SUNGLASS TRENDS

by: Eden Wexler, Director of Public Relations and Sunglass Fashion Consultant

- SHAPE TRENDS:

• Curve Appeal – Good news for a wide range of faces shapes – last year’s bold, oversized frames are slimming down! Now, a contemporary sense of delicate balance is “in” with interesting curved frames that fit every individual. These curvy concoctions are much softer and wearable and feature a more flattering take on a variety of face shapes. Brands like Kate Spade and Marc by Marc Jacobs are offering their versions on the delicately curved sunwear theme this season. And, for those who want to channel their inner hippie, more extreme round shapes in both smaller and oversized shapes emerge from brands such as Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani and Juicy Couture.

• Elegant Revival – Every era has a defining theme of elegance, and this spring, elegance is reinterpreted with sunglass offerings that are reminiscent of decades past and now accessible to all. Think of the interesting vintage shapes and glamorous feel of retro Hollywood icons, especially cat-eye and retro Wayfarer shapes. What’s old is new again, so revisit the past with fresh, stunning new shades from the likes of Dior, Valentino, Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs.

• Pilot Season – With the return to fashion basics like chinos, khakis and denim this season, it’s no wonder that the classic metal teardrop-shaped aviators will be flying off store shelves this season. And, with the resurgence of 80s fashions, retro chunky aviators and navigators (squared off aviators) in a variety of classic and fashion colors make a high-flying statement. Carrera, Gucci, YSL and Dior Homme all provide intriguing options.

- COLOR TRENDS:

• Sensual – Add some flirty spice to this spring season with a color story that runs deeper and more decadent than ever before. This sensuous color palette contains hues of rich burgundy, royal plums, deep fuchsias and vibrant reds as well as softer blush and nude tones in a range of gloss and matte finishes. Designer shades from Jimmy Choo, Gucci and Juicy Couture accomplish this trend with options that take you from casual day to romantic evening in style.

• Brights – Playful neon colors ranging the gamut from lime green and bubblegum pink to day-glo orange and cobalt blue emerge on scene for those young at heart hipsters who are not afraid to make a bold fashion statement with their eyewear. Trendy “fast-laner” brands such as Carrera, Armani Exchange and 55 DSL turn the power way up on this season’s shades.

- DETAIL TRENDS: MATERIALS, PRINTS & ACCENTS

• Metal Smith – After a predominance of plastic offerings in the sunglass category, the metallic trend is forging ahead in strength. Worn with confidence, this raw material has emerged as a new foundation of this season’s styles. Whether brushed or polished, metal extends beyond logo and temple treatments and arrives back into a popular frame choice. With limitless color possibilities, metallic finds like those from Bottega Veneta, Hugo Boss and Giorgio Armani offer a diverse spectrum of shapes for any confident man or woman.

• Animal Kingdom – Sunglasses can bring out that animal in you, especially when wearing panther, cheetah or snakeskin patterned sunglasses from Yves Saint Laurent, Kate Spade and Jimmy Choo. Wild prints from the animal kingdom are all the rage this season and are roaring with style.

• Puttin’ on the Glitz – Pearls, Swarovski crystal embellishments and 18kt gold logos add a touch of glamour to this season’s latest sunglass styles. While some styles offer just a subtle touch of glam, others speak volumes – in some cases becoming eye jewelry for the face. No matter what your preference, Dior, Valentino, Gucci, Jimmy Choo and YSL are just some of the brands that will light up your life.