Sunglasses are the most important accessory
of summer, even with the terrible weather. We've found ourselves
even wearing them in the pelting rain.
In the heady world of lenses and frames, it can be pretty
tricky. If you get it wrong, well, you just end up looking
ridiculous. So to help you on your sunny path to finding
the right pair we've found some of the hottest shades around.
So if the sun EVER does show up, you'll be prepared.
Retro
Think Jackie O in Greece or Grace Kelly basking in
Monaco: retro-cool shades are the chicest way to show
your status. British label Linda Farrow Vintage have
a selection of impressive designers including Sophia
Kokosalaki, Eley Kishimoto, Buddhist Punk and an exclusive
collaboration with Christopher Kane.
Why we love them:
whatever shade-tastic style you want to go for they'll
have it. Feeling a bit biker? Check out Veronique
Branquihno's leather-wrapped aviator. Or for a girly
fix Matthew Williamson's Swarovski-encrusted Jackie
O's are fabulous.
Sunglasses are a worthwhile investment. But make
sure you pick the right ones. We're loving the genius
of sunglasses designer Christian Roth at the moment.
Kate Hudson and Lenny Kravitz are both fans of the
functionally cool brand, so you know should definitely
have a pair in your bag.
Why we love them:
A great and diverse collection of men and women's
frames, the signature oversized lenses have frames
that range from wide to thin, from plastic to metal,
and from delicate designs to bold colour, so they'll
suit any face. What's not to love?
Neon has returned to the runaways, so it's little
surprise that sunglasses are following suit. Like
Beth Ditto's funky coloured stage wardrobe, bright
eyes will make you stand out in any crowd. Sunglass
legend Alain Mikli - who has a lengthy following including
Uma Thurman and Guy Ritchie - has created a colourful
collection this season. And Cutler and Gross's aptly
named Neon Light collection are great for men.
Why we love them:
For starters the Alain Mikli collection is called
Candy. How sweet! The frames are a great soft shape
that will suit most faces and with so many gorgeous
colours you can't go wrong. The Neon Light Collection
by Cutler and Gross has gone for a big hair and hot
colour theme; it's Nu Wave, new look and all about
the 80s. Big lenses, plastic frames and lots of colour
means flamboyant glam all summer.
A-listers sometimes set trend when it comes to summer
shades. But if you don't have the jaw-line for Ray-Ban
Wayfarers - seen on Kate Moss and Kirsten Dunst, best
to try the other celebrity favourites: 'Myrte' by
Chloe or Tom Ford's 'Whitney'.
Mischa Barton and Cameron Diaz have been seen sporting
the very popular Myrte, whilst Gwen Stefani and Angelina
Jolie have added the Whiney to their extensive sunglass
collection.
Why we love them: 'Myrte'
by Chloe, combine a few looks in one. Round with squared-off
edges, they seem to flatter everyone. The 'Whitney's'
are more unique - with a crisscross bridge and laser-cut
tinted lenses. Ultra stylish, they come in a wide
range of colours.
