2 posts tagged “sunglasses”

So the sun has finally made an appearance and caught us all rather off-guard. Which sunglasses are we meant to be wearing? Is it OK to dust off last summer's Ray-Ban Wayfarers and hit the park?

This summer the look is more about the classic and retro, with the emphasis on a smaller style. All the cool kids have swapped allegiance from Wayfarers to the Ray-Ban Clubmaster. Wayfarers reached saturation point last year – as seen on everyone from Kate Moss to Lily Allen – and, according to the diktats of fashion, it's time for something new. Already sporting the new look are Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Rachel Bilson, Kirsten Dunst and Ed Westwick.

Like the Wayfarer, the style is unisex. The difference between the two is subtle – the Wayfarer has plastic frames in a range of colours, whereas this summer's Clubmasters have a thick bold upper frame but are metal-rimmed below. Originally released in the 80s, they are inspired by the 50s retro rockabilly style.

Clubmasters are best suited to those with a heart-shaped face and smaller features, whereas those with an oval- or square-shaped face or larger features look better with a bigger frame to balance them out. In general, a mid- to-large size is the most universally flattering, but it really is a case of trial and error.

In any case, don't despair if you forked out on designer shades last year. Leaving aside the Wayfarer, it's not a total faux pas to wear an old pair. Kate Moss, Rihanna and Nicole Richie have been spotted this spring wearing Prada's butterfly glasses, which debuted last summer. The large frames are shaped like wings and come in a variety of colours.

Victoria Beckham still favours the large bug-eyed glasses of the mid-noughties, sticking to the sunnies that suit her best. Her collection of oversized Jackie Os is as vast as her bag repertoire. She has even designed her own range. Large glasses will always be a favourite for off-duty celebrities as they disguise tired eyes and wrinkles and hide them from the paparazzi. We might not all be fighting off paps on a daily basis, but that's no reason to avoid this oh-so-flattering style.

For those keen to embrace the 80s trend but unsure about the staying power of the Clubmasters, we welcome back the perennial aviator. First designed during the second world war, they became favourites after Tom Cruise wore them in Top Gun. Their flattering teardrop shape has been spotted on everyone from Sarah Jessica Parker to Brad Pitt. (These have been customised over the years: Chloé produced a pair with a diamante heart on the lens in the late 90s – but it's best to stick to the classic design.)

And gazing ahead to next summer, we could be looking at a return for the small circular frames popularised by John Lennon in the 60s, and already seen on the fashion-forward Mary-Kate Olsen. Although, let's be honest, if you spend too long deciding which ones are for you, the sun will probably have gone in again.

via www.guardian.co.uk

Dolce & Gabbana have created three new sunglass designs for summer, each featuring 112 Swarovski crystals on the sides in floral formations.

Each frame will come in black or white with colored semiprecious stones like turquoise and coral.
Retailing for $960, the glasses will hit shelves at Ilori, Dolce & Gabbana boutiques and speciality stores this month