XO QUAY

XO QUAY
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COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS: FOODBANK VICTORIA

In recognition of Foodbank Victoria and their ongoing efforts towards food relief, we’re donating $30,000 to assist with their efforts in providing for those suffering from food insecurity over the holiday period. We also chatted with a pair of Foodbank volunteers, Kylie Mackinlay and Andy Knauth, about why they joined, their experience during the pandemic, and the impact of their work.

KYLIE MACKINLAY –FOOD PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

FOODBANK

Q: How did you begin working/ volunteering at Foodbank VIC?

A: I come from a café hospitality background, so my focus has always been about food and people. I’ve followed (stalked!) Foodbank Victoria for a couple of years and have always been impressed by the impact they have. The pandemic hit the hospitality industry hard and triggered a lot of self-reflection on where I wanted to be—and what I wanted to be doing—then this role popped up, ticking all the boxes!

Q: What is your favourite aspect of working with Foodbank VIC?

A: Working with a great team that makes a difference—ensuring families have food on their tables. What’s your most memorable moment working/volunteering at Foodbank? It would have to be a tie between watching Virginia Trioli broadcast live from the Greenspace (warehouse) and Steve’s infamous homemade cheesecake!

Q: Do you have to be a food connoisseur to work/volunteer at Foodbank?

A: No, there are so many different roles within Foodbank, from operations and logistics to marketing and fundraising. I’d say the majority in my team are foodies though!

Q: What’s it like to work/volunteer for the Foodbank “family”?

A: It’s heartwarming to see people’s appreciation and feel a positive contribution to the community. I love the diversity of people I get to meet and the diversity of the projects that we get to deliver.

Q: How has the pandemic impacted the demand for food?

A: Many people who've never dreamed of needing food relief services, have come forward. The pandemic has delivered a huge surge in demand, the extra cost of living pressures, highlighting the already significant inequalities when it comes to access to food.

Q: How did Foodbank need to adjust to the impact of the pandemic (i.e., restrictions, delivery of programs etc.)?

A: Like so many other organisations, we’ve had to adjust to working from home, and zoom meetings etc. Covid has added a layer of logistic difficulties for such a large team, that travels to so many people. But we’ve also started new programs. For instance, we opened an International Pop Up Store in response to the lack of support for our international students. And we’ve also adapted existing programs, like when we switched our Farms to Families 'farmers style market’ to a hamper drive through. And last but not least, the School Breakfast Club now delivers online cooking classes.

ANDY KNAUTH –VOLUNTEER

FOODBANK

Q: How did you begin working/volunteering at Foodbank VIC?

A: A lovely local friend told me that Foodbank were looking for a few more volunteers to help out before Christmas. I jumped at the opportunity. I called straight away and started the very next week. It’s now been 5 weeks and I’m loving every day I’m there.

Q: Why did you decide to work/ volunteer at Foodbank VIC?

A: I’ve been wanting to volunteer at Foodbank for the past 18 months, but due to the pandemic and lockdowns they were not taking on new people. I live locally, within walking distance to the Foodbank warehouse. I’ve been involved in the hospitality industry for a long time and have seen firsthand how much food goes to waste. Getting involved with Foodbank is my way of becoming part of the solution to food waste. There are people who have it tough, so for me to help with my time and energy is the least I can do. It feels good to give back.

Q: What is your favourite aspect of working with Foodbank VIC?

A: My favourite part of the day is picking the bulk food orders that go out to all the varied different charities, especially picking in the cold room on hot days.

Q: What’s your most memorable moment working/volunteering at Foodbank?

A: Walking in on my first day and being so warmly welcomed by Louise (one of the volunteer coordinators). I was so impressed at how the generous spirt of the Foodbank was on display everywhere.

Q: Do you have to be a food connoisseur to work/volunteer at Foodbank?

A: Definitely not. If anything, you need to be fit. I enjoy cooking myself and seeing all the different types of fresh produce and the packaged goods has motivated me to get cracking in the kitchen again. I’ve heard there are even Foodbank recipe cards available to inspire people to get cooking.

Q: What’s it like to work/volunteer for the Foodbank “family”?

A: It’s still early days but I already feel part of the Foodbank family and I have made some great friends. Everyone is respectful and friendly. I’m looking forward to learning new skills in other areas of the Foodbank group and meeting more of the family.

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COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS: NAIDOC WEEK 2021

Quay is honouring where we came from.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.

NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of the First Nations people. This year's theme is a call to recognise, protect, and maintain their heritage. We talked to Rona Ngamperle Glynn-Mcdonald, founder of Common Ground. This First Nations-led not-for-profit works to amplify the knowledge, cultures and stories of the First Nations people.

NAIDOC WEEK 2021

Q: WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT IS YOUR STORY?

A: I am a proud Kaytetye woman from Central Australia. My work focuses on creating spaces for First Nations People centred on storytelling. Since finishing high school in 2013, I have worked across the not-for-profit sector with First Nations and non-Indigenous organisations. I've also founded a not-for-profit called Common Ground and a First Nations consulting practice at YLab.

Q: HOW DID YOU COME TO START COMMON GROUND?

A: Growing up in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), I saw how the colonial systems we live within impacted (and continue to impact) my community in unique and dangerous ways. After attending university, I began to realise the extent to which colonialism permeates all areas of our society, perpetuated by the narratives we've been sharing as a nation since colonisation. As a result, I founded Common Ground in 2018 to create spaces where First Nations individuals and communities could share their perspectives, voices and knowledge.

Q: WHAT DOES NAIDOC WEEK MEAN TO YOU?

A: For me, it's a week to reflect and celebrate the achievements and resilience of First Nations People and communities. I walk with a deep listening of the voices of my Ancestors and leaders in my community every day. So having a week dedicated to honouring them while giving space to appreciate the richness and strength of our communities is always special.

Q: WHY IS STORYTELLING IMPORTANT?

A: First Nations people are the original storytellers—inherent to First Nations storytelling is truth-telling. Both are at the centre of Country, Law, culture and language. It's how we organise knowledge and how we continue to pass on this knowledge for the generations to come. It's what keeps our communities strong.

TO MAKE SURE THESE STORIES LIVE ON

We donated $20,000 AUD to Common Ground—a First Nations-led not-for-profit that works to amplify the knowledge, cultures and stories of the First Nations people

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COMMUNITY IS QUAY 

We believe that all people—regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or creed—deserve respect, opportunity, and love. 

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5 ESSENTIAL SUNNIES STYLES TO TRY NOW

It's easy to express your selfie when you've got the perfect shades. Quay’s trendy sunglasses come in a wide range of styles for all face shapes and fashion statements, so there's no need to settle for just one pair. Today, we’ll break down the iciest sunnies that enhance your face and your fit. Let's run through the staple sunglasses shapes and see how they can be tailored to your vibe.

AVIATOR SUNGLASSES

WOMAN IN HIGH KEY AVIATOR
Developed for pilots and popular in the ‘70s, the aviator never goes out of style. You'll recognise this retro shape by its definitive brow bar and inverted teardrop lenses. It'll give whatever you're wearing a throwback touch, especially if you’re all about that HIGH KEY life. The black fades are the OG bestselling pair and the luxe metal frame is gorg, plus HIGH KEY comes in different styles. Feeling extra? Get edgy with a shield or navigator pair, then throw on vintage T’s and 501s or your go-to streetwear for the perfect retro-mod vibe. 

CAT EYE SUNGLASSES

We’re suckers for cat eyes and we aren’t sorry. These retro cool sunglasses were popular in the '60s and they remain universally flattering today. Their signature feline flick adds a distinguished pop to your look, equal parts hipster and hell yes. Pair your purr-fect black cat eye sunglasses with pearls and a little black dress for understated elegance or embrace simplicity with a neutral colour palette up top and timeless denim below. Keep your winged cat eye snatched in NOOSA with a bold injection frame or COME THRU and show out in these fan fave sunnies.

SHIELD SUNGLASSES

Haters, be gone. Block out the noise with shields. Instead of the standard lens-and-bridge deal, these sunnies wrap around your face for full panoramic vision (in 4K, not just HD). Shields are loud and tend to suit your inner boss lady, especially when paired with your fave puffer or athleisure. A little sporty, with no reason to say sorry—that’s the shield vibe. Make an entrance with a shield styled the way you want it. For a classic shield look, pop on HINDSIGHT for sport and spice and everything nice, oversized and savage. 

SQUARE SUNGLASSES

Few shapes highlight your angles like square sunglasses. This style is straight-up universal—ideal for quick errands when you’d rather be undercover and even better when you want to be seen. Want to go big? Opt for AFTER HOURS and blow a kiss to your Quay-approved reflection. For slightly scaled-down sunnies, HARDWIRE your day with a classic injection frame that makes WFH an occasion. Bonus: HARDWIRE is a pair of polarised sunglasses that helps reduce glare, from poolside outing to desert road trips. Seems like a pretty bright idea, agreed?

CIRCLE SUNGLASSES

Circle sunglasses are Quay to the festival-ready aesthetic we’ve always dug. Their shape is iconic and timeless, as common on 60s’ icons as they are on TikTok celebs. For a more modern mood, grab FARRAH, a frameless happy medium with metal studs. For a sleeker look drenched in flower child vibes, spring for JEZABELL, a slightly oversized take on the round. 
 
Browse through Quay's iconic sunglasses collection for a sleek pair of shades that feel just right. To see if you've got the perfect fit, play around with our Virtual Try-On Tool!

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How to Clean & Take Care of Your Glasses

Now that you’re fresh af, let’s keep things clean. The next step after choosing your pair of Quays is all about care and keeping them A1 from Day 1. Scratches, scuffs, broken arms­—thanks, but no. We’ll show you how to up the lifespan of your sunnies and blue light glasses, from proper wiping techniques to protective measures and more. Ultimately, the Quay to preserving your high-quality sunnies just boils down to the proper tools and methods­… and fighting the urge to use your top as a lens wipe, no matter how sheer or petal-soft it may be.

How to Clean Glasses

Cleaning your specs should be easy, right? Most definitely—with the right technique. It doesn’t require a ton of effort, just a bit of mindfulness and a brief snapshot of what not to do in order to avoid knicks or warped lenses.

Let's start by repeating the biggest no-no: using your clothing (or a tissue, for that matter) as a lens cleaner. It’s tempting, yes, and the only available option if you aren’t prepared. But the wrong fabric just swishes oils around, exaggerating smears or—even worse—debris bits that scratch your brand new Quays. We also advise against using household cleaners that aren’t designated for glasses, as they can damage your specs. 

Just keep it short and simple with some rub-a-dub essentials: mild soap and water. You can have immaculately clean lenses in four easy steps: 

  1. Run a stream of warm water down your glasses. The keyword here is warm since scalding water can damage your lenses.
  2. Add a drop of soap to each side of the lenses, then gently rub it all over your frames. This will help you coat the hard-to-reach spots, such as nose pads, which can become a trap for skin oils.
  3. Thoroughly rinse the soap off your specs.
  4. Gently dry your glasses with a microfiber cloth. It’s that easy!

When you’re out and about, the best tools for cleaning your Quays are a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner. Quay's Tri Fold Cleaning Kit contains the basics for easy grab + go maintenance: a microfiber cloth, mini screwdriver, cleaning spray, and hardshell glasses case. From there, keeping your lenses tidy and protect will become second nature. Simply spray your lenses on the front and back with the cleanser, wipe away the dirt and grease with the microfiber cloth, and keep your Quays case-side when they aren’t in use. 

How to Keep Your Quays on the Chains

Glasses chains work double duty. They keep your glasses within arm’s reach, plus they enhance your fit. Quay's trend-setting chains come with detachable custom grips and clasps that easily hold your glasses in place. This way, you’ll avoiding misplacing your Quays or losing them to fierce winds on that staff boat outing. With styles for every face shape and fashion statement, chains will keep your specs on hand (and on deck) at all times. 

Wait, did we say double duty? Make that triple duty. If you’re giving your Quays a break from the chain, put it to use as a mask holder or an accessory by looping it around your neck or wrist. Our chains come in different colours and prints, from metallic to animal print. Here’s an even better idea: keep two chains (or should we say 2 Chainz?) with you at all times.

How to Pick Out the Perfect Case

Chains or not, the right cases + organizers are non-negotiables. They keep your Quay sunnies and blue light specs safe, pristine, and protected. Although Quay shades include free cases, we created a variety of other options to elevate your steez. They’re easy to forget but crucial for lens care, especially if you’re wondering how to prevent scratches on your glasses or avoid crushing your Quays when you’re playing hard (and hardly working). 


A quick tip: place your lenses flush against the case, which feature a luxe velvet lining for scratch-free sunnies. The case also comes in a trifold option, with a collapsible outer shell to keep your precious Quays in mint condition. Got multiple sunnies for every month of summer? No problem. Grab a two-piece or four-piece fold-up case to securely store your Quays and choose a pattern or colour that fits your mood all day, every day. Take the time to shop Quay's cases and chains and keep your sunnies intact and on point—then get out there and do you.

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GO BEHIND THE SCENES: DESIGNER FRAMES

Extra cool. Extra fine. Extra luxe. It’s all about the detailsYOU’RE IN LUXE.

Introducing the luxe collection of sunnies made from extra-fine materials + dressed up in extra-good features. Premium frames, luxe details, polarized lenses for just $120.

Quay designers

Go behind our new collection with product designers Colleen + Adesha.

The design process starts by identifying key runway looks. Then, our in-house designers break down those trends, make mood boards, and sketch to ensure each frame is thoughtfully created with our squad (and quality) in mind.

Our Product Team went straight up premium developing each style’s construction + components when designing the Luxe Collection. They incorporated the most high-end acetates, lenses, and hardware for that head-turning look + feel.

SHOP THE LUXE COLLECTION

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