An intrinsic connection to the ocean has inspired one seaside family to bring a sustainable fashion brand to our shores.
The Strettons of Anna Bay are behind sunglass-designers PARAFINA’s expansion to Australia and New Zealand.
Designed in Madrid, Spain, the eyewear range is made from recycled PET plastic bottles, aluminium cans and corks, diverting a whopping 7 tonnes of waste from landfill each year.
“The cool thing is,” mum Deb tells Newcastle Weekly, “that rubbish is collected from all over the world – it just washes ashore from the Pacific Ocean, so it could very well be our own rubbish.”
With professional surfer son, Josh Stretton, and an ex-wind surfer in her husband, David, Deb and her family have always been drawn to the ocean and protecting it and its precious marine life against pollution.
Having previously worked for Arnette Sunglasses, Deb saw an opportunity when PARAFINA commented on one of Josh’s social media posts.
When they Googled the brand, they realised it hadn’t yet launched across Oceania, and set about collaborating.
But, for them, it’s not just about selling sunglasses.
“We could go straight into retail, but for us, that’s not what it’s all about,” Deb says.
“We want consumers to understand the product and see the value of it – that is, recycling waste into fashionable eyewear.”
So far, the Strettons have taken to local markets, such as Warners Bay Markets and Sacred Tree Markets, and pop-ups to spread the word. In time, they will launch a retail space.
PARAFINA sunglasses contain Category 3 lenses and are tested to Australian standards.
Current collections include eco-silicone in a range of fashion colours, natural bamboo, hybrid (bamboo and recycled PET plastic), sleek aluminium and tactile cork.
In an added bonus, 5% of all profits are donated to help fund education for children where it’s most needed.
Visit aronuicollections.com.au to browse the range and enjoy free shipping on all Australian and New Zealand orders.
More stories:
