed: Introducing TOMS EYEWEAR!
A few minutes ago, TOMS EYEWEAR was announced as the product to transform TOMS from a shoe company to a one-to-one company. For every pair of sunglasses sold, sight will be given to someone in need. As you’ll see in the video, there are more than 165 million people in the world with vision impairments.
Founder Blake Mycowskie first introduced the mystery box during his keynote at SxSW. I had the privilege of watching in Austin and have had June 7 marked on my calendar knowing the significant impact this new product would make…and because the marketing nerd in me is fascinated with Blake’s vision and everything about the way he runs his business.
Nordstrom, one of TOMS largest retailers and a supporter from the beginning, hosted a live broadcast via uStream as well as multiple in store unveiling events. The sunglasses are in the $100-150 range and TOMS website has tons of styles available. I’m sure Nordstrom will also be among the first to carry the shades.
***UPDATED (with styles/photos after the jump) @ 2:23 PM EDT***
There are three awesome, but classic styles for women (see below). All have three stripes which represent: 1) you 2) the person your purchase helped and 3) TOMS, bringing you together with someone in need. Blake added the stripes as a reminder for the impact made with the purchase. Don’t you just love him and his vision (pun intended)? So inspiring!
Classic 101 – sort of TOMS spin on the wayfarer
Classic 201 – a little Tom Ford or Chloe-esque
Classic 301 – oversized aviator
What do you think? Will you buy TOMS EYEWEAR?
Great post! I’m a fan of TOMS’ mission and it’s inspring to see the direction they’re taking the brand. Next stop: water bottles in exchange for projects on getting free and clean water to those who need it? YES PLEASE TOMS
That’s awesome! I had no idea they were doing this…great idea, great company.
Thanks for the news!
I love the 101 and 201 styles – I would definitely wear these.
This is an interesting announcement. However they are not the first to do this. I found out about these guys: 4sight sunglasses.com months ago. As far as I can tell 4sight offers a superior product…
TOMS vs. 4sight Sunglasses
Price: $135-145 vs. $89
Quality: Plastic vs. Handmade Acetate
Shipping: “Shipping costs vary with every order” vs. 100% free
Returns: You pay for return shipping vs. Free returns
I truly enjoy this post because it combines fashion and philanthropy. It makes fashion less materialistic, especially for those who believe that fashion is only surface deep. Fashion can truly change lives and I believe that companies are finally changing their platform to make such changes happen. In short, this is a beautiful story in many ways. I really like the aviators. Which are your favorite?