Celebrating Art + Purpose With AYA Optical (Win!)

In celebration of the launch of AYA Optical’s latest collection, we sat down with founder Carla D’Angelo Taylor to discuss the brand’s exciting new collaboration with Indigenous artist Phil Gray. The Humpback Whale Collection not only showcases Gray’s masterful Tsimshian artistry but also highlights the powerful resurgence of humpback whales in the Pacific Northwest. Beyond its striking design, this collection supports the Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA), furthering AYA’s commitment to giving back to Indigenous communities. Join us as Carla shares insights into the collaboration, the inspiration behind the collection, and AYA’s continued mission to combine fashion with purpose. —Noa Nichol

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the Humpback Whale Collection and what significance the humpback whale holds for both AYA Eyewear and Indigenous communities?

Phil Gray had just returned from a trip toBella Bella, Heiltsuk Territorywhen we met for our first design meeting and said that he was moved by his experience there, seeing so many humpback whales. At one time they had almost vanished from the Salish Seas. Thanks to global efforts this is no longer the case. This was the first time he had seen them in person and he was particularly inspired by seeing their tails fluke above water.  Increasingly people are seeing a resurgence of humpback whales in this area, and it offers a feeling of hope and a rebalance of nature.

How did the collaboration with Phil Gray come about, and how does his mastery of Tsimshian art influence the design of the frames in this collection?

If you admire indigenous art, Phil Gray’s art is impossible to ignore.  His work is found in private collections around the world. His work uses traditional technique and features imagery from legends. Works of Phil’s that I really admire, include the bold murals featured on the Douglas Reynolds Gallery on South Granville, the stunning, stunning bentwood boxes and his breathtaking masks.  It was however Phil’s magnificent installation at the Telus building in Vancouver, that was the pivotal piece to start our collaboration discussion.  The significant installation combines layers of copper and metal to showcase his stunning artwork in a new contemporary way.  The challenge was set to see how we could translate this concept into eyewear.

AYA Eyewear has always been known for giving back to the community. Could you share more about how proceeds from this collection will support the Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) and why this cause is important to you?

When working with artists we always ask what is important to them and if they have a charity of choice that they would like us to contribute to.  Phil’s non-profit of choice was UNYA as this organization is doing important work for Indigenous youth. It held a personal connection however as UNYA was impactful for Phil in his younger years on his journey, when he could have turned in other directions.  Their programs have meant so much to his community and he really believes in the importance of the work they are doing. Phil’s mother Lynda Gray served as an executive director of UNYA, and more recently, UNYA was gifted a parcel of land in East Vancouver (Suncor) and they are now raising funds to build an inspiring youth centre.  

The Humpback Whale Collection introduces new design features like the oversized fit and color-blocking techniques. How do these elements reflect AYA’s evolution in combining fashion with cultural storytelling?

Over the years AYA customers have asked our team to consider the sizing and fit of indigenous faces so the evolution of the design fit, styles and stories have been in many ways come from our customers and artists. The Indigenous Fit was developed to accommodate broader facial structures while maintaining AYA’s much- loved design ethos.

Quite often, the stories our artists provide us with, have been handed down to them from mentors and ancestors. The storytelling is very powerful and we are honoured to hear and share these stories. Our eyewear combines art, philanthropy, and style, standing at the intersection of fashion and culture with each collection, sparking conversation and appreciation for Indigenous heritage.

Looking ahead, how do you see AYA Eyewear continuing to blend Indigenous art with modern eyewear design, and what impact do you hope these collaborations will have on both the fashion world and Indigenous communities?

AYA has several new collections that will be released in the months ahead that will showcase the brilliant artwork of artists from different regions.   We are always looking at how we can showcase important work in ways that have not yet been done.   We are looking forward to launching the first ever Ledger Art line this winter.   We hope that by sharing art from a variety of regions we all learn more about each other and how we can respectfully work together.  I see it as mutually beneficial, as these important stories are being told across new mediums, to a wider audience, and artists and communities in need are reaping the rewards.

Win! A $200 AYA Optical Gift Card!

One lucky Canadian winner will receive a $200 AYA Optical Gift Card! To enter, head over to Instagram, follow @ayaoptical and @vitadailymedia and make sure to fulfil all the entry rules in the caption of the corresponding contest post. Contest opens October 2, 2024 and closes October 9, 2024. Complete contest rules and regulations here. Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.