About Us

Our Story: Kiwi Sunnies for Awesome Kiwis

Welcome to Bamboo Blonde, where passion for the classic Kiwi lifestyle meets effortless, sun-smart style. Designed right here in beautiful Nelson, New Zealand, our mission is simple: to create premium, polarized eyewear that keeps up with your outdoor adventures without breaking the bank.

Inspired by the Nelson Sun ☀️

Our journey started with a vision from our founder, Nicole Hogan. Living in one of New Zealand's sunniest regions, Nicole knew firsthand how harsh the Southern Hemisphere sun can be. She wanted to create sunglasses that didn't just look great on the beach, but actually protected Kiwi eyes from intense UV rays.

With that spark of inspiration, Bamboo Blonde was born. Today, we are proud to be backed by our family-owned parent company, Coco Imports Ltd, helping us bring our designs to sunny spots all across Aotearoa.

The Bamboo Blonde Difference 🪵

We believe that great style shouldn't cost the earth. That's why our signature sunglasses feature handcrafted, sustainable bamboo arms.

Every pair is a blend of natural textures and modern durability. Because no two pieces of bamboo are exactly alike, your Bamboo Blonde sunnies are completely unique to you.

Why Kiwis Love Our Sunnies

  • 🏝️ Eco-Friendly Accents — handcrafted sustainable bamboo temples.
  • 🛡️ Maximum Protection — 100% UVA/UVB (UV400) lenses built for the harsh NZ sun.
  • 🌊 High-Contrast Clarity — premium polarized lenses to cut beach and road glare.

From Nelson to Your Doorstep 📦

While we love spotting our sunglasses in boutique gift shops, surf stores, and museums across the country, our online store allows us to connect directly with you. Whether you are hitting the waves, road-tripping down south, or just enjoying a backyard BBQ, we've got your eyes covered.

Thank you for supporting a homegrown, family-owned New Zealand business. Grab your favorite pair, get outside, and chase the sun!