High-End Custom Manufacturing Company

XL Sunglasses – Clearly

MJY Fabrication was engaged by Clearly to bring a bold, oversized sunglasses concept to life as part of a public-facing brand activation in downtown Vancouver.

Working from a single reference image provided by the client, with no drawings or dimensions, our team translated a 2D visual into a full-scale, freestanding sculptural installation designed for high visibility, durability, and public interaction.

The result was a striking, photo-ready landmark piece that functioned as both a brand statement and an interactive experience.

The Challenge

From a single image to an iconic, larger-than-life installation

Clearly’s goal was to create a visually iconic installation that would:

Act as a recognizable brand moment in a high-traffic public space
Encourage public interaction
Accurately reflect the product design at an exaggerated, architectural scale

The primary challenge was the lack of technical drawings or dimensional information. The entire structure had to be designed, proportioned, and engineered from a single image while remaining true to the original product.

Additional challenges included:

Maintaining realistic proportions at a large scale
Engineering structural stability for outdoor use
Creating functional articulation in the arms of the glasses

Client:

Clearly

Location:

Vancouver, BC (Jack Poole Plaza)

Timeline:

Sept–October 2018

Cost:

$12,000

Scope:

design-build-install

The Approach

From image to engineered reality

MJY Fabrication approached the project as a translation exercise, converting a flat reference image into a fully resolved, buildable design.

Key steps included:

Reverse-engineering proportions based on visual reference and real-world product scaling
Developing internal structure to support the large cantilevered arms
Designing articulation points to allow the arms to open and close like real sunglasses
Selecting materials and finishes that would achieve a clean, monolithic appearance while withstanding outdoor conditions

This process required close coordination between design, engineering, and fabrication to ensure the final piece felt both accurate and intentional.

The Build

Built for impact, engineered for interaction

The XL sunglasses were fabricated in-house at MJY’s Vancouver shop using a combination of precision woodworking and structural reinforcement techniques.

Key build features included:

Oversized sculptural frame, scaled for visual impact and public interaction
Articulating arms, engineered to mimic real eyewear functionality while maintaining structural integrity
Custom-fabricated lenses, featuring vibrant geometric graphics supplied by the client
Matte black finish, delivering a clean, high-contrast silhouette against the surrounding environment

The internal structure was designed to balance strength and minimalism, allowing the piece to appear lightweight while remaining stable in an outdoor setting. Particular attention was given to the articulation mechanism, ensuring smooth operation while maintaining durability at scale.

Key Takeaways

Translating a concept from a single image into a full-scale build requires strong design intuition and technical execution
Functional details, like the articulating arms, significantly enhance realism and user engagement
Large-scale, recognizable objects are highly effective for public interaction and brand amplification

XL Sunglasses – Clearly