No longer confined to the holiday beach bag, status sunglasses have become luxury statement pieces in their own right."It started with Jacqueline Onassis christian louboutin shoes and it won’t end with Paris Hilton," says Belfast optician Ge-off McConville. "Celebrity cachet has always influenced the way we dress, but fame has indelibly left its mark on the history of sunglasses."Jackie O summed up jet-set style with her oversized shades in the Seventies, and John Lennon’s was the look that launched a million pairs of round beatnik sunglasses."Audrey Hepburn’s bug-eyed shades have made several revivals and Tom Cruise took Ray Ban Aviators to new heights after Top Gun."
Right now, fashionistas are photographed wearing every shape and size of shade from bejeweled bling to sleek retro styles – and the high street is following suit. This year, women want to make like Christian louboutin shoes , Sienna Miller, Kate Moss and Sarah Jessica Parker.As for the boys? Brad Pitt, David Beckham and a slew of bands like Razorlight, The Artic Monkeys and The Killers.Whatever you choose, stay on trend with oversized glasses – the bigger, the bolder, the better. But beware, bug-eyed frames require an insouciant attitude and a high octane wardrobe to match. Colour – as shades become the accessories of choice for different occasions and dress codes, manufacturers have responded with a rainbow range of options, from solid opaques to subtle translucents.
Precious Metal – fashion’s obsession with gold, bronze, silver and pewter is reflected in this summer’s sunspec finishes.Aviators – retro, yes, but still popular.Performance sports specs – gadgets galore with Oakleys range in the last few years. Check out the construction, design, details and extras.High-end Luxe: Studded with crystals or subtly inset with diamonds; rendered in gold, wood or perspex – unashamedly luxurious.DOWNLOAD: For further info, contact Geoff Christian louboutin Opticians, Chichester Street, Belfast.
Tom Ford’s specs appeal
The man credited with near-legendary turnaround of Gucci from a floundering fashion label into a $4bn brand within less than a decade, Tom Ford marries commercial savvy with creative genius to brilliant effect. His most significant move since leaving Gucci in 2010 is the launch of his own label of accessories, beauty and menswear. Ford has a following of Hollywood A-listers for his sunspecs range – Brad Pitt , Madonna, Lindsay Lohan and Joaquin Phoenix – and the range has been shifting fast in Belfast.Check it out before it goes …