Stay Informed
Get the latest news, trends, and industry insights.
A celebration of Rudy Project’s latest accolade from National Geographic
There’s a certain electricity that comes with watching a client soar—and when they take home the gold, it’s a shared win for all of us. That’s exactly what happened when Rudy Project snagged not one, but two top honors from National Geographic: Best Sunglasses for Running and Best Sunglasses for Small Faces. Cue the confetti and the espresso shots—this is the kind of recognition that makes all the late nights, brainstorms, and pixels worth it.
For me, this one’s personal. I’ve been part of the Rudy Project orbit since 2001—back when they first started advertising in americanTRI, the magazine I ran. From early freelance projects to years of camaraderie, I’ve watched this brand evolve, endure, and elevate itself as a mainstay in performance eyewear. So when The Brand Leader signed Rudy as a client in 2022, it felt like bringing an old friend home.
And now? That friend just showed up on National Geographic’s radar as the best in the business. This isn’t just a feather in Rudy’s aerodynamic, Italian-engineered cap—it’s a loud, clear affirmation of what happens when passion, precision, and purpose collide.
Their Propulse model was called out as the ideal pick for runners, praised for its aerodynamic design, lightweight build, and custom fit. And for smaller-faced athletes who are tired of gear that overwhelms rather than enhances, Rudy Project’s Spinshield Air Slim was dubbed the go-to option. Not niche picks—the picks. That kind of spotlight only comes when a brand knows exactly who it is and delivers without compromise.
At The Brand Leader, our job isn’t to slap on a shiny new logo or shuffle some social posts. It’s to uncover the soul of a brand and make it impossible to forget. Rudy Project didn’t need reinvention—they needed amplification. So we leaned into what they already had in spades: world-class innovation, an unapologetic athletic DNA, and a relentless drive to serve the most demanding athletes on the planet.
From strategy to digital, content to creative, we helped bring their vision into sharper focus—pun absolutely intended. And that’s the magic of a great brand partnership: we don’t do the work for the trophy, but when it lands on the shelf, we’ll happily raise a glass (or a gel pack) in celebration.
This win isn’t just about optics. It’s about Rudy Project’s consistency, clarity, and courage. And for us? It’s a reminder of why we do what we do—why we push brands to lead, not follow.
Congratulations, Rudy Project. You didn’t just win awards. You earned the respect of one of the most discerning audiences out there. And for those of us who’ve been along for the ride? Let’s just say it’s a damn good day at the office.
Stay Informed
