Beijingers wear it cool(2)

New Zealand designer Karen Walker visits the Coterie store in Beijing for a promotional event for her spring/summer 2014 collection.

She jokes that "one of the fun things about sunglasses is that you get to spy on people", but quickly adds that people are able to hold conversations even while wearing her latest sunglasses.

"It does block the sunlight, but you can still interact with people as your eyes are still visible. It's really a nice change, not something (through which) you don't see the eyes at all."

Being visible is a part of the brand's new campaign called "Karen Walker Visible". The label was involved in efforts by the United Nations' ITC Ethical Fashion Initiative to create jobs for small artisans in Kenya.

Sunglasses were sold to buyers along with printed pouches that were made by the label and the artisans, who also starred in the new campaign.

One of New Zealand's most noted designers, Walker exhibited her first collection of products in 1998 and now holds shows each season at the New York Fashion Week.

She has expanded from designing womenswear to sunglasses, jewelry and shoes.

Her products have been used by Western style icons such as Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, Alexa Chung and Chinese actresses Zhou Xun and Fan Bingbing.

"When you see somebody, your eyes meet their eyes. That's how we connect as human beings. That's one reason why sunglasses are such an important part of people's looks. It can be the last thing that you put on, but can totally change your whole outfit," Walker says.