Every year, the advent of summer signals different trends – be it maxi dresses, floral patterns or gladiator sandals. But a timeless summer staple are sunglasses – they are necessary for clear sight when the sun decides to come out, and just give you an overall cool vibe (but be wary of wearing them too much indoors!). While shades as a must-have summer purchase might not have changed, their styles certainly have evolved. A few days ago, I attended a summer preview for sunglasses and opticals by mega eyewear manufacturer Luxottica. From classic to trendy, from classic to funky, there is certainly something for everyone.
Trendy: mix of material
We’ve all heard that it’s okay to pile denim on denim this summer, so why can’t your sunglasses join the party? Chanel, for example, mixed denim with metal this year, making its frames truly one of a kind.
Trendy: transparent frames
Black bug-sized shades may be a Hollywood classic, but stars and fashionistas alike might be turning to colorful, lucid frames for summer this year. D&G (above) offers some colorful options with thick frames for both opticals and sunglasses, while Vogue (below) – not the magazine but an eyewear brand known for its affordability and stylishness – provides multi-colored, transparent frames set to outmatch the ubiquitous floral dresses.
Trendy: prints and patterns
Frames aren’t exactly the size of a shirt, but eyewear designers still manage to make sure your shades fit your individual style. Take Ray-Ban (top) for example; the iconic eyewear brand is putting multi-colored stripes, retro cartoons, button pin prints, and even the New York subway map on their classic wayfarers. Talk about statement accessories. If you’re looking for elegance rather than prints, consider Miu Miu (below), whose swallow-printed eyeglasses would make any keen-eyed passer-by drop their jaws in envy.
Hi-tech: polarized sunglasses
Sometimes sunglasses are so fashionable that we forget how good they can be for our eyes. The technology that is Polarized lenses block out more UV rays than ordinary sunglasses, have an anti-reflective coating and improve your color perception. So if you want to “see what others don’t” (as the slogan says) and have an excuse to wear sunglasses all year round, polarized shades – offered by Ray-ban and many other eyewear brands – are a good investment.
Newly arrived: Tory Burch
We’ve all seen the Tory Burch logo on flats, wallets, purses and more. Now it can be on your glasses too. Recently launched in 2009, Tory Burch’s eyewear line includes its iconic “T” logo at the hinge. From two-toned styles to abstract patterns to aviators, the new collection offers many chic choices for the bespectacled fashionista.
Handmade and vintage
Things always feel different when they are perfected by the hand and not churned out by a robotic assembly line. If you’re nodding in agreeement, Persol is just right for you: handmade in England, the 90-year-old Italian brand is releasing a vintage collection inspired by the legendary film La Dolce Vita. Subtly elegant and infused with a touch of old-school glamour, Persol brings the golden age of Hollywood into the present.
– Justina Lee
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