Mens sunglasses Summer 08

The British know how to do their shades. Cult designer Oliver Goldsmith is now offering a service through London boutique Matches for bespoke sunglasses, and has also created an exclusive design for Harvey Nichols. Vintage eyewear company Cutler and Gross are behind the new hip Mulberry sunglasses collection. Linda Farrow (the company who make sunglasses with Luella, Raf Simons, Matthew Williamson and Dries Van Noten among many) has also launched Linda Farrow Luxe, an ultra-sexy range of sunglasses made from gold, platinum and decorated with discreet jewels.” Full article

Summer is here upon us and with the bright lights comes a wave of ‘new’ styles. The key to the most fashion forward styles usually has nothing to do with what is brand new. Most “new” style trends are simply spins off of formerly worn, beloved trends. This summer’s sunglasses will be no exception to that theory.

Whatever your choice, just make sure you adhere to the following rules:

• Frames should never be wider than the sides of you face.
• The bottom of the frame should not rest on the cheek.
• The colour should suit you.
• If classic (i.e. look great regardless of ‘fashion trends’), the frames should not sit above your eyebrow.
• The hooks behind the ear shouldn’t pinch.
• The bridge on the nose shouldn’t be too tight leaving large indents behind when you take them off (not sexy).

For both mens and women’s sunglasses this year, bigger is definitely better, breaking one of the golden rules (see above). Celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie have flaunted their flair for the oversised frames for the past few years, and it looks like the trend has finally taken hold for both sexes. Oversized sunglasses, paying homage to the late, great Jackie O, appear to be here to stay. However, fashion gurus will warn you not to go overboard with this idea. If the sunglasses appear to be swallowing your face, you might want to take it down a notch.

One retroactive style of sunglasses that is back again is the aviators. These sunglasses are as versatile and fun as they are functional and can be found in dark colored or mirrored lenses this season. Rhinestones and other gems are added to the sides of the lenses for a little bling.

Another particularly popular style of the moment is the wraparound. Don’t be fooled by the name. These are not your average snowboarder’s goggles turned sunglasses. This year’s wraparounds are being designed by some of the most celebrated designers in Hollywood, New York, Milan and everywhere in between. You will not be disappointed.

Particular varieties of wraparound sunglasses are geared toward either men or women by changing up the style, color, and size. Men’s wraparound sunglasses this season are all about sleek and simple design. Most designers have abandoned the flowing, rounded look of original wraparounds for a more box like effect. As with women’s wraparounds, the lens continues to the sides of the head. Black seems to be the most popular color in these men’s sunglasses, which completes the chic, classy look you want to have.

This summer welcomes old styles of sunglasses with new attitude. Check the red carpets and catwalks for the latest developments and to make sure the style you’re wearing didn’t suddenly appear on any of the Z list. Anything appearing on a politician is equally social suicide. Just remember that all the celebrities in the world can’t dictate what looks good on you, so pick your sunglasses based on what you like, not them.

If in doubt, why not employ the services of a style consultant to give direction on your individual face shape and features, including frame recommendations. If you like to keep your frames for a few summers, why not invest in a bespoke pair of glasses. Here you can have the perfect marriage between a designer frame and a flattering shape. The go-to guy is Oliver Goldsmith metioned above, however expect to pay from upwards £500 for this service.

Chameleon Fridays

~ by chameleonfridays on July 6, 2008.