More than just for braving the blazing sun, sunglasses make for an essential fashion accessory.
Putting together a great outfit involves the subtle touch of dressing up a look – this is where a pair of shades can help.
The right design offers a balance to the clothes that you wear.
You wouldn’t be stepping out of the house barefoot right? Nailing that perfect OOTD (outfit of the day) is very much a head-to-toe thing.
There is a reason why celebrities wear shades wherever they go. Yes, as protection from glare – but each different design also enhances a person’s personality and vibe.
Heritage inspired
Malaysian designer Datuk Tom Abang Saufi recently launched her first eyewear collection. It comprises a range of eye-catching styles and colours.
The collection’s defining feature is the pua kumbu-inspired golden logo on the temples. Each pair is also presented in a pua kumbu-embossed triangle casing, accompanied by a pua kumbu motif microfibre pouch.
Tom is always proud of her heritage. When designing, she tries to highlight her home state of Sarawak wherever possible.
A recognisable figure in the local fashion scene, Tom is known for wearing heavy black sunglasses. It is part of her everyday style.
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Classic and timeless
Eyewear designs by the David Beckham brand offer a touch of effortless British style this season.
That said, the colour palette is inspired by the Mediterranean. It includes subtle shades of pink, violet, orange, as well as natural tones of horn and havana – reminiscent of beautiful sunsets.
“With this collection, I wanted to capture the feeling of freedom and relaxation that comes with spending a summer by the Mediterranean Sea,” reads the press statement by Beckham.
“Whether you’re seeking timeless elegance or bold individuality, these sunglasses and optical frames are the perfect addition for summer.”
Runway ready
The new Prada eyewear designs are part of the Spring/Summer 2024 collection by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, as seen at Milan Fashion Week.
They reflect a less-than-conventional aesthetic. The audacious style mirrors the fluidity and form of Prada’s latest apparel, ensuring that every visage takes on the language of luxe modernity.
One model for example, offers a futuristic style. It features a lightweight semi-rimless frame and round lenses – perfect for the runway, and the streets.
The K-factor
South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster has released a third collaborative collection with Blackpink’s Jennie.
Comprised of eight different frame silhouettes, it includes the use of innovative elements such as eyewear temples designed for detachable charms. A few can even slide into the hair, resembling a barrette.
Also on offer is a range of charms that sophisticatedly interpret the K-pop star’s favourite motifs – like capybaras and clouds. This is said to encourage a diverse expression of style.
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Look like a rockstar
Ray-Ban has teamed up with the legendary musician and style icon Lenny Kravitz for an electrifying collaboration.
The special design uses concave lenses, which is believed to reduce reflections up to 70%. There is even Kravitz’s signature etched onto each piece, highlighting the special relationship shared between music and style.
The sunglasses are crafted from eco-friendly materials, including bio-nylon lenses and bio-acetate frames – just right for the fashion lover.
Spirit of competition
Oakley describes its latest Sphaera and BiSphaera sunglasses as the “most forgettable eyewear to date”.
The designs make use of frames that are apparently so lightweight, a person may just not realise they have anything on their face.
Sphaera is expected to make a statement at the upcoming 2024 Olympic Summer Games held in July. BiSphaera is conceptualised to be more versatile so it can be worn for daily use.
Both prioritise comfort and style to inspire confidence and boundary-pushing performance.