Established over 50 years ago...
…by Betty Lasse who at the time was a pregnant pharmacist hailing from Bondi Beach, Sunshades Eyewear is now Australia’s largest locally owned eyewear company.
Renowned for a collaborative company culture of more than 100 staff and ethically made frames stocked in over 4,300 stores globally, Sunshades Eyewear is a pioneering force in the fashion industry. Led by CEO Rodney Grunseit, who began his work in the company over 25 years ago, Sunshades continues to grow a diverse portfolio with a forward-thinking, dynamic approach. Whether it’s Gucci, Le Specs, Karen Walker, Saint Laurent, The Book Club or Cancer Council, Sunshades is guided by Betty’s belief that “the people we work with become our family.” Long-term relationships grounded in ingenuity have guided Sunshades’ journey from unbranded pharmacy sunglasses to legendary fashion names.
At every point of the design, manufacturing, marketing or distribution process, Sunshades believes that fashion should be fun and inspiring, for everyone.
our approach
Sunshades Eyewear believes that success is achieved by caring for our people, our planet and our product. We have developed our own code of ethics to ensure a consistently high ethical standard is upheld at Sunshades Eyewear.
Code of Ethics
People
To create a safe and diverse workplace free from discrimination and harassment
To prioritise the mental and physical wellbeing of all staff
To protect employee personal data and privacy
To promote a healthy work-life balance for all staff
Planet
To continue the rapid increase of our sustainable range which includes frames made from recycled PET, recycled PMMA, recycled polycarbonate and rice straw
To continue the rapid increase of our recycled sunglass packaging which uses carton shredding, polybags and recycled PU
To achieve our Sunshades sustainability targets for 2025
To adhere to our Sunshades HQ sustainability initiatives
Product
To source responsibly manufactured products
To adhere to Australian Consumer Law
To develop sunglasses and optical frames of the highest quality
To ensure that factories Sunshades Eyewear works with respect the human rights of all workers
our people
“The values of our staff are constantly embedded in the company: prioritising sustainability, paid parental leave, flexible work hours, donating to charities, pets in the office, gender equality and mental health days to name a few.
We are constantly putting the staff at the front of our company strategy.”
Sunshades Eyewear prioritises the physical and mental wellbeing of employees above all else. We know that a safe, equal and fun work environment is foundational to success. With over 25% of all staff having been at Sunshades for over ten years, our company culture is renowned for withstanding the ups and downs of business and the economy. Success is accomplished with the enormous energy and vision of the entire Sunshades team.
