This blog post is a bit delayed in relation to when I went to the press day but the reason is the collection is not due to launch until June. I didn’t want to blog about it too quickly then you guys can’t get a hold of a pair until much later. At least now we are in May, June isn’t too far away at all.
So back in early April, I went along to a press day to view Pala Sunglasses which are due to launch in June exclusively at ASOS and Pala’s own website. Now, I know what you are all thinking “oh another sunglasses brand on ASOS, what is so special about them?” Well, the sunglasses themselves… yes there is nothing groundbreaking about them but, by buying a pair… you are helping someone in Africa. With Pala sunglasses, you can not only protect your eyesight but also help others to save theirs!
Pala Sunglasses
I know you are all thinking… this concept sounds familiar and yes the concept is basically very similar to a very well-known shoe brand, Toms. However, with Pala’s sunglasses, you buy one pair and some of your money will go towards building a vision centre in Africa. This is how it works…
“Through the sale of each pair of Pala sunglasses, grants will be provided to create vision centres, dispensaries and screening programmes in Africa. Each project or programme provides a cost per patient seen and Pala is, therefore, able to work back to the necessary donation required from the sale of each pair of sunglasses to match that patient cost, thus fulfilling their ‘buy-give’ promise”
So basically it is buy one and you will help give to someone in need. I was also chatting to the founder John during press day and I can definitely feel his passion coming through. As well as providing eye care the project has also opened up job opportunities for the locals. All the cases that come with Pala Sunglasses are hand weaved by the locals and are made with old recycled plastic which looks like wicker. I was quite impressed by the look and the feel of them.
Pala Sunglasses Cases
I am a huge fan of eyewear that has a story. John has said Pala may even venture into the optical market in the future but at the moment, he is concentrating on launching the very first collection to make sure the business model works in terms of helping people that are in need in Africa. The price point is extremely affordable at around £45-£50 and what you get for that price is actually a pretty good quality pair of sunglasses and lenses that give your eyes good protection. So why not give Pala a try this summer and do something good at the same time. You can spend without the guilty conscious 😉 Keep your eyes peeled on the ASOS and Pala websites in June.