# Social EYES Cause-related eyewear lets consumers accessorize ethically. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Dec 25, 2012 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/causerelated-eyewear ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Social EYES trend? **Social EYES:** More fashion designers and brands are associating their wares with social causes in a bid to win over socially minded consumers. One area in which this is especially prevalent is eyewear; in particular, sunglasses related to environmental and social issues are increasingly coming to the fore. For consumers, this offers a simple way to contribute to a cause while meeting both fashion and function needs. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 24 to Nov 16, 2012 - Published: Dec 25, 2012 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Social EYES trend ### Cause-related fashion More fashion designers and brands are associating their wares with social causes in a bid to win over socially minded consumers. ### Environmentally-conscious products Eyewear related to environmental and social issues are increasingly gaining popularity. ### Recycling and Upcycling Companies are utilizing trash and scraps to create new products, such as sunglasses frames. ## What the Social EYES trend means for industry ### For Fashion and Apparel The trend of social causes being associated with fashion is disrupting the way fashion is produced and marketed. ### For Sustainable Products The trend of environmentally-conscious and recycled products is disrupting the traditional production methods, and creating new opportunities for sustainable businesses. ### For Eyewear Industry The trend of eyewear products being associated with social and environmental causes is disrupting the traditional eyewear industry and creating opportunities for innovative and socially responsible eyewear businesses. ## Trend signals for Social EYES Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 49%, activity 62%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 49% - Activity: 62% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Social EYES trend 5 featured examples from Jul 24 to Nov 16, 2012. - [Stylish Recycled Sunglasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oculos-zerezes): The Oculos Zerezes Line is Made of Reused Materials (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion industry can explore using recycled materials to create sustainable products. - [Custom Charity Bamboo Sunglasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solo-eyewea-x-raw-artists): SOLO Eyewear x Raw Artists Shades are Philanthropically Stylish (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing sustainable and philanthropic fashion accessories such as sunglasses made from bamboo. - [Eco-Conscious Wooden Shades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hout-couture-sunglasses): A Tree Will Be Planted for Each Pair of Hout Couture Sunglasses Sold (Category: Eco) Implication: The fashion accessories industry can explore the eco-friendly eyewear trend by incorporating sustainable materials and manufacturing processes into their products. - [Forest-Saving Sunglasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modo-eyewear): Modo Eyewear Plants A Tree For Every Pair Sold (Category: Social Good) Implication: Fashion retailers have a significant opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for eco-conscious fashion by integrating sustainable materials and practices similar to Modo E… - [Storm Relief Sunglasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shwood-recovery-initiative): The Shwood Recovery Initiative Shades Aid Hurricane Sandy Recovery Efforts (Category: Social Good) Implication: Designing and selling specific eyewear products for social impact efforts, such as UV shielding glasses for natural disaster relief. ## Recent trend clusters - [Sugar Moderation](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sugar-moderation) (Lifestyle) - [Luxury Electrification](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/luxury-electrification) (Autos) - [Effortless Rounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/golf-training-devices) (Lifestyle) - [Flavor Rotation](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/rotating-bakery-menu) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Roomier Budget Electric Hatchbacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roomier-budget-electric-hatchbacks) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)