When it comes to sunglasses, people want more than just a pair that can provide the necessary UV protection. Nowadays, they want frames that look as great as they work to shield the eyes—and they don’t just prefer any kind of stylish specs, either. Global Market Insights reports that is what they’re truly looking for. As more people want to dress with sophistication, cop the look of their favorite celebrities, or simply buy sunglasses that are built to last, designer brands continue to release high-quality, fashionable releases to perfectly fit into their wardrobes.
If this sounds like you, sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. After all, the luxury sunglasses market is worth more than $24 billion—meaning there are plenty of brands and model variations to choose from. Fortunately, choosing a truly luxurious pair of sunglasses doesn’t have to be so complicated! To get you started, here are some of the best designer brands to get your specs from:
Versace
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For truly distinctive eyewear that looks good on anyone regardless of gender, look no further than Versace. As a luxury fashion brand, Versace knows what looks good. When it comes to its eyewear, however, it showcases a particularly innovative spirit. From their boldly designed rectangular, cat-eye, and even wraparound frames, Versace sunglasses are closely associated with luxury, so much so that they’ve become a sign of sophistication in pop culture. In fact, Versace’s most popular pair—the Medusa Biggie sunglasses—was first popularized by the Notorious B.I.G., who often namedropped the brand in his raps and sported its pieces in his music videos during the ‘90s. Today, the model remains a hit with lovers of luxury accessories, which is why it still makes Fashion Week appearances to this day.
Gucci
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Want something that’s more elegant and comes in sleeker, more modern designs? Gucci sunglasses are for you. Often donned by style icons like Harry Styles, these specs stand out for combining classic frames from the archives—like the oversized, Aviator-esque GG0529S reminiscent of ‘70s fashion—and contemporary design principles. On top of that, Gucci’s sunnies only use the best materials and are assembled with the utmost craftsmanship. The result? Sunglasses that are truly at the pinnacle of luxury because they provide both form and function. They both look good and will last you for years, making them some of the best sunglasses you can nab if you want something that’s undoubtedly luxurious.
Barton Perreira
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To achieve a true air of exclusivity, try sunglasses from Barton Perreira. Make no mistake: though the brand is most famous for designing James Bond’s signature frames, Barton Perreira is considered a mainstay—especially in Hollywood circles and among rare sunglasses collectors—because of its “quiet luxury” designs. Compared to factory-produced sunglasses that have loud logos slapped onto the temples, Barton Perreira’s luxury eyewear focuses on “design and quality without compromise”—and not ostentatious displays of brand loyalty. Instead, it highlights personalization. The brand specializes in limited-edition releases that leverage artisanal frames and custom lenses for truly unique pairs with distinctive souls. By purchasing a pair for your very own, you’ll be sporting sunglasses few other people are likely to have in their own wardrobe.
Dolce & Gabbana
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If you find yourself on the opposite side of the luxury spectrum and actually want to turn heads with your sunnies, Dolce & Gabbana’s got you covered. This luxury fashion house is best known for its signature eclectic style, which is easily seen in the animal prints, intricate embroidery, and floral accents you’ll find in many of its iconic pieces—including those used in the standing ovation-worthy look Madonna wore at Milan Fashion Week this year. When translated into sunglasses, Dolce & Gabbana’s eyewear goes to great lengths to ensure that there’s a story behind every pair it releases. In its catalog, you’ll find vibrant neon frames that are also see-through, oval oversized designs that look almost alien in appearance, and even over-the-top models adorned with roses, ribbons, and pearls. There’s no shortage of creativity here—meaning that getting your luxury sunglasses from this designer brand is a surefire way to elevate your appearance and truly stand out from the crowd.
Published by HOLR Magazine.