As much a fashion accessory as a way to shield our eyes from dangerous UV rays, sunglasses are an easy way to make a statement. Since the 1920’s, they’ve been associated with movie stars who did not want to be recognized. Maybe in the early days this worked but in today’s world, with the paparazzi everywhere, wearing sunglasses is hardly a disguise and celebrities from James Dean to Snoop Lion have made it part of their look.
The most famous style of sunglass is the “Aviator.” Created for the military in 1936 by Bausch & Lomb, General Douglas McArthur wore them during WWII and they have become standard at police forces throughout the United States. At the height of their popularity the late 60’s Aviators waned a bit in the 80’s but never vanished far from sight. This is probably because just about everyone looks cool in them and it’s an easy way to let people know you’re tough.
“Teashades,” aka John Lennon glasses, were en vogue in the late 60’s and 70’s. This style has an intellectual flare, more of “I’m a book lover, not a fighter” than the Aviator. These have not been as popular but still have had their takers over time.
The Wayfarer is another shape that has been around for a long time. Designed by Ray Ban in 1956, they went out of style in the 70’s but climbed back in the 80’s as an accompaniment to big hair and mullets. Luckily, the latter two have gone by the way side but this timeless sunglass style continues to have its fans.
More than ever, sunglasses have practical purposes but fashion has not been spared in the name of eye protection or comfort. Yet these days, just about anything goes and actually, a lot of what I’m seeing are twists and combinations of different styles that were popular in the past such as these red framed teashades ($259) from Miu Miu or Carrera’s multi-colored 56 MM Wayfarer Sunglasses ($109). So with spring just a week away it’s time to jazz up our look and nothing says summer quite like sunglasses.
