by In today’s fashion conscious world, sunglasses have become a staple accessory that not only protects our eyes from harmful sun rays but also makes a style statement. While regular sunglasses serve their purpose, luxury sunglasses take it to a whole new level with their superb craftsmanship, expensive materials and lavish designs.
The Kings of Sunglasses – Ray-Ban
When it comes to luxury eyewear, no brand is more iconic than Ray-Ban. Founded way back in 1937, Ray-Ban is credited with inventing the classic wayfarer frame that was made famous by several Hollywood celebrities in movies. Even today, over 80 years later, the Wayfarer continues to be the best selling sunglass style ever made. Ray-Ban is known for using top quality materials like cellulose acetate and polycarbonate to craft frames that are lightweight yet durable. Their array of styles like clubmaster, aviator, round etc have adorned the faces of rebels, musicians and Presidents alike. With sharp designs and impeccable craftsmanship, a pair of Ray-Bans will always stay in vogue.
Luxury Meets Technology – Oakley
California based Oakley is another giant in the Luxury Sunglasses domain, widely known for their sporty yet fashionable styles. What separates Oakley from other brands is their intense focus on high performance optics and lightweight durable frames designed for an active lifestyle. Using advanced technologies, Oakley lenses offer 100% UV protection along with clarity for better vision. Many of their sunglass frames come with interchangeable lenses that can be quickly switched as per light conditions. This provides Oakley wearers an edge while skiing, cycling or any outdoor sport. Their distinctive styles like Julian, Frogskins and Holbrook have been sported by action stars and athletes.
Italian Flair – Persol and Gucci
For quintessential Italian flair and elegance, Persol and Gucci create some of the finest luxury sunglasses. Founded in 1917 in Italy, Persol which means “for sun” in Italian are known for their aesthetic acetate frames and unparalleled attention to detail. Each Persol frame is crafted by skilled artisans who hand assemble the finest materials. Their iconic model 649 has been worn by several Hollywood icons from Audrey Hepburn to Tom Cruise.
Gucci on the other hand brings its luxury heritage into high end designer sunglasses. Characterized by Gucci’s iconic interlocking GG motif, green-red web tapes and pearl encrusted stems – each Gucci frame is a work of art. Both Persol and Gucci with their retro as well as modern styles have become coveted luxury brands among the affluent.
Fashion at the Forefront – Prada and Chanel
When it comes to defining cutting edge styles, Prada and Chanel are the go-to luxury brands. Prada is innovative in its artistic designs and use of luxe materials like acetate, gold and wood. Inspired by art, fashion and culture, each limited edition Prada collection brings out-of-the box yet avant-garde styles. On the other hand, Chanel with its timeless tweed fabrics and camellia charms infuses a touch of Parisian femininity into their sunglasses. Both these powerhouse brands make a bold style statement with seasonal color palettes and exquisite craftsmanship. Their sunglasses are a must have for the style conscience.
Customized Luxury – Dita Eyewear
For a truly customized luxury experience, Dita Eyewear offers made-to-measure frames. This American brand understands not every face is same and their solution is providing personalized customization services. Using 3D facial scanning and digital models, Dita designers craft fully customized frames to fit any face shape perfectly. Clients can select among myriad materials, colors and lens options to curate their perfect bespoke Dita frames. This high effort, high touch process results in frames tailored to one’s exact needs – a step above off-the-rack luxury eyewear.
Luxurious Lenses
Apart from iconic frames, luxury sunglasses brands are known for their top quality specialized lenses as well. Using photochromic, polarized and mirrored lens technologies – lenses from top brands offer optimal vision, clarity as well as protection from sun’s UV rays. Some brands even infuse luxurious touches into lenses – like gold engravings by Dita. Luxury lenses are crafted from lightweight, shatter-resistant materials like polycarbonate and nylon to enhance comfort of vision all day long. Designer brands also offer multiple interchangeable lenses that can transform any frame as per conditions.
Sky is the Limit
While the above mentioned brands represent renowned luxury in sunglasses, for ultra-premium exclusivity various small independent brands are creating one-of-a-kind designer pieces. Using expensive materials like 18k gold, titanium, etched leathers and precious gems – these personalized brands push creative boundaries. Many customize vintage frames with exquisite hand-engravings or embed precious gems and crystals. Such uber-luxury sunglasses can become valuable art-collectibles and investment pieces priced at over $10,000 a pair. For the ultra-wealthy with discriminating tastes, the sky is the limit when it comes to luxury eyewear.
Luxury sunglass brands continue raising the bar on high fashion optics. Apart from protecting vision, designer frames provide a means of self-expression. As fashion keeps evolving, these luxury eyewear giants will keep leading the pack by merging innovative designs with impeccable quality. Sunglasses are sure to stay as prominent luxury accessories for discerning clientele worldwide.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
