In June 2015, Shiva Shabani and Calvin Yu received an unusual email. A stylist had chanced upon their children’s eyewear brand, Sons + Daughters, and found the perfect pair of sunglasses for her client’s niece, Majesty, to wear at her elaborate Flintstone-themed first birthday party in Los Angeles. The client was Rihanna.
“We sent the package, but it got stuck in customs,” says Shabani, who at the time was based in Vancouver. “When we explained what happened, her stylist said there was nothing else Rihanna liked for Majesty and asked if there was any way we could get them to Los Angeles in time.”
That’s when Shabani turned to one of her staff and asked what she was doing that night. Within hours, Shabani had her on a flight to Los Angeles to hand-deliver the glasses, making it in time for the party. “The stylist texted us after the party saying, ‘I want you to know that Rihanna is wearing the sunglasses in her hotel room and is asking if they come in a bigger size.’”
It’s a question that Shabani and Yu get a lot from both parents and peers and, in their eyes, serves as validation that they’re achieving what they had set out to do from day one. Adorable as their designs may be, the goal was never just to make something cute for kids.
This story is from the October 2021 edition of Tatler Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2021 edition of Tatler Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CHANGING THE GAME
Our world is ever-changing, and so is the way we experience it. Tatler explores how the travel industry is adapting to the needs and values of a new generation
THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT
More women are taking back their birthing experience—and their power—by challenging the institutionalised norms surrounding childbirth, honouring the healing process and leaning on the magic of sisterhood
Journal, SHE WROTE
Journal scrapbooking virtuoso Tercia Goh opens up on embracing the traditionally analogue hobby of putting pen to paper in an increasingly digital world
STROKE of INSPIRATION
Rooted in the philosophy of harmony and balance, Jaee Tee invites viewers to delve into the layers of meaning within her art
GOLD.GLORY.GAME ON.
Meet Grills Gaming, the all-women Dota 2 team breaking the glass ceiling to make a name in the Southeast Asian esports arena and beyond
Crafting Time
A conversation with master watchmaker Dr Rebecca Struthers, the first person in the UK to earn a PhD in horology
(Wo) Man of the Hour
Tatler chats with Evelyne Genta about her late husband Gérald Genta’s legacy in watchmaking
Foundation of Excellence
Sunway International Schools Kuala Lumpur's new campus marks a year of academic triumph
Eat, Drink and Fly Merry
Malaysia Airports entice guests with gastronomical delights
Elegance Unfolded
A day in the life of Marion Caunter with the Honor Magic V2