Signature Product Rarely Flies, But Here’s One That Might

The market is sweaty and barren. And successes in marketing, especially for surf brands are fewer and farther within. Logo tees died years before Michael Jackson took too many pills, signature shoes were never much a success unless we’re talking Air Jordan’s or Yeezys, boardies, beanies, hats, bags and slippers are a bore. Sometimes more so when associated with a name. Do the reinstallation of Bruce Irons’ puffy DC sandals excite you? What about the Gabriel Medina’s signature trunks? Or the world champ’s 20’ interstellar boardies? Maybe.

So where’s the line of cool? Is it sticking Dane Reynolds in a pair of leather Sk8 his, or Creed McTaggart puffing smoke beneath a shaved skull and a single pirate earring? When it comes to product, the individual behind the signature’s importance in sales is less than the product itself. Like Dane – classic Vans have never gone out of style – Noa sells gear (see his near $500k a year deal with Volcom). If you’re not marketable in this troubled industry it’s less cheques and more stress.

Here’s why Noa new shades by D’Blanc just may fly. First, the frames are stylish without being overstated. Second, they’re reminiscent of 90’s grunge, and if you haven’t taken noticed, grunge is hot. Cue bleached hair, bowl cuts, shoe lace belts, tucked in tees, high tops and jeans mutilated above the ankle. Third, wearing these sunnies won’t make you surf like Noa, but if you buy a Trasher hat you might just look alike!