From bullied teens to iconic sunglass designers: how Coco and Breezy became beloved by stars like Prince, Lady Gaga and more
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Coco and Breezy Dotson have always been ahead of their time.
Whether it was in elementary school — when the sisters designed and embellished their own clothing with bedazzled gems — or in the mid-2010s when they made history designing perhaps the most iconic look Prince has worn: Three-lensed glasses, the designers’ fashion sense has remained avant-garde and trendsetting.
But the now-famous designers didn’t grow up expecting the fame they now have. In fact, their early years were spent living in the projects of Indiana, then abruptly moving to Minnesota where they felt they didn’t belong.
“We were two of the only women of color,” Breezy tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “And we actually experienced a lot of racism.”
The women were subject to harsh bullying growing up, but instead of letting the bullies get them down, the duo dedicated their free time learning design and discovering their fashion tastes.
After years of trial and error, one design — a fluke — caught the attention of many.
Using a pair of safety goggles and bits and pieces from a studded belt, the sisters designed edgy sunglasses that soon caught the eye of Kelly Osbourne, Lady Gaga, Serena Williams and then Prince.
The iconic artist reached out to Coco and Breezy wanting a look that could potentially be worn during his return to television after a long hiatus. It wasn’t until he stood on the stage of “Saturday Night Live” that the designers, who were seated in the audience, knew he’d chosen to wear their work.
“We were like, ‘Our lives have changed,’” says the duo in unison. “That was the most amazing experience and the most iconic sunglasses we’ve ever made.”
Since then, the designers have amassed a large following of sunglass fans — they have more than 100,000 followers on Instagram — and have found their footing in designing shades that can fit any personality, whether subdued or bold.
“I’m so appreciative that we not only get to make fly a** glasses, we can protect eyes, and we can also make people feel good,” Breezy says.
Those fly glasses are available at their online store, cocoandbreezy.com, and right now. Check out some of the coolest sunglasses below:
PEYTON-102
A best-seller for the brand, a classic tortoise shell design is combined with a funky shape and graphite counters, bringing flare to a style that can flatter any face.
Shop it: PEYTON-102, $225, cocoandbreezy.com
AVATAR-102
These might look like a pair of classic aviators, but with a full metal body and statement tips, you’ll look anything but average wearing these.
Shop it: AVATAR-102, $255 , cocoandbreezy.com
ZEN-105
This frame is the brand’s rendition of the classic aviator frame. Its rectangular frame, and slightly oversized design offers optimal eye coverage. You can watch Coco rock the pair in the video above.
Shop it: ZEN-105, $285, cocoanbreezy.com
ZESIRO-110
These cat eye glasses put the spunk in anyone’s step. Detailed temples highlight the fun attitude anyone will have while rocking these.
Shop it: ZESIRO-110, $300 , cocoandbreezy.com
ZEN-102
A rectangular pair of shades helps accentuate the shape of a rounder face frame, adding depth and dimension to your cheeks and jawline.
Shop it: ZEN-102, $285, cocoandbreezy.com
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