Glasses are among Hollywood’s most stylish accessories…and truly so for all those who claim to flaunt the fashion conscious style statement
Today, we have leading designers lending their creativity to the domain of eyewear through their existing fashion labels. These include names like Bulgari, Roberto Cavalli and many others.
“Wowee!” A shriek tears through the air as a teenybopper spots musician Bono, in his trademark rimless sunglasses, at a rock show. She probably wouldn’t have recognised him without them!
Bono isn’t the only celeb to be identified by his steely shades.
Actor Jack Nicholson has flaunted a string of stunning ladies on his arm at successive Oscar awards ceremonies, but one feature has been consistent – his jet black sunglasses and goofy grin.
It isn’t just the stars. When was the last time you saw a picture of Karl Lagerfeld (famous designer of the House of Chanel) without his signature sunglasses? Probably never, right? “Frankly, I’m not sure the man’s eyes even exist,” draws a fashion follower.
The paparazzi-hunted celebrities and their trusty face-shielding shades are a crucial accessory, since hiding and looking cool are their stock-in-trade. Whether they’re necessary for vision, or simply used as a fun accessory, these celebs from Tina Fey to Megan Fox are making eyeglasses look hot.
And it’s not just the sunglasses they love, but the serious, bespectacled, book-wormish look, too! At this year’s Oscars on Feb 28, Kate Winslet stole the show from her co-presenter Reese Witherspoon when they both went on stage with Kate sporting a pair of spectacles (crooked frames and all!) Delighted star-gazers called it the ‘nerd-chic’ look and it was the hottest topic on Internet for days after.
So it’s not surprising that an increasing number of big-name designers and fashion houses are getting into the domain of eyewear as celebs turn choosy about their choice of glasses. For instance, brands like Carolina Herrera, Nina Ricci, Bvlgari, Gucci, Versace, Chanel and Fendi are now offering an exclusive range of eyewear. Not to forget Japan handmade eyewear from Roseman Club. Or brands like Roberto Cavalli, Diesel and Tod’s.. Making rapid strides are Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves St Laurent, Prada, Gucci, Cartier, Versace, Coach, Dolce and Gabbana, Silhouette, Tom Ford and Balenciaga. Also settling comfortably in their position as front-runners with the public are popular favourites like Tommy Hilfiger, Ray Ban and many others.
However, what is the one thing that is common amongst most of these brands whose eyewear is currently trending? Well, most of these brands that are known for their trending eyewear collections are all initiated by leading designers. Be it Valentino’s bold and sophisticated end-products or Dolce & Gabbana’s colourful style statement in their recent Carretto Sunglasses collection, a lot of the haute and happening eyewear trends are the result of the creative ideas associated with designer labels led by eminent designers.
The changing perspective
There was a time when designer labels forayed into eyewear brands as an off-shoot of their core business. However, now the increasing awareness among the customers is clearly changing this perspective. The modern-day customer is more informed and therefore more demanding when it comes to buying eyewear.
As a result, designers are also responding to this demand by introducing designs that are unique and are able to impress the fashion connoisseurs.
Many runway collections by leading designers include apparel, accessories and even eyewear. A good example of this combined offering was seen during the last New York Fashion Week where many designer labels also used the platform to present their eyewear collections.
Clearly, eyewear is fast emerging as a high revenue generating option for them. In fact, there are many brands like ic!berlin, Mykita and others that are exclusively into eyewear designing and have indeed carved a niche for themselves.
Celebs’ choice:
Sama: The American brand founded by Sheila Vance has shades that are loved by everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Gigi Hadid. Stars like Robert De Niro and Dwayne Johnson have also sported the eyewear in their latest films.
Celine. Chic and sophisticated, Céline’s sought-after frames are always in demand. Even their trendier seasonal styles remain classic, making them well worth the investment.
Etnia Barcelona. A newcomer on the celeb ‘sunnie’ scene, Etnia Barcelona has been seen adorning the faces of Jessica Alba, Julianna Hough, and the lovely Suki Waterhouse of late.
Celebrities and their styles are important to follow because deep down they are known to influence the choice of a buyer, one way or the other. For instance, Leonardo DiCaprio wore Ray Ban sunglasses throughout the movie ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ and sales for the brand grew after the film’s release.
So, as we approach the summers this year, stay updated with the latest styles from designer labels and use the celeb preferences of these models to put forth a stronger and convincing sales pitch for your customer.
