As seen at the Fall 2019 runways, this season’s trending sunglasses designs are eye-catching to say the least. No longer just a practical accessory used to protect our peepers from the brutal UV rays, the hottest sunglasses right now are meant to capture attention.
Statement details include maximalist embellishments (see: Gucci’s pearl-trimmed frames), large funk geometric frames that took a detour from the usual shapes we’re so used to seeing (a.k.a, Loewe’s Puzzle aviators) and dramatic cyberpunk frames (looking at you, Gentle Monster’s matrix-style micro number).
Tantalising our senses and encouraging us to get more experimental with our choice of accessories, Fall ‘19’s sunglasses fully embrace the concept of maximalism. Gone are the days of standard cat-eyes and a yawn-fest of plain aviators; when it comes to eyewear, we’re going bigger and bolder. Ahead, shop our top picks of designer shades to get your hands on right now.
ALSO READ: SHADES WITH SHAPES: THE DIFFERENT SUNGLASSES STYLES YOU NEED TO KNOW
Fancy a pair of winter-themed sunglasses? Part of Michael Kors 2019 holiday gift guide, this pair of glasses is studded with luxe-rocks on the edge of the frame as an ode to winter wonderlands. Pair this with a monochromatic outfit or your usual office neutrals for a dressy look.
Michael Michael Kors St. Anton Sunglasses, $209
ALSO READ: 9 MICRO SUNGLASSES TO WORK THE 90S-INSPIRED COMEBACK TREND
Tinted in all sorts of fun wacky colours for Fall 2019, the sunglasses of the season want you to see the world through rose(or lilac, or orange or even yellow)-tinted lenses.
Most flattering for warmer skin tones, these yellow-tinted lenses that sit on Andy Wolf’s rounded cat-eye frame are perfect for Asian complexions. The bright red translucent acetate frames are also give way to a retro vibe, enhancing its appeal as a slightly outre accessory we’d love to throw on to jazz up our outfit.
Andy Wolf red Odessa sunglasses, US$395 (S$537.86) from Ssense
Photo: Ssense
ALSO READ: 9 MICRO SUNGLASSES TO WORK THE 90S-INSPIRED COMEBACK TREND
Taking a cue from ski apres-inspired protective goggles, connected lenses that extend to eliminate the bridge are now trending harder than ever, echoing the survivalist mentality embraced by fashion in recent times.
Fendi’s Ffreedom glasses feature a large reflective soft pink lens that’s accentuated by crystal-embellished “F” logo plaques at the side hinges and crystal studded ear cuffs – perfect for those with a penchant for statement-making looks.
Fendi Ffreedom oversized acetate wrap-around sunglasses, S$545 from Matches Fashion
Photo: Matches Fashion
ALSO READ: SHADES WITH SHAPES: THE DIFFERENT SUNGLASSES STYLES YOU NEED TO KNOW
Cyberpunk has overtaken the fashion world, and it’s making its presence felt via Matrix-inspired shades – slim frames with black-tinted lenses that offer an air of class and mystery.
Street style-favourite sunglass brand from Korea Gentle Monster delivers an intriguing rendition, the Mohenic 02, that comes with a thin metallic silver frame and a single narrow rectangular lens.
Mohenic 02, US$360 from Gentle Monster
Photo: Gentle Monster
ALSO READ: 9 MICRO SUNGLASSES TO WORK THE 90S-INSPIRED COMEBACK TREND
We saw plenty of futuristic reflective, metallic lenses on the runways for Fall ‘19, hinting at the designers’ forward-looking ambitions. Whether it’s fully reflective and mirror-like, fluorescent colours or holographic, lenses this season are looking towards a stoic space age-like mood.
Fendi’s polka dotted D-frame shades will lend a cheeky, flirty touch to any contemporary outfit, and we’ll be pairing our pair with a bright orange linen dress and kitten heels.
Fendi polka-dot D-frame acetate sunglasses, S$545 from Matches Fashion
Photo: Matches Fashion
ALSO READ: SHADES WITH SHAPES: THE DIFFERENT SUNGLASSES STYLES YOU NEED TO KNOW
Going full-on bejewelled, this season’s trendiest sunglasses are also seen with frames accentuated with glamorous embellishments ranging from faux pearls, chunky crystals, and rhinestones.
Gucci’s opulent creation sports a gold-tone metal frame in a cat-eye shape that’s rimmed with dainty faux pearls. It is finished with the brand’s hallmark GG motif centered in a faux pearl at the end of the temple tip: A subtle detail that showcases the brand’s artful craftsmanship.
Gucci pearl-embellished cat-eye acetate sunglasses, S$1,275 from Matches Fashion
Photo: Matches Fashion
ALSO READ: 9 MICRO SUNGLASSES TO WORK THE 90S-INSPIRED COMEBACK TREND
Duo-tone frames that offer half-and-half colour combos are also in right now, with some shades sporting stark contrasting colours in harmony with one another and others sporting an ombre effect.
Givenchy’s oversized sunglasses here offer the latter, featuring a stylish pink-and-brown frame in an exaggerated ‘70s square shape. The frame is made from graduated acetate and houses gradient brown lenses that perfectly complement the gold-tone metal arms.
Givenchy oversized square acetate sunglasses, S$305 from Matches Fashion
Photo: Matches Fashion
ALSO READ: SHADES WITH SHAPES: THE DIFFERENT SUNGLASSES STYLES YOU NEED TO KNOW
First there were see-through PVC boots, then the hype of transparent bags re-emerged. And now, we’ve got clear acetate-framed sunglasses joining the pack.
The vibe it gives off is remarkably chic, albeit slightly geeky – but that only adds to its appeal with an off-kilter sensibility. This pair of split lens sunglasses with pink lenses offer an interesting take on conventional eyewear silhouettes with its unique design.
Percy Lau x Axis pink split lens sunglasses, S$383 from Farfetch
Photo: Farfetch
ALSO READ: 9 MICRO SUNGLASSES TO WORK THE 90S-INSPIRED COMEBACK TREND
Also here to dominate the Fall ‘19 sunglasses scene are round lenses. Quirky and bold, circular frames immediately help the wearer stand out with its retro, whimsical style.
Chloe’s Carlina sunglasses are currently the object of our obsession. With its feminine colour composition consisting of petal pink rose gold and orange, the Carlina is extremely lightweight and dainty. The pink gradient lenses also add to its charming, sweet vibe.
Chloe eyewear Carlina sunglasses, S$702 from Farfetch
Photo: Farfetch
ALSO READ: SHADES WITH SHAPES: THE DIFFERENT SUNGLASSES STYLES YOU NEED TO KNOW
The classic cat-eye frame sees itself in exaggerated, dramatic proportions this season. Blown up in oversized silhouettes and sporting quirky patterns, the perennial cat-eye has once again secured its spot as one of the top sunglasses to adopt by staying relevant.
Marni’s creative tortoise-shell sunglasses are as impactful as they are cool, featuring a chunky frame and dark grey tinted lenses. We’re imagining this pair teamed with a sleek animal-printed dress and brown high heeled ankle boots.
Marni Eyewear dramatic cat-eye sunglasses, S$410 from Farfetch
Photo: Farfetch
ALSO READ: 9 MICRO SUNGLASSES TO WORK THE 90S-INSPIRED COMEBACK TREND
Though there were plenty of classic shapes still prevalent in the market, a handful of designers have also decided to do away with the traditional shapes in favour of experimenting with newer, edgier geometric cuts.
An example is Loewe’s Puzzle sunglasses, named after the brand’s prized Puzzle bag. Showcasing a square-ish shape with angular cuts, these sunglasses mimic the fun geometric silhouette of the Puzzle bag. The modish deep purple and light pink lenses, that also provide 100% UV protection, lend to it a girlish charm.
Loewe Puzzle large aviator-style gold-tone sunglasses, US$291.84 from Net-a-porter
Photo: Net-a-porter
ALSO READ: 9 MICRO SUNGLASSES TO WORK THE 90S-INSPIRED COMEBACK TREND
