Designer sunglasses show no signs in losing popularity, even with the recession having taken a chunk out of the economy. Spending on personal fashion accessories is still on the up, and many seem to be saying “the hell with it” and splashing out on their personal appearance to feel good about themselves. It must be more than a desire to shield our eyes that has led to this insatiable demand for top-quality sunglasses!
There’s been a huge influence of course, from films. Almost synonymous with the silver screen, Ray Ban sunglasses have been inseparable from actors and actresses for decades. Celluloid icons such as Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Ackroyd and Belushi in The Blues Brothers have passed the baton on to the digital age, with modern films such as Iron Man making sure Robert Downey Jnr struts his stuff in style.
Product placement with film stars isn’t anything new, but now glasses companies are even helping to influence the style of a film with their ranges. The series of X-Men films all used various designs of Oakley glasses, and these have appeared in a slew of high budget action blockbusters to reinforce the brand appearance of being an active, sporty accessory. Oakley could also boast a military connection, so war films such as Black Hawk Down featured their products as part of an authentic portrayal of the combatants.
The best thing about sunglasses is that by buying them we have an easy way to try and be like our favourite stars. Not everyone can bring off a designer gown as well as Audrey Hepburn. Leather trenchcoats may look good on Keanu Reeves, but that rugged action look seems a bit redundant when struggling with heavy shopping or waiting at a cashpoint. We’d all like to have Brad Pitt’s muscles, or Angelina’s curves, but without the necessary dieting and gym work that all that would need. Designer glasses however, don’t quite place the same exacting requirements and even if you are not immediately surrounded by confused Paparazzi, a decent pair will make you look oh so much more stylish.