The Chicago Journal

SkyTrues: All Eyes on This Custom Shades Brand

Behind the rows of bold, bedazzling sunglasses on SkyTrues is the artist who designs and handcrafts each frame and detail. Founder George “Goldenboy” Phelps draws inspiration from his environment—from the people around him and the things they own to the colors and things around me. Then he opens his mind, picks up his brush, and lets God in. Despite having no formal art training, George has managed to create award-winning designs and attract famous customers.

George had always been the artistic type growing up. Seeking to be different from other artists, he started painting on glasses. The idea took off, and George quickly became known as Picasso in Frames. With this vision, he launched SkyTrues as a symbol of being true to the skies of flyness. The glasses feature bright, vivid colors, intricate details, and unique designs that are perfect for people who like to be fly and different. SkyTrues represents those who dare soar to new heights but remain true to who they are.

SkyTrues is a high-fashion brand of statement sunglasses. What sets the brand’s products from mainstream specs is its handcrafted, bespoke quality: each piece is completely unique. To create the piece, George factors in the customer’s style and personal taste as well as their measurements to create a pair of sunglasses that can best represent the wearer. As a result, no two pieces are alike.

Since the brand was launched seven years ago, SkyTrues has steadily risen in brand recognition and market share. The brand’s products have been worn by different personalities, from hip-hop artists to politicians and athletes. The brand has gone worldwide with customers in London and the UK. SkyTrues shades were even spotted on the Soul Train Music Awards.

Some of the brand’s notable customers include NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman, boxing legend Mike Tyson, City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Rock’ n’ Roll Hall of Famer George Clinton, Angie Stone, Paul Wall, Lil’ Flip, and Waka Flocka. SkyTrues regularly steals the spotlight in the media, having been featured in magazines such as the Houston Style Magazine, Rolling Out, and The Young Houston, as well as a selection of blogs. SkyTrues’s colorful shades were featured on Great Day Houston: Debra Duncan Show.

Owing to its one-of-a-kind products and artistic vision, SkyTrues has taken part in many design-related events and celebrations, such as the iFest, the Summer Street Art Show, the Dominion Fashion Show, the Peveto Fashion Show for the JuCan Foundation, RAWartist, the Diva Day Fashion Show, and several other fashion shows in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and New Orleans. The brand was recently approached to become part of a reality TV show for Houston’s upcoming designers. 

The brand’s eye-catching designs have also won many awards and accolades from organizations such as The Boys & Girls Club of America, Sparkles of Life, and The 5th Ward Youth Academy. Founder George Phelps himself was listed in Houston’s Top 40 Influential Men.

In the future, George aims to reach international recognition for his brand. One of his dreams is to collaborate with major eyewear designers such as Ray-Ban or Versace to create exclusive customized lines of eyewear.

Scroll through the Skytrues website to take a peek at George’s artistry and stay-up-to-date with the brand on Instagram.