Dazzle like icons with lots of bling
SUNGLASSES are more than just an accessory piece to protect you from the sun. For celebs they’re a fashion statement. There are those celebrities who have become famous for wearing sunglasses all the time, so that the look has become part of their identity.
Chanel’s designer Karl Lagerfeld is easily identifiable by his long, grey ponytail and he’s never seen without his black wayfarer-shape glasses. We have no idea what Lagerfeld’s eyes actually look like. Another famous face is American Vogue’s editor-inchief Anna Wintour, whose short bob haircut and oversized black glasses have become her signature look for many years… which makes her stand out in the front row at fashion weeks.
Much like Wintour, local fashion designer David Tlale rocks statement dark shades, paired with all-black outfits most of the time. Over the fashion decades there are stars who have made a name for themselves for their trendy eye-wear. Former American first lady and fashion icon, Jackie Onassis, was a great lover of sunglasses. Her oversize sunglasses were her signature look. This shape is still referred to as the “Jackie O’s” that Wintour loves. Audrey Hepburn’s signatures cat-eye sunglasses are still one the most iconic sunglasses shape and have made a huge comeback.
Nowadays celebs such as Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé are the forerunners influencing trends.
BEYONCÉ
The cat-eye is a classic shape that has made a huge comeback over the past two years. In various spin-offs of the basic shape, we’ve seen designs which include clear frames and colour-tinted lenses. In sizes varying from micro to oversize, the trend continues into 2019.
Shop the look: Miu Miu by Luxottica, R3 590.
BONANG
Our own Queen B rocked these oversized flat top-mirrored lens sunnies at the New York Fashion Week. She isn’t the only celeb who loves these reflective sunglasses. Apart from the futuristic sporty sunglasses, Kim Kardashian has been spotted hiding behind frameless mirror glasses, which double up as make-up mirrors.
Shop the look: Prada Linea Rossa by Luxottica, R3 690.
KIM KARDASHIAN
There’s always that one item you hear people say, “I will never wear those”, until a celeb wears them. We’ve seen it with Crocs and the daddy sneakers. Now it’s the sportswear sunglasses. The futuristic designs with colour mirror lenses are favoured by other celebs like Rihanna and Bella Hadid.
Shop the look: Oakley Prizm by Luxottica, R2 990.
MOOZLIE
It’s appropriate that rapper and television presenter Moozlie would bring the Notorious BIG legendary black shape back. The late rapper was never without his black Versace shades, which featured the infamous gold Medusa emblem on the sides. Twenty-one years after his death, Versace is bringing back the sunglasses he made famous.
Shop the look: Versace by Luxottica, R3 290 (not yet available in South Africa).
KHANYI MBAU
Bedazzled frame sunnies are once again taking centre stage in all their shimmering glory. Whether it’s a small, round shape or oversized square, the more they dazzle the better. From rhinestones to pearls… the variety and choices appear to be endless.
Shop the look: Versace by Luxottica, R3 990.