In collaboration with Stefania-Filizola - Fashion Expert
A classic pair of sunglasses will never go out of style. Sunglasses are nevertheless an indispensable fashion item for both men and women. It is therefore essential to invest in a pair of vintage sunglasses that will last for summers to come. What makes vintage sunglasses even greater is the fact that they are not available in the normal store anymore and therefore highly collectable. Enhance your image and most importantly protect your eyes from the sun with five pair of vintage style shades this summer.
Fly High with The Aviator
The one, the only and the original pair of vintage sunglasses must be the aviators. First developed by Bausch & Lob, the original design is now sold and marketed as Ray-Ban Aviators. Attempting to cover the entire human eye and stop as much as possible from entering from any angle, this was crucial in the early years of American aviation to protect pilots from the blinding sun getting into their concentrated eyes. Aviators then got the cool factor in the 1960s when Hollywood icons showcased them on the big screen. Smash through to the 1980s, the aviators took a turn for style immortality when Tom Cruise and his co-stars sported them in the blockbuster movie Top Gun. Feel the need for a classic pair of Ray-Ban Aviators too? To this day aviators remains the best-selling style of vintage sunglasses.
Perfect for Summer: The Cat Eye
Scratching their way into the scene in the 1950s, the style became popular with their feline-inspired look. Marking a new era of chic for ladies, the style was first adorned by the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly. Breakfast Chez Tiffany’s anyone? It was arguably the world’s most famous fashion icon Audrey Hepburn in this film that launched the beginning of the never-ending style of the cat eye frame. Exaggerated in shape, the larger style of frames has gentle wings that suit any face. Dior, Cartier and C.O.C are just a few of the fabulous brands of vintage cat-eye shades that can be found online at auction now!
Go Mad for Wayfarers
Another Ray-Ban classic can be found in the shape of the Wayfarer. One of the first companies to ever move away from metal frames, the 50s and 60s saw the beginning of this trend. Taking a slight dip in cool-factor, the wayfarer made its magnificent comeback in the early 80s largely due to a huge advertising deal that saw its product placed in more than 60 movies and tv shows between 1982 and 1987. From Michael Jackson to Madonna, the stars couldn’t get enough of these dark shades that oozed edge, danger and a cool factor that could not be matched by any other frame. Invest in some classic vintage Ray-Bans online and up your cool factor too!
Time for Tea-Shades
Defined by circular coloured lenses moulded inside wire frames, no other style of vintage frame was as popular as the tea shade in the 1960s. A representative of the hippie movement, music legend John Lennon has been known to don a pair of these lovely looking things on more than a few occasions. More rock than pop? Ozzy Osbourne hasn’t been seen without a pair of these on his face for decades!
Larger than Life: The Bugeye
More commonly known as the Jackie O’s, thanks to 60s style icon Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis, these sunglasses will easily hide you away from all the irrelevant things in life. Oversized to cover more than just the eyes, the huge circular frames fit close to the face to eradicate any pesky peak of light trying to sneak through.
The most recognisable and most iconic in this style come from the French fashion house Christian Dior and their 2250 frame. If you can win a pair of these at auction, you may never take them off!
Once you own a piece of designer glasses, you never go back. Your eyes deserve the best care and making sure they are well protected from the sun is a step in the right direction. Head to our Designer Eyewear auction, to discover a whole range of designer sunglasses to see you through those hot summer days.