Life has been a little devoid of brightness of late, which is why, for summer, we’re setting our sights on colourful sunglasses in a seductive spectrum of shades. We suggest investing in some transparent frames in vivid jewel tones that will gleam in the heatwave sun like a precious stone – think Bottega Veneta’s retro futuristic lilac cat-eye frames, Sportmax's athletics-inspired styles in emerald green, and Gucci’s oversized 1970s opticals in cerulean, among others.
The most outré new opticals tap into S/S 2021's wider penchant for punchy bright tones, which popped up on the catwalk at brands including Akris, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Christopher John Rogers and Roksanda. There's a high-energy optimism behind these hues and tones, which work to bring positivity to a year dominated by the dark shades of the Covid-19 pandemic. ‘Colour is everything to me, this season more than ever before,’ Akris' Albert Kriemler told Wallpaper* back in September 2020, in relation to his collaboration with Imi Knoebel, the German abstract artist renowned for his skill as a colourist.
Colourful sunglasses: life just got a little brighter (and hotter)!
£195, by Salvatore Ferragamo
If you're keen to reflect an entire prism of cheer-giving colours, a clear sunglasses silhouette is most striking. Lindberg, Louis Vuitton and Prada are all offering eye-catching options in geometric, graphic and wraparound styles. Prada, for example, has flirted with the utilitarian aviator shape, and is contrasting transparent acetate against kohl black hardware.
When it comes to the Covid-19 pandemic, the clouds have not yet fully parted, but it's safe to say that sunlight is breaking through. When sporting one of these sunglasses styles, from Celine's geometric magenta shades to Fendi's ‘FF’ monogrammed lenses, life might seem to have got a little brighter.
£310, by Celine
£235, by Gucci
£354, by Prada
£265, by Fendi
£300, by Serengeti
£310, by Bottega Veneta
£605, by Louis Vuitton
INFORMATION
This article appears in the June 2021 issue of Wallpaper*, on newsstands now and available as a free PDF download.
-
Olfactory Art Keller: the New York gallery exhibiting the smell of vintage perfume, blossoming lilacs and last night’s shameOlfactory Art Keller is a Manhattan-based gallery space dedicated to exhibiting scent as art. Founder Dr Andreas Keller speaks with Lara Johnson-Wheeler about the project, which doesn’t shy away from the ‘unpleasant’
-
Explore a barn conversion with a difference on the Isle of WightGianni Botsford Architects' barn conversion transforms two old farm buildings into an atmospheric residence and artistic retreat, The Old Byre
-
Audi launches AUDI, a China-only sub-brand, with a handsome new EV conceptThe AUDI E previews a new range of China-specific electric vehicles from the German carmaker’s new local sub-brand
-
Fashion features editor Jack Moss’ style gift guideWallpaper* fashion features editor Jack Moss compiles his fantasy festive wish list – from a surreal Bottega Veneta tree decoration to Hylton Nel’s Dior-approved ceramic cats
-
What makes a ‘winter perfume’? The Wallpaper* guide to fragrances that linger on the skin and in the airThe Wallpaper* guide to winter perfume has been compiled by our beauty editor Hannah Tindle, including scents from the likes of Bottega Veneta, Frederic Malle and Marissa Zappas
-
Why the slipper is set to be this season’s definitive men’s shoeWallpaper* fashion features editor Jack Moss unpacks the rise of the men’s slipper, which looks set to become this season’s most ubiquitous shoe. Plus, five styles to channel the slipper’s louche elegance in your own wardrobe
-
Gucci’s ‘Blondie’ bag revival sees the enduring 1970s accessory reimagined anewFirst shown at Sabato De Sarno’s Gucci Cruise 2025 show in London, a new iteration of Gucci’s beloved ‘Blondie’ bag fuses 1970s insouciance with a crisp modernity
-
Kim Jones to exit Fendi after four yearsFendi has announced that Kim Jones is leaving his role as artistic director of womenswear and couture at the Italian house, though will remain at Dior Men
-
The Wallpaper* S/S 2025 trend report: ‘A rejection of the derivative and the expected’Wallpaper* fashion features editor Jack Moss unpacks five trends and takeaways from the S/S 2025 shows, which paid ode to individual style and transformed the everyday
-
For A/W 2024, the working uniform gets a futuristic spinSculpted silhouettes, unexpected textures and plays on classic outerwear meet in the A/W 2024 collections, providing a twisted new take on city dressing
-
The breathtaking runway sets of S/S 2025, from beanbag animals to a twisted living roomWallpaper* picks the best runway sets and show spaces of fashion month, which featured Bottega Veneta’s beanbag menagerie, opulence at Saint Laurent, and artist collaborations at Acne Studios and Burberry
