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In the world
of sunglasses, retro is the new modern
By Alisa Welch
June 23, 2008
Unlike the breakneck speed of changing
fashion, styles for sunglasses remain remarkably unchanged over the
decades. While technology certainly changed over the years to better
protect eyes from the sun and its harmful rays, the most popular shapes
from Wayfarers to aviators and everything in between endure as perennial
faves highly influenced by Hollywood and the sexy allure of rock stars.
Since their inception in the early 1950s as an alternative to pilot
goggles, Ray-Ban’s classic
Wayfarer shades remain the shades of choice among Hollywood royalty
from Marilyn Monroe to Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to
modern tastemakers such as Chloe Sevigny. Their classic square
oversized frames flatter faces while recalling some of the 20th
century’s most enduring icons.
And speaking of icons, Elton John’s theatrical use of fanciful
sunglasses—especially in his glam 1970s period—is legendary. Steve
Madden’s
E-S306 shades evoke John at his most spectacular and might inspire
the wearer to don a glittery jumpsuit and sing ‘Philadelphia Freedom.’
Or not. Another style lifted from the 1970s is the oversized round
shades with a subtle fade on the lens. We love Full Tilt’s cheap yet
very chic version, ‘Foxxie’
that begs to be paired with bell-bottom jeans.
Of all popular sunglasses shapes, the oldest might be the aviator,
developed by in the 1930s by Ray-Ban. Popular outside the military since
the end of WWII, the aviator’s signature teardrop shape remains a staple
among Hollywood stars, musicians, and law enforcement officers alike.
Marc Jacob’s high fashion interpretation of the aviator is a winner
for its simplicity.
Stella McCartney’s version rocks with rose-colored wire frames and
gradient lenses. For an aviator like, totally stuck in the 80s, check
out Vonzipper’s ‘Rockford’
sunglasses featuring Spicoli-approved red- and black-checkered graphics
on the bridge.
Now isn’t it comforting that in the world of sunglasses, the more things
change, the more they stay the same?
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Calvin Klein Rounded Rectangle Sunglasses
$68.00
These simply chic, Calvin Klein's rounded rectangular sunglasses flatter a
wide variety of face shapes.
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