Chilli Beans, a Latin American sunglasses specialist, will be carrying out an unprecedented action: sending the brand’s products into space. Four pairs of sunglasses and a watch from the new NASA-inspired collection will be sent using a weather balloon filled with hydrogen gas, in partnership with Sent Into Space, a provider of commercial launches into Near Space, the closest point between Earth and space.
During the ascent, the pressure will cause the balloon to expand until it reaches its limit, at which point it will burst, bringing the products back to Earth at a calculated landing point. The entire flight will last approximately 2h30, with 1h30 for the ascent and 1h for the return.
The entire process will be documented in a three-episode miniseries on Chilli Beans’ social media. After the products are returned, which will have exclusive certificates, they will be displayed at the brand’s concept store on Oscar Freire and sent to influencers such as Bruna Tavares (@brunatavares), Sergio Sacani (@spacetoday), and Patricia Ramos (@patriciaramos), the brand’s ambassador. Although they are not for sale, a pair of glasses with a certificate is estimated to be valued at US$20,000.
“We are always looking for disruptive marketing actions, we were the first Brazilian brand to launch a campaign 100% made by AI and now we will be the first company in the world to send sunglasses into space”, says Jose Caporrino, Head of Creation at House Chilli Beans.
The products are part of the new collection of sunglasses, prescription glasses and watches, which features a variety of designs and models. According to the company, Chilli Beans is positioning itself as the first to license NASA-inspired eyeglass frames.
The collection, which has the theme “to infinity and beyond”, seeks to explore the universe with an exclusive line, referring to constellations and planets. As for watches, the models that reference the Voyager gold record, the first probe to enter interstellar space in 1977, stand out.
Among the highlights, there are also models with a black hole theme and references to astronaut uniforms, with applications on the temples of the glasses.
“This collection represents a great achievement for us! We are honored to begin this incredible partnership by making a sometimes complex subject reflect in accessible fashion for everyone. With options for prescription glasses, sunglasses and watches, the NASA-inspired products bring authenticity, innovation and style, being perfect for any occasion and style, both for universe enthusiasts and fashionistas. After all, ‘failure is not an option!’” says Caito Maia, founder of Chilli Beans.
The NASA collection is made up of 18 models, including sunglasses, eyeglass frames and watches. Prices range from R$299.98 to R$649.98, with availability starting September 23 on the brand’s website, physical stores and kiosks.
