Sunglasses can do more than just shield the eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
A previous post highlights how wearing sunglasses based on your face shape can create harmony with your features and ultimately enhance your overall appearance. For example, individuals with tiny, round faces and softer cheeks and jawlines can wear square or rectangular frames to add contour and dimension to their features.
However, when it comes to musicians, sunglasses go beyond being practical tools for eye protection and aesthetic appeal. As illustrated below, frame styles worn by legendary artists can become recognizable by being an essential part of their stage persona and being integrated into the broader popular culture. So, let’s look at some of the most iconic sunglasses styles in music history.
Classic black frames
Since classic black frames are universally flattering and never go out of style, they’ve been worn by musicians throughout the decades, from ‘70s artists like Billy Joel to modern pop stars like Taylor Swift. These timeless frames are available under popular brands like Ray-Ban and Ralph by Ralph Lauren, which even offer them as prescription sunglasses on the optical retailer Clearly for additional vision correction. Specific styles like the best-selling RB2132 Wayfarer have been popularized by artists like George Michael, Rick Astley, and Madonna to evoke a cool persona.
Tinted shades
Whereas black frames can create a sense of coolness and mystery, sunglasses with tinted lenses are usually worn by artists with more vibrant and colorful personalities. The most popular example would be Elton John, who has worn statement-making sunglasses with lenses tinted in various shades like red, pink, and yellow throughout his career. Thus, the British singer-songwriter’s collaborative eyewear collection with retail corporation Walmart includes special commemorative sunglasses with white metal frames and rose gold-tinted lenses. The limited-edition pair evokes the artist’s retro style and has his name etched on the lenses.
Round sunglasses
Numerous artists, such as Janis Joplin and Harry Styles, have donned round sunglasses, but this style remains widely associated with English musician John Lennon. In fact, he wore small, round frames so often that he influenced not only the fashion of his times but also modern eyewear trends. The Beatles member’s iconic round sunglasses with blue-tinted lenses were sold at an auction for £40,000 (approximately $51,000), proving their legacy in music history. Lastly, the eyewear retailer SmartBuyGlasses released a vintage sunglasses collection with designs named after John Lennon and the rest of the Beatles.
Oversized frames
Oversized frames can be used as a head-turning statement accessory, thus suiting musicians with larger-than-life personalities. For example, when Lady Gaga first debuted with her avant-garde and eccentric style, she was frequently seen wearing over-the-top sunglasses from designer brands like Versace, Dior, and Armani Exchange. While the overall style varied from retro to futuristic, they all had oversized silhouettes that fit the singer’s image. However, oversized sunglasses have always been a fashion staple for pop artists who came before Lady Gaga, such as ‘80s icon Madonna and ‘90s darling Mariah Carey.
Overall, these sunglasses styles prove their iconic status by continuing to influence the eyewear industry, with certain brands like Dolce & Gabbana working with Madonna to co-design special sunglasses collections. If you enjoyed reading this, make sure to check out the rest of the articles here at NeuFutur Magazine.
