• Intelligencer
  • The Cut
  • Vulture
  • The Strategist
  • Curbed
  • Grub Street
  • Subscribe to the Magazine Give a Gift Subscription Buy Back Issues Current Issue Contents
    Subscribe to New York Magazine
  • Subscribe
  • Profile
    Sign Out
The Cut
  • Style
  • Self
  • Culture
  • Power
Style
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Shopping
  • Design Hunting
  • New York Weddings
  • Parties & Red Carpet
  • Fashion Shows
  • Cathy Horyn
Self
  • Health & Wellness
  • Motherhood
  • Advice
  • Sex & Relationships
  • Science of Us
  • Horoscopes
  • Ask Polly
Culture
  • Books
  • Television
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Celebrity
Power
  • Politics
  • Work
  • Money
  • Rebecca Traister
More
  • Latest Stories
  • Video
  • About Us
  • The Cut Shop
  • nymag.com
  • New York Magazine
  • Intelligencer
  • Vulture
  • The Cut
  • The Strategist
  • Grub Street
stunna shades
July 14, 2014

The 50 Most Iconic Sunglasses of All Time

By Katie Capri

Share

  • Share
  • Tweet

Hunter S. Thompson had his yellow aviators, Kurt Cobain his Christian Roths, and Audrey Hepburn her cat-eyed lenses: Many icons of the last hundred years have reached their status with a mix of attitude and a really badass pair of sunglasses.

Maybe they first wore their glasses for convenience (in the case, of, say, Jackie O. in Capri) or as a means of protection (V. Stiviano), but no matter: Certain sunglasses are now synonymous with the people who first made them famous. Take, for example, Kanye’s shutter glasses (of the “Stronger” era) and Elton John’s pink-palm shades.

Click through our slideshow of the 50 most iconic — from Lolita to Lady Gaga — because, after all, everyone looks hotter in sunglasses.

View
1 / 50 Photos
Oliver Goldsmith Manhattans Key to Audrey Hepburn's turn as the winsome and glamorous Holly Golightly in 1961's Breakfast at Tiffany's, these sli... Oliver Goldsmith Manhattans Key to Audrey Hepburn's turn as the winsome and glamorous Holly Golightly in 1961's Breakfast at Tiffany's, these slightly cat-eye 1960s Oliver Goldsmith frames maintain their high-society glamour today. Photo: Paramount Pictures/Getty Images
Kurt Cobain's Christian Roths Immortalized on the face of the Nirvana front man and Grunge God, these pale oval shades helped cement Cobain's gru... Kurt Cobain's Christian Roths Immortalized on the face of the Nirvana front man and Grunge God, these pale oval shades helped cement Cobain's grubby, androgynous cool. Just ahead of the '90s peak style revival, Silver Lining Vintage x Opening Ceremony reissued these frames in 2010. Photo: Terry McGinnis/Getty Images
Thomas Crown’s Persol 0714s Auctioned off for $60,000 in 2006, these blue-lensed, collapsible Persols shielded Steve McQueen's steely blues as he... Thomas Crown’s Persol 0714s Auctioned off for $60,000 in 2006, these blue-lensed, collapsible Persols shielded Steve McQueen's steely blues as he lied, stole, and seduced his way through the 1968 original version of The Thomas Crown Affair. You can buy your own today for under $400, but the sapphire lenses are extremely rare and do not guarantee traction with Faye Dunaway. Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
André Courrèges’ “Eskimo” Sunglasses In 1980, the designer known for playing with negative space modded out the original (used... André Courrèges’ “Eskimo” Sunglasses In 1980, the designer known for playing with negative space modded out the original (used for thousands of years by Inuit hunters and fishermen) concept in soft white plastic. Great for making an entrance; not recommended for first dates or country club weddings. Photo: JEAN-PIERRE MULLER/AFP/Getty Images
Karl Lagerfeld's Oversize Black Shades The Fashion Pope of Chanel is never seen without the following: a low silver pony, a billowing ascot, and ... Karl Lagerfeld's Oversize Black Shades The Fashion Pope of Chanel is never seen without the following: a low silver pony, a billowing ascot, and a pair of black shades. They could be Wayfarers, aviators, black-as-night opaque, or north-south gradient, but they all guarantee complete pupil obscurity for King Karl. Photo: Ben Gabbe/Getty Images
Hunter S. Thompson’s Yellow Ray-Ban 3138 Shooters Hunter S. Thompson made these glasses a trademark — and then Johnny Depp wore a custom yellow-l... Hunter S. Thompson’s Yellow Ray-Ban 3138 Shooters Hunter S. Thompson made these glasses a trademark — and then Johnny Depp wore a custom yellow-lensed pair of these while playing the gonzo journalist in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Featuring a "cigarette hole" allegedly originally used by hunters to hold their butts while they took aim, this twist on the military classic seems the just-right choice for a hard-smoking, hard-drinking Hunter whose prey was usually two-legged. Photo: Neale Haynes/Getty Images
Prada's Minimal Baroque Sunglasses Distinguished by its rococo stems, this romantic style became a huge hit and celebrity favorite when they debu... Prada's Minimal Baroque Sunglasses Distinguished by its rococo stems, this romantic style became a huge hit and celebrity favorite when they debuted at Prada's carnival-themed spring 2011 runway show. It remains to be seen whether the hyperidentifiable shape will hold up over time or doom them to the world of novelty knockoffs. Photo: Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images
Elvis Presley's Custom Neostyle Nautic 14K Gold Sunglasses Long before you could find sideburns-included knockoffs of these at the joke store, th... Elvis Presley's Custom Neostyle Nautic 14K Gold Sunglasses Long before you could find sideburns-included knockoffs of these at the joke store, the King rocked these custom 14k gold aviators with “EP” initials custom fitted to the double-bridge and “TCB” (Taking Care of Business) on the temples. Photo: Frank Carroll/Corbis
Lolita's Heart-Shaped Shades Though the image of Lo Haze, the titular nymphette in Stanley Kubrick’s film, will forever be remembered seductively... Lolita's Heart-Shaped Shades Though the image of Lo Haze, the titular nymphette in Stanley Kubrick’s film, will forever be remembered seductively sucking on a red lollipop in these heart-shaped glasses, they never appeared in the film or Nabokov’s novel. No matter: This publicity image, burning with underage sexuality, is indelibly seared into our collective pop cultural consciousness. Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection
Ray-Ban Wayfarers Arguably the most iconic of shades, the Wayfayer emerged as a beacon of Hollywood glamour in the 1950s, notably adorning the go... Ray-Ban Wayfarers Arguably the most iconic of shades, the Wayfayer emerged as a beacon of Hollywood glamour in the 1950s, notably adorning the gorgeous, sad mug of James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause. But it wasn't until 1983 when they took up what just might be permanent residence on sunglass stands the world over, thanks to a very different kind of hero: Tom Cruise in Risky Business. Photo: Steve Schapiro/Corbis
Chloe's Swarovski Crystal Heart Sunglasses Though this style might evoke the glittery-white eye pencil, pleather pants, and soaking-wet shimmer l... Chloe's Swarovski Crystal Heart Sunglasses Though this style might evoke the glittery-white eye pencil, pleather pants, and soaking-wet shimmer lip gloss (in other words, all things Claire's) of the early '00s, these cheeky Swarowski-accented shades were designed for those walking red carpets rather than mallways. Photo: Courtesy of Rarevintage.com
Al Pacino’s Flashy Scarface Aviators There was no shortage of shades in Tony Montana’s wardrobe, but among the Carra and Porsche were these stunn... Al Pacino’s Flashy Scarface Aviators There was no shortage of shades in Tony Montana’s wardrobe, but among the Carra and Porsche were these stunners. These Linda Farrow 6031 aviators with black metal frame and a white, almost opalescent, brow bar ooze with Colombian cartel opulence and remain an archetype of the '80s-bad-boy style. Photo: John Bryson/Corbis
John Lennon's Teashades Now known as “John Lennon” glasses, these wire-framed lenses became famous for shading the dilated pupils of the '70s psy... John Lennon's Teashades Now known as “John Lennon” glasses, these wire-framed lenses became famous for shading the dilated pupils of the '70s psychedelic set. Since their hippie heyday, they've peaked fashionwise twice: Once in the early '90s, thanks to movies like Natural Born Killers, and again in 2011, when Lady Gaga super-charged the trend via Tumblr. Photo: George Konig/Rex Features/Everett Collection
Robert DeNiro's Taxi Driver Ray-Ban Caravans It's not often that a psychopath is good for branding, but these rectangular wire-frames launched in... Robert DeNiro's Taxi Driver Ray-Ban Caravans It's not often that a psychopath is good for branding, but these rectangular wire-frames launched in 1957 got a major boost masking the mounting insanity in Travis Bickle’s eyes in Scorsese's 1976 dark masterpiece. The recently reissued model features variations (including white-gold frames) allowing you to find the perfect macho, maniacal, yet minimalist look just right for you. Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection
Oakley Sunglasses At the turn of the last century, when cyber was the word, Oakleys were it for a huge swath of the population: teens, soldi... Oakley Sunglasses At the turn of the last century, when cyber was the word, Oakleys were it for a huge swath of the population: teens, soldiers, policemen, postal carriers, beachgoers, athletes, and anyone with a fondness for a red-blooded, Army-of-one aesthetic. Now, of course, they look about as high-tech as R2D2. Photo: Ken Seet/Corbis
The Men in Black Ray-Ban 2027 and 2030 Predators Not only did this special Ray-Ban style offer secret agents Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones prot... The Men in Black Ray-Ban 2027 and 2030 Predators Not only did this special Ray-Ban style offer secret agents Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones protection from the flashback of their memory-wiping devices, they also perfectly matched their super-sleek suits. More to the point, they looked majorly badass. Photo: Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
Y2K New Year's Eve Sunglasses The servers are going to combust! The missiles launch themselves! The life-support systems go kablooey! None of the... Y2K New Year's Eve Sunglasses The servers are going to combust! The missiles launch themselves! The life-support systems go kablooey! None of the dire predictions surrounding the transition into Y2K came true. Turned out the only thing that happened when the calendar rolled from '99 to '00 was create a market for cheap plastic that left glitter on your forehead. Photo: Jim Bourg/Corbis
Shutter Shades These 2008 Alain Mikli's, famously worn by Kanye, are the latest in a long line of louvered shades (yes, including '50s models tha... Shutter Shades These 2008 Alain Mikli's, famously worn by Kanye, are the latest in a long line of louvered shades (yes, including '50s models that resembled scaled-down Venetian blinds). Apart from providing a questionable degree of UV protection, these brought new life to the novelty sunglasses market. Photo: Getty Images/Getty Images
Futuristic Sports Shades Almost a decade before Reebok’s Pump took activewear technology to the next level, these wraparound shades, perfectly in... Futuristic Sports Shades Almost a decade before Reebok’s Pump took activewear technology to the next level, these wraparound shades, perfectly in tune with the vogue for space-aged athleticism, flooded the mainstream. We promise: Nothing looks better with spiky hair and spandex. Photo: Courtesy of That’s Rad
Steampunk Sunglasses Those who missed the post-apocalyptic Mad Max look that debuted in 1979 and kept up through the early '80s can take heart: T... Steampunk Sunglasses Those who missed the post-apocalyptic Mad Max look that debuted in 1979 and kept up through the early '80s can take heart: This early industrial/post-industrial style is back, reclaimed by fans of the steampunk (a.k.a. steam-powered era) look. Part sun-shade, part welder's goggle, these suit both handlebar mustache aficionados and survivalists. Photo: Courtesy of Paul Smith
Brooke Candy's Bejeweled “Opulence” Though the plot points in Brooke Candy’s “Opulence” video connect excess with danger, the inspiration for the... Brooke Candy's Bejeweled “Opulence” Though the plot points in Brooke Candy’s “Opulence” video connect excess with danger, the inspiration for the song and video actually came from a scene in Paris Is Burning, when members of NYC’s late-'80s drag ball scene define their opulent costuming as a projection of confidence and construction of safety. Certainly nobody's doubting that, as worn by Brooke, these crystal-larded shades designed by Nastasha Morgan are anything but a gloriously glittering sign of her empowerment.
Ray-Ban Aviators Commissioned by the U.S. Army during World War II, Ray-Ban developed these signature polarized teardrop lenses for pilots whose ... Ray-Ban Aviators Commissioned by the U.S. Army during World War II, Ray-Ban developed these signature polarized teardrop lenses for pilots whose goggles couldn’t handle the high-altitude glare. General MacArthur publicly debuted them in 1942 and the style experienced a resurgence both in the late '70s, in the '80s with Top Gun, and in the late 2000s. Despite their association with the Unabomber, they remain a bona fide classic. Photo: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images
Joan Didion’s Dark Glasses The legendary writer has credited her slight stature for her ability to effortlessly access the inner circles of her o... Joan Didion’s Dark Glasses The legendary writer has credited her slight stature for her ability to effortlessly access the inner circles of her often high-profile and highly paranoid subjects, and certainly her large shaded frames helped veil her incredibly keen eye for socio-political-cultural observation. In a 2011 essay for Vogue, Didion describes, with signature melancholia and candor, her childhood vision of an adult self swaddled in a sable coat and glamorously accessorized with dark glasses. Photo: Ted Streshinsky/Corbis
Flip-Up Shades Once about as glamorous as pocket protectors, these hinged shades were first reclaimed by ironic stylites in 2007 and then fully i... Flip-Up Shades Once about as glamorous as pocket protectors, these hinged shades were first reclaimed by ironic stylites in 2007 and then fully integrated into the mainstream by high-end eyewear brands like Oliver Peoples, who chose Elijah Wood to show them off in 2010. Photo: NBC/Getty Images
Stunna Shades Though the term is often used to describe sunglasses in general, it was likely first used in the early '90s to describe the sporty,... Stunna Shades Though the term is often used to describe sunglasses in general, it was likely first used in the early '90s to describe the sporty, oversize shades favored by afficianados of the Bay Area hip-hop style known as hyphy. If you're in search of a classic stunna shade, heed the results of one unofficial survey, which defined them “pretty much anything Birdman wears.” Photo: Lester Cohen/Getty Images
Browline Glasses Wildly popular in the '50s and '60s with everyone from Malcolm X to Lyndon Johnson to Vince Lombardi, browline glasses (so named... Browline Glasses Wildly popular in the '50s and '60s with everyone from Malcolm X to Lyndon Johnson to Vince Lombardi, browline glasses (so named because they echo the shape and weight of the eyebrow) dipped in popularity in the late '60s and '70s as they came to be associated with conservatives. But in 1985, along came Moonlighting, Bruce Willis, and his friend the browline sunglasses. Popularity surged, and surged again as they were featured in Reservoir Dogs in 1992 and of course Mad Men today. Photo: Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images
Tatty Devine's Eyelash Sunglasses How did nobody think of this before? In sculptured plastic, British jewelry label Tatty Devine created the perf... Tatty Devine's Eyelash Sunglasses How did nobody think of this before? In sculptured plastic, British jewelry label Tatty Devine created the perfect cute-scary style marriage (sort of a Betty Boop–meets-Catwoman) just right for stars like Azealia Banks and Rita Ora. Photo: Courtesy of Tatty Devine
Hologram Sunglasses It may not be Tupac "live" onstage, but the '90s are alive and well with the recent revival of these novelty sungla... Hologram Sunglasses It may not be Tupac "live" onstage, but the '90s are alive and well with the recent revival of these novelty sunglasses. Forget eye contact: Depending on your taste, and the way the sun hits the lenses, your date will be watching skulls, marijuana leaves, and/or religious figures float in and out of view as you order lunch and discuss your future together. Photo: Thomas Prior
Roger McGuinn’s Rectangular Shades The celebrated electric guitarist and front man for the Byrds’ is well known for his musical innovations and c... Roger McGuinn’s Rectangular Shades The celebrated electric guitarist and front man for the Byrds’ is well known for his musical innovations and contributions to pop music, but he also did his part for style. At a time when tiny teashades ruled the scene, McGuinn's signature rectangular frames shook things up and cleared the way for far-out geometric shapes, including diamonds and hexagons. Photo: Henry Diltz/Corbis
Jackie O’s Sunglasses Even a lifelong fashion goddess like Jackie has her high-highs, and for us, years spent on the shores of the Mediterraean w... Jackie O’s Sunglasses Even a lifelong fashion goddess like Jackie has her high-highs, and for us, years spent on the shores of the Mediterraean were it. Here she swapped her Massachusetts debutante decorum for playful, sun-soaked styles always topped with fabulous dark glasses — the embodiment of that sweet transitional moment between '60s mod and '70s glamour.
V. Stiviano’s Full-Frontal Shade The blanket, the newspaper, the head-turn: These paparazzi dodges have all been done. When V. Stiviano face... V. Stiviano’s Full-Frontal Shade The blanket, the newspaper, the head-turn: These paparazzi dodges have all been done. When V. Stiviano faced the press in the midst of the Clippers–Donald Sterling controversy, she went cyborg, opting for full-on, color-coordinated coverage with this wild mirror shield. Whether she was covering her pain or her paparazzi-value rate is a question for the ages. Photo: Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images
Bono’s Always-On Sunglasses When Rolling Stone asked Bono what was up with him constantly wearing blue-tinted shades, he said it was “part vanity... Bono’s Always-On Sunglasses When Rolling Stone asked Bono what was up with him constantly wearing blue-tinted shades, he said it was “part vanity, part privacy, part [light] sensitivity." The richest rock star around names Bulgari and Dolce & Gabbana as favorite brands, and with a wink declared himself “the Imelda Marcos of sunglasses.” Photo: Ethan Miller/WireImage
Cat-Eyes Born in the 1950s alongside the towering bouffants and beehives that rose up against the restraint of war-era style, cat-eye glasses fir... Cat-Eyes Born in the 1950s alongside the towering bouffants and beehives that rose up against the restraint of war-era style, cat-eye glasses first debuted as prescription lenses and didn't crossover into sunglasses territory until the early '60s. Since then, the style ebbed and flowed in popularity, but by this lap in the trend cycle it has proven itself a classic. Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection
Lady Gaga’s Jeweled “The Fame” Sunglasses Six years after the release of her debut album featuring them on the cover, these jewel-encrusted shade... Lady Gaga’s Jeweled “The Fame” Sunglasses Six years after the release of her debut album featuring them on the cover, these jewel-encrusted shades are still the accessory of choice for Gaga impersonators. And given all the DIY how-to videos floating around the internet, it’s unlikely these futuristic weirdlings will leave the costume party scene any time soon.
Lady Gaga’s Cigarette Shades The eyewear Gaga wore for the jailyard scene in her “Telephone” video challenges the very meaning of shades. Unortho... Lady Gaga’s Cigarette Shades The eyewear Gaga wore for the jailyard scene in her “Telephone” video challenges the very meaning of shades. Unorthodox materials aside, are they still sunglasses if they obscure all visibility? Do they require a warning from the Surgeon General? And do they come in menthol?
Miles Davis's Shield Shades The legend had not only talent but style seeping out of his pores. In the 70s, as he explored the intersection of jaz... Miles Davis's Shield Shades The legend had not only talent but style seeping out of his pores. In the 70s, as he explored the intersection of jazz and rock, and what became known as "space music," his fashion followed suit, as evidenced by these out-of-this-world bug-eyed "shield" shades. Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection
Elisa Schiaparelli's Feather Glasses In her 1954 autobiography, outré fashion designer Schiaparelli laid down 12 commandments for women, i... Elisa Schiaparelli's Feather Glasses In her 1954 autobiography, outré fashion designer Schiaparelli laid down 12 commandments for women, including this gem: "Ninety percent are afraid of being conspicuous, and of what people will say. So they buy a gray suit. They should dare to be different." Firmly designing for the daring 10 percent, Schiaparelli crafted a number of surrealist flights of fancy, including these feathery specs. Photo: GORDON PARKS/Getty Images
Elton John’s Palm Shades Since at least the early 1970s, over-the-top shades have been such an essential part of Sir Elton's look that an appeara... Elton John’s Palm Shades Since at least the early 1970s, over-the-top shades have been such an essential part of Sir Elton's look that an appearance without them makes news. Drawn from a collection rumored to stretch into the hundreds of thousands (people actually believed this man was straight?), these ruby-red palm-frond frames originally worn in 1973 shine with the trademark joie de vivre characteristic of Mr. John's persona. Photo: Andre Csillag/REX USA
Amber Rose's Vintage Chanel Chain Sunglasses Before it was all about Kimye’s red carpet (or white altar) style, Amber Rose was on Kanye's arm, ro... Amber Rose's Vintage Chanel Chain Sunglasses Before it was all about Kimye’s red carpet (or white altar) style, Amber Rose was on Kanye's arm, rocking some fierce eye candy. Worn when the couple attended Paris Fashion Week in 2009, these chain-link vintage Chanel sunglasses left an impression that outlasted the relationship. Photo: Julien Hekimian/Getty Images
Pierre Marly Cocktail Glasses Unlike others opticians and designers, Pierre Marly is so dedicated to the craft and history of eyewear, he founded... Pierre Marly Cocktail Glasses Unlike others opticians and designers, Pierre Marly is so dedicated to the craft and history of eyewear, he founded a museum in Paris that houses some 3,000 optical-related items reaching back to the 13th century. His colorful, avant-garde designs, notably cat-eyes designed in the '40s and '50s, have been worn by stars, royals, and mortals who dare to be different. Photo: Courtesy of Kingsofpast.com
Missy Elliott’s Headgear From “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” video You might not have seen this 1997 video in a while, but you know you'll never forg... Missy Elliott’s Headgear From “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” video You might not have seen this 1997 video in a while, but you know you'll never forget it. Still edgy 17 years later, it sealed Elliott and director Hype Williams's status as supa dupa stars. And the perfect accessory for an inflatable black latex bodysuit? This gold-encrusted, reddish-yellow-lensed helmet-crown hybrid.
Oliver Goldsmith's Pyramid Shades The mod-eyewear powerhouse made a big impression in the late '60s with these angular acetate shades. Goldsmith ... Oliver Goldsmith's Pyramid Shades The mod-eyewear powerhouse made a big impression in the late '60s with these angular acetate shades. Goldsmith designed the inverted geometric sunglasses to complement Vidal Sassoon's “Bauhaus-inspired” bob for a campaign promoting the pioneering hairdresser’s signature hairstyle. Photo: Courtesy of Pyramid Vintage
Flavor Flav's Oakley Overthetop Shades Alongside the clock-as-necklace and Viking hat, this cartoonish fashion icon kept on keepng on with his ne... Flavor Flav's Oakley Overthetop Shades Alongside the clock-as-necklace and Viking hat, this cartoonish fashion icon kept on keepng on with his never-gonna-catch-on style M.O. by rocking Oakleys’ “Overthetop” shades on a red carpet. The futuristic sunglasses are the perfect capper for Flav’s ghetto-surrealist style. Photo: Scott Wintrow/Getty Images
Ray Charles's Wraparounds Popular music wouldn't be the same without Ray, and Ray wouldn’t be Ray without these shades. The legendary originator ... Ray Charles's Wraparounds Popular music wouldn't be the same without Ray, and Ray wouldn’t be Ray without these shades. The legendary originator of soul music, possessed of a singularly expressive voice, had style to spare, and his signature dark glasses capped off his look of timeless, sexy cool. Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Marcello Mastroianni’s Racing Sunglasses in 8 ½ In Fellini’s 1963 masterpiece, Marcello Mastroianni plays a director worn out by his w... Marcello Mastroianni’s Racing Sunglasses in 8 ½ In Fellini’s 1963 masterpiece, Marcello Mastroianni plays a director worn out by his wordly appetites and his way-ahead-of-the-curve opaque shades help distance him from everyone else's trifles. The sleek curvature of the lenses adds some romance to the space-age frames, complementing Mastroianni's sharp suit like a Lamborghini. Photo: Mary Evans/Everett Collection
The Fabled Rose-Colored Glasses The origins of the idiom are hard to come by (some trace the shorthand for blithe optimism to an 1861 British nov... The Fabled Rose-Colored Glasses The origins of the idiom are hard to come by (some trace the shorthand for blithe optimism to an 1861 British novel) and it's unclear when the literal glasses appeared, but they enjoyed a good deal of popularity during the freewheeling '70s, when non-chemically induced good times were hard to come by. Photo: Rekha Garton/Getty Images
Jean-Paul Belmondo's New Wave Shades in Breathless Nothing adds to the mysterious restraint of French New Wave leading men like a pair of sunglas... Jean-Paul Belmondo's New Wave Shades in Breathless Nothing adds to the mysterious restraint of French New Wave leading men like a pair of sunglasses. Pinched and pulled upward with teasing androgyny, this metal browline style had just enough avant to style-score balanced between Belmondo and his co-star, gamine knockout Jean Seberg. Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection
Alaskan Inuits' Iggaak Hunting Goggles If you factor in the upcycling of local, organic materials plus an irreverent attitude, you could make a c... Alaskan Inuits' Iggaak Hunting Goggles If you factor in the upcycling of local, organic materials plus an irreverent attitude, you could make a case for Inuits being the originators of hipster specs. Credited in some corners as the first sunglasses, these were built to protect the eyes of hunters and fishermen from the blinding glare of endless snow drifts. Photo: Eric Baccega/Corbis
Beyoncé's Fringe Shades Commanding respect with a serious strut, Beyoncé rocks these swing-y metallic shades in her 2008 video for ... Beyoncé's Fringe Shades Commanding respect with a serious strut, Beyoncé rocks these swing-y metallic shades in her 2008 video for the Sasha Fierce track "Diva." Not to be worn by ordinary mortals while operating heavy machinery or anything else, if you're a “female version of a hustla” then you'll enjoy the way the gleaming strands on these frames sway back and forth with your every stilletoed step.
Bootsy Collins's Star Sunglasses Given his fondness for elaborate top hats, space-alien psychedlia, and head-to-toe candy-colored all-leathe... Bootsy Collins's Star Sunglasses Given his fondness for elaborate top hats, space-alien psychedlia, and head-to-toe candy-colored all-leather ensembles, Bootsy Collins's wardrobe wouldn't be dull without his bedazzled star sunglasses, but they certainly wouldn't be as Bootsy. Lucky fans who got their hands on the first run of his 1978 LP "Bootsy? Player of the Year" found a cardboard pair of the famous specs tucked inside the sleeve, but as the legendary bassist himself put it, there is really only one "rhinestone rock star monster of a doll." Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
1 / 50

Tags:

  • andré courrèges
  • will smith
  • mad men
  • v. stiviano
  • tatty devine
  • steve mcqueen
  • joan didion
  • linda farrow
  • miles davis
  • chloe
  • karl lagerfeld
  • taxi driver
  • john lennon
  • lady gaga
  • roger mcguinn
  • tom cruise
  • hunter s. thompson
  • risky business
  • men in black
  • stunna shades
  • elijah wood
  • tommy lee jones
  • jackie onassis
  • steampunk
  • al pacino
  • james dean
  • slideshow
  • brooke candy
  • amber rose
  • elisa schiaparelli
  • pierre marly
  • jackie o
  • lolita
  • bono
  • reservior dogs
  • slideshows
  • jean-paul belmondo
  • prada
  • beyonce
  • marcello mastroianni
  • tupac
  • johnny depp
  • audrey hepburn
  • sunglasses
  • azealia banks
  • lyndon b johnson
  • elton john
  • boosty collins
  • oliver goldsmith
  • icons
  • top gun
  • marilyn monroe
  • fashions
  • rita ora
  • oakley
  • elvis presley
  • tony montana
  • y2k
  • kurt cobain
  • inuits
  • flava flav
  • rebel without a cause
  • opening ceremony
  • breakfast at tiffany's
  • claire's
  • ray charles
  • ray-ban
  • birdman
  • bruce willis
  • nirvana
  • missy elliott
  • malcolm x
  • general macarthur
  • kanye west
  • scarface
  • More

More Galleries

campaign trail Apr. 12, 2021
7 Women on Where They’re Finding Hope These Days  A new fashion campaign that focuses on the positive. 
fashion Mar. 15, 2021
Dramatic Wedding Gowns Inspired by Flowers  Danielle Frankel bridges the gap between bridal and fashion. 
campaign trail Jan. 28, 2021
 The Best Fashion Campaigns From Spring 2021  This season’s best from Prada, Versace, Miu Miu, and more. 
By Florence O'Connor
in memoriam Dec. 30, 2020
30 Incredible Fashion Moments From Pierre Cardin  Remembering a creative visionary. 
By Andrew Nguyen
rest in power Dec. 23, 2020
A Photo Memorial for an Iconic Model  She passed away suddenly at the age of 50 this week. 
campaign trail Nov. 18, 2020
‘Tis the Season for New Fashion Ads  See the best ones from Gucci, Prada, Versace, and more. 
By Emily Burns
nyfw spring 2021 Oct. 26, 2020
How a Great Collection Comes Alive  Christopher John Rogers launched its first-ever online shop, along with a new campaign. 
By Andrew Nguyen
campaign trail Sept. 24, 2020
See the Fashion Campaigns for Fall 2020  From Prada, Michael Kors, Celine, Louis Vuitton, and more. 
By Andrew Nguyen
nyfw spring 2021 Sept. 22, 2020
See the Coach Spring 2021 Collection  Worn by Megan Thee Stallion, Kate Moss, Cole Sprouse, and more. 
By Andrew Nguyen
fashion Sept. 16, 2020
The Stunning Awkwardness of Face Masks on the Red Carpet  Celebrities tried to make the best of a strange situation at the 2020 Venice Film Festival. 
one word one shot Sept. 15, 2020
72 Designers on Their Spring/Summer Inspirations  Just in time for Fashion Week. 
By the Cut
red carpet Sept. 8, 2020
This Red Carpet Was Totally Surreal  But also amazing. See all the looks at the Venice Film Festival. 
By Emilia Petrarca and Andrew Nguyen
in memoriam Aug. 31, 2020
Remembering Chadwick Boseman on the Red Carpet  His style was bold, risk-taking, and always impeccable. 
the wedding files Aug. 21, 2020
The Design-Minded Couple Who Didn’t Want to Try Too Hard  The bride got a wonderful surprise the morning of her wedding. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files Aug. 14, 2020
A Costa Rica Wedding During the Rainy Season  Thunder roared during the toasts. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files Aug. 7, 2020
A San Francisco Wedding at a Big, Empty Pier  The bride changed into crushed-velvet pants for the disco-infused reception. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 31, 2020
An Elopement Among the Lupines in Iceland  The late afternoon was spent snapping photos near waterfalls and black beaches. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 24, 2020
A Pennsylvania Potluck for 280 People  “I looked at her for the first time and had this feeling like, You. I know you.” 
By Kaitlin Menza
milan fashion week July 22, 2020
Behind the Scenes at Gucci’s Virtual Show  Instead of models, members of the design team sported the eccentric collection. 
By Andrew Nguyen
the wedding files July 17, 2020
A Dance Party Under Puerto Rican Palm Trees  Bad Bunny blasted and pitorro flowed. 
By Kaitlin Menza
  • Style
  • Self
  • Culture
  • Power
  • Newsletters
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Help
  • We’re Hiring
  • Press
  • Trademark
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Ad Choices
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Accessibility
The Cut is a Vox Media Network. © 2021 Vox Media, LLC. All rights reserved.