Chilli beans sunglasses are a unique and quirky type of eyewear known for their bold, colorful designs featuring chili pepper motifs. They originated in the 1990s in Austin, Texas and quickly gained popularity as a funky fashion accessory. While the name may sound silly, chilli beans sunglasses have become a cult favorite thanks to their playful style and association with the “Keep Austin Weird” movement.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of chilli beans sunglasses, their key features and styles, where to buy them, and why they’ve maintained their appeal over the decades. Whether you’re an eyewear aficionado, a fan of southwestern culture, or just appreciate fun fashion, understanding the chilli beans sunglasses phenomenon offers insight into a truly iconic accessory.
History and Origins
Chilli beans sunglasses were founded in Austin in 1993 by entrepreneur Tom Ferguson. Ferguson wanted to create a eyewear line that embodied the creative, offbeat spirit of the city. At the time, Austin’s slogan “Keep Austin Weird” was growing in popularity as citizens aimed to protect the city’s diverse local businesses and culture against commercialization.
As a nod to the city’s southwestern heritage, Ferguson decided to theme his sunglasses around chili peppers. He chose the name “chilli beans” to represent the mix of chili pepper motifs blended with unique embellishments like visible screws modeled after beans. The first chilli beans sunglasses were handmade and sold at local Austin markets and shops.
The glasses quickly caught on as a stylish way for Austinites to show their local pride. Their success helped propel Austin’s emerging reputation as a hub for quirky counterculture. Chilli beans sunglasses became popular among musicians and creatives who appreciated the brand’s whimsical, anti-mainstream image.
By the late 90s, chilli beans sunglasses were being sold nationwide. They tapped into a broader appetite among young consumers for bold, offbeat fashion statements. Yet even with mainstream success, chilli beans sunglasses remained loyal to their Austin roots. The brand maintains their headquarters in Austin to this day.
Signature Design Features
So what exactly gives chilli beans sunglasses their distinct look? While specific designs vary, here are some of the signature features:
– Chili pepper motifs – Most pairs feature prominent chili pepper graphics, from green jalapenos to red habaneros. These visuals inspired the name and pay homage to Austin’s ties to Mexican and southwestern culture.
– Bold colors – Chilli bean frames come in a wide range of bright, playful colors. Red, blue, green, purple, and orange are common. The colors further the funky, eccentric aesthetic.
– Visible screws – The visible metal screws attaching the frames are modeled after beans and add a handmade touch. This makes each pair slightly unique.
– Fun embellishments – Many frames have small studs, real seeds embedded in resin, or laser etched textures for extra flair. The brand motto “too much is almost enough” sums up their decorative style.
– Quirky shapes – While chilli beans offers classic rectangular and wayfarer styles, they’re known for funky, angular shapes with pointed edges and cutouts. Examples include chili-shaped lenses or lightning bolt frames.
– Retro appeal – The oversized, chunky frames often have a 70s or 80s inspired look. Thick metals and plastics create a nostalgic, kitschy feel.
This blend of southwestern themes, bold colors, handcrafted details, and unconventional shapes create the one-of-a-kind look chilli beans is known for. They strike a balance between funky and wearable that appeals to fans of the brand.
Popular Styles and Models
Chilli beans offers well over 100 different sunglass styles. Here are some of their most popular models that showcase their signature look:
– The Andy – This classic wayfarer style features colorful chili pepper etchings along the arms. It’s available in a rainbow array of solid colored frames.
– The Austin – Modeled after the city, this oversized angular frame has cutouts in the shape of chili peppers and a local Austin slogan etched across the lenses.
– The Bandito – A bestseller, this rounded style has a handmade braided faux leather band across the browline. The brown gradient lenses add retro flair.
– The Chablis – This fashion-forward cat eye shape has embedded chili seeds in the acetate frames and adjustable saddle nose pads. It comes in colors like violet and turquoise.
– The Loco – These directions rock lightning bolt-shaped frames in metallic or transparent colors. Screw head studs adorn the temples for added spice.
– The Rosarita – Channeling a vintage vibe, these rectangular lenses have wire mesh insets at the top and chili pepper arms. They’re lightweight and versatile.
While new designs come out frequently, these favorites showcase the range of shapes, embellishments, and custom details that make chilli beans stand out. Most frames are unisex in sizing.
Where to Buy Chilli Beans Sunglasses
Chilli beans sunglasses are sold through a wide range of retailers worldwide. Here are some of the best places to buy them:
– Chilli Beans website – The brand’s official ecommerce site offers the full product collection. Many limited editions and new releases are available here first.
– Chilli Beans stores – The company owns and operates over a dozen flagship retail stores, primarily in vacation destinations across Florida and the Caribbean.
– Sunglass specialty shops – Independent sunglass boutiques, especially those in beach towns, often carry chilli beans. The funky styles match their inventory.
– Department stores – Major chains like Dillard’s, Nordstrom, and Zappos sell a selection of chilli beans styles on their websites and in sunglass departments.
– Boutiques – Local clothing and fashion boutiques will occasionally stock chilli beans as a way to offer unique accessories.
– Amazon – The mega retailer stocks a range of the brand’s classics and bestsellers. This allows easy access for Prime members.
– eBay – For hard-to-find or discontinued styles, eBay sellers offer chilli beans from various eras. Vintage pairs are also available.
Wherever you shop, be sure to inspect frame quality, lenses, and fit. Prices generally range from $50 to $200 depending on the model. Seek out an authorized retailer that offers warranty coverage. With proper care, chilli beans sunglasses can last for years of stylish wear.
Why Chilli Beans Sunglasses Remain Popular
Despite launching decades ago, chilli beans sunglasses haven’t lost their cool factor. Their popularity persists thanks to:
– Unique branding – The chili pepper theme provides instant recognition. Chilli beans has maintained this signature element through decades of designs.
– Counterculture appeal – The nonconformist, artsy personality of the brand continues to resonate. Their image as an “anti-fashion” label gives them cred.
– High quality – While whimsical, most frames are hand assembled and meet FDA impact standards for durability. This ensures long-lasting wear.
– Nostalgia factor – For those who came of age in the 90s and 00s, chilli beans awakens fun memories of youth and adolescence. The funky retro styles maintain their charm.
– Celebrity following – Musicians like Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Jack Black have sported chilli beans. Seeing stars in the sunglasses fuels further popularity.
– Positive online reviews – Contemporary buyers praise the fit, styling, and uniqueness of chilli beans. Satisfied customers help the brand maintain public appeal.
By staying true to their roots while expanding their audience and offerings, chilli beans retains devoted followers. Their sunglasses manage to be simultaneously vintage and modern. For those wanting personality in their accessories, chilli beans continues to deliver.
Conclusion
Chilli beans sunglasses began as an apparel company aiming to capture the eccentric spirit of Austin in the 1990s. Their chili pepper themed frames quickly gained cult status among creators and nonconformists drawn to the playful, bold designs. Signature features like handcrafted embellishments, vibrant colors, and quirky shapes keep the brand distinctive after nearly thirty years.
While now sold internationally, chilli beans remains committed to its hometown roots and slogans. The sunglasses let wearers show off their fun, individualist side. For those wanting to make a visual statement with their eyewear, chilli beans offers endless whimsical and imaginative styles. More than a fashion fad, they exemplify fearless self-expression. Whatever your personal taste, chilli beans can add some welcomed spice and personality to your look.
