I have a question. What is going to be the trend for sunglasses this summer and early Fall? – Michael (June 2nd, 2008)
Sunglasses are a funny thing in terms of trends because there are only so many ways to remodel a pair of spectacles. But, somehow, there is always some new utterly covetable style. The most obvious trend of the moment, for boys and girls, are the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses.
Not exactly new, they have been hanging around on countless celebrities long enough to be completely ubiquitous but somehow still desirable. Fairly universally flattering and understated (so long as you steer clear of the nu-rave coloured variety) you can pick up a pair to match any price range from ASOS right through to the original brand.
One sunglasses trend that I know I will be embracing in some shape or form is tortoiseshell frames. Seen in every style from wayfarers to oversized, they remind me of dusty bookshelves, 60s film stars, hippies in Morocco and gin and tonics in the garden all at the same time.
Karen Walker has some great chunky ones that look pretty good on boys and girls, while Topshop have countless tortoiseshell frames in more subtle styles. Head there, also, for some pretty great Hockney-esque round frames (different versions for different sexes) to wear with summer’s florals, to channel Paul Smith’s Hockney-meets-Bloomsbury group aesthetic.
For more outlandish styles, round frames in general seem to be having a bit of a moment. Go for Dries van Noten-esque combination frames for an intellectual look that is far less faddy but still bang on trend (check ASOS for boys and girls).
As a lifetime lover of all things Lolita, I must admit I am drawn to Topshop’s heart-shaped frames like a moth to an ill-advised flame although I predict a window of mere weeks until they are hi-jacked and ruined by the pages of Heat magazine.
Elsewhere, Linda Farrow Vintage has the best selection of look-at-me frames from collaborations with designers such as Rodarte, Luella and Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony. For a nod to the 70s trend, scour vintage stores for some genuine oversized sunnies to wear with pale denim and printed scarves.
