Every fashion-conscious individual knows that a great pair of sunglasses is the key to nailing effortless summer style, and from classic cat-eyes and timeless oversize shapes to this year’s on-trend small oval lenses, there’s a pair to suit every taste.
Whilst it’s easy to get swept up in the aesthetic appeal, the importance of protecting your eyes shouldn’t be underestimated. Extended exposure to harmful UV rays can eventually lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions, so when you’re choosing the perfect pair, look out for 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection and polarised lenses to reduce glare,
Other than that, you’ll also want a pair that is made from high-quality materials to ensure maximum durability, and that offers a comfortable fit – but from there onwards, it all comes down to style.
If you’re a wearer of regular eye glasses, then you should consider getting a prescription pair of sunglasses so that you don’t have to compromise on enhanced eyesight, and these days, many designer eyewear brands offer standard glasses, sunglasses, and hybrid pairs so that you can get the best of both worlds.
The best way to find your perfect match is to go and try a few pairs on to see which shape suits you best, and with a reputation for cutting-edge design and flawless craftsmanship as well as an all-round sense of prestige, these four luxury brands are the perfect places to begin your search.
Cartier
If you’re looking for a brand that goes above and beyond when it comes to the opulence factor, then Cartier fits the bill. Although perhaps better known for its exquisite jewellery and watches, its eyewear range exudes the same premium quality and overall sense of elegance and sophistication. Just like its jewellery, precious metals are a key component of each pair of glasses, with gold, platinum and even diamonds often incorporated to create a sense of next level luxury.
Cartier designs are classic and timeless, so are guaranteed never to fall out of favour. Models like the Santos de Cartier and Panthère de Cartier are iconic, but with various styles to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you’re looking for an investment pair of glasses or sunglasses then these are more than worth the splurge, and will last you for many years to come.
Oliver Peoples
Founded in West Hollywood back in 1987, Oliver Peoples is a brand that is best known for its minimalistic approach to eyewear design. Every pair of Oliver Peoples glasses exudes a sense of understated luxury, with its timeless designs having cemented its position as a favorite amongst Hollywood elites and fashion-conscious individuals alike, with subtle branding that allows each model to speak for itself.
Drawing inspiration from vintage aesthetics and always adding a modern twist, sophistication, the result is timeless pieces that remain stylish year after year.Each pair of glasses is meticulously handcrafted using materials like Japanese titanium and Italian acetate, so again, you can be sure you’re getting the very finest quality.
Tom Ford
Tom Ford is one of the fashion industry’s most iconic names, and is known for impeccable taste and daring eyewear designs. Known for his transformative tenure at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, Ford’s eponymous brand embodies luxury with a modern twist, and beyond his fashion and fragrance collections, Tom Ford glasses and sunglasses have become increasingly highly sought-after over recent years.
Blending classic and contemporary elements in designs featuring bold lines and striking shapes, every pair is made from high-quality materials like Italian acetate and lightweight titanium to ensure the utmost in durability and comfort. The signature “T” logo sits at the temple on every pair and has become a globally recognised symbol of exclusivity and luxury.
Chanel
Chanel has built its entire brand around timeless elegance, and from its classic handbag styles to its enduring fragrances, it has got the concept of refined luxury down to a fine art.
Chanel eyewear combines classic elegance with contemporary trends, and exemplifies flawless craftsmanship in every pair. Chanel often incorporates its iconic symbols, such as the instantly-recognisable interlocking CC logo and quilted patterns, into its eyewear designs, showcasing exquisite taste and everlasting sophistication. Models like the CH5377H and the CH5397 are examples of its most coveted pairs, but there are many styles to choose from depending on your taste.
The bottom line
From elegant everyday eyewear to the summer’s hottest sunglasses styles, these four fail-safe brands will never disappoint. So if you’re looking for a new pair to uplevel your look this summer, then make them your first ports of call.
