Into The Light

The debut silhouettes from JB SUN are a creative collab between Jenny and celebrity stylist Nicole Chavez.

The debut silhouettes from JB SUN are a creative collab between Jenny and celebrity stylist Nicole Chavez.

With a shared love of all things chic and trend-setting, it’s no surprise that Jenny and Nicole are a match made in design heaven. After meeting on a panel at a virtual fashion conference, Jenny called Nicole with an idea—they should design sunglasses together. An entirely new territory for both, Nicole recalls the experience with reverence, “I was so incredibly shocked and honoured she wanted us to work together. It’s been a dream come true!”

The three styles—The Brow, The Y2K and The Wrap—are a creative expression of the duo’s shared eye of what's trending, delivered in sophisticated silhouettes and colours.

NICOLE CHAVEZ IN THE BROW IN CANTALOUPE TORT.

We sat down with these fashionable powerhouses to see what sunnies inspired them in the past, their ultimate summer outfits and carving a fresh path in a crowded market. 

What was the first pair of sunglasses that stole your heart and shaped your personal style?

NC: I have always been a lover of sunnies, especially statement ones. I remember seeing the Saint Laurent heart shaped rims and wanting them so badly. They are chic but playful; two things I aspire to achieve with my personal style.

JB: A pair of vintage round wire frames - total [John] Lennon vibes. I was in grade 11 and found them on a big trip into Toronto from my small hometown. They were definitely a confidence boost; an image shifting power piece for me at the time.

JENNY BIRD IN THE WRAP IN MATTE PUTTY. NICOLE CHAVEZ IN THE BROW IN MATTE PUTTY.

You can only bring one outfit on a trip in the summer. What are you going and what are you bringing?

NC: I am going on a romantic beach vacation with my husband to Mexico. I love all my linen pieces by Dissh but if I had to pick one, it would be their white strapless Dissh Lexi White Linen Midi Dress. It is a classic piece you can take from day to night and it highlights all my colourful accessories. 

JB: I’m headed to Copenhagen in August. The staple outfit I have in mind is a colour combo I love: my long canary yellow summer trousers, a camel tank by Dissh and coordinating cotton blouse by Frankie Shop to layer on top (worn open or buttoned up). I’ll finish it with my ATP Doris Warm Grey Everyday Sandals (I love all of their sandals and bags) and always throw in whatever eco tote I have on hand that’s in good condition. I am not a designer bag person. 

What made you feel like you could do something fresh in such a crowded market?

NC: As a lover and connoisseur of sunglasses, I was intrigued to play with different materials, colours and shapes. I also wanted to explore well-made luxury sunglasses at a more affordable price point. 

JB: I have been buying cool sunglasses for the look. They’re expensive and most often, too heavy or don’t fit well. I have also been noticing that the sustainable brands (the ones also made of compostable biodegradable acetate) aren’t delivering on the fashion-forward designs. So I’ve been feeling like something was missing: eco-friendly frames that were also cool and modern and luxuriously engineered, but still offered at a good price point. Why had I been compromising for “the look”? I’m excited you won’t have to anymore.

NICOLE STYLING KRISTEN BELL AT THE 2019 GOLDEN GLOBES, AS FEATURED IN COVETEUR. PHOTOGRAPHED BY TRISTAN KALLAS.

Who's your dream person to see these on?

NC: I hope this collection reaches everyone! It would be a dream to have people all over the world wearing JB SUN since they were made with the intention of a little something for everyone — from the trendy individual to the classic minimalist. 

JB: All my besties and loved ones. I want them to feel young, relevant and empowered, receiving compliments all day long (like they already do with the jewelry).