Get Loud With This Roundup Of Statement-Making Eyewear

Since normcore fizzled and maximalism took over the fashion-sphere last year, we have been proven time and time again that designers aren’t afraid of pushing the boundaries of wearable fashion. So, while it might seem like some of the designs below are too much for most people’s wardrobes, we urge you to give them a go and embrace the extra-ness.

FENDI Women’s Fall / Winter 2019 – 2020 Eyewear Collection

The collection this season is stylised by sophisticated details and unexpected colour combinations. The range consists of 8 sunglasses of various silhouettes and varying degree of details so that there’s a pair for everyone.

You can go with the FENDI ROMA AMOR (which roughly translates to FENDI LOVES ROME and is a tribute to the Roman Maison Carrée Temple) sunglasses for a more understated look. The style FF 0378/S and FF 0375/G/S come in more classic silhouettes, a subtle slim squared shape with double bridge and a pilot frame respectively. For those looking for a more unique look, there is the style FF 0376, an acetate optical frame with a geometric oversize shape which has the “FENDI ROMA AMOR” script on the temples. There is also the style FF 0377/S, an oversized shield design. All the silhouettes are available in a variety of coloured lenses for more options.

There’s also the FENDI FFreedom sunglasses which are embellished by the sparkling F shaped details with 136 crystals. What’s even more amazing is that the crystals were manually applied one by one! The wrap-around metal mask in style FF 0382/S is the most eye-catching (pun intended) with a futuristic sporty feel. But there are also two other pairs with a more wearable squared shape frame with a double bridge. Of course, they have the shimmering F shaped FFreedom detail near the hinges, available in 2 sizes.

Lastly, there are the FENDI Headband sunglasses which are peppered all-over with the iconic FF logo pattern. The unexpected curves and wraparound frame, in style FF 0383/S, gives a futuristic vibe to the pair. It is also accented with hints of fluorescent colors such as yellow and pink on the metal rim around the lenses and on the triangular hole of the spatula-shaped temple-tips for added contrast.

The bonus pair is the special FENDI Karligraphy sunglasses, inspired by the curling “Karligraphy” version of the iconic FF logo designed by Karl Lagerfeld. It is one of the more captivating pieces in the collection as it is symbolic to the FENDI brand, meant to reflect the sublime femininity of the FENDI woman who is both daring and sophisticated. The sunglasses have an oversized butterfly shape with asymmetric bright color tones at the top bar. The colour tones such as green and blue, and pink and orange really help to give a feminine and bright feel to the sunglasses.

$455 to $790, available at FENDI boutiques and selected high-end opticians worldwide.

GENTLE MONSTER x ALEXANDER WANG M.PRI$$

Following last year’s success of the partnership’s first collaboration, Gentle Monster and Alexander Wang are back again with a second collaboration, M.PRI$$, which has already made its debut on the runway at Alexander Wang’s 2019 Fall-Winter show at New York Fashion Week.

The sunglasses are based off one of Gentle Monster’s iconic silhouettes, which is a subtle cat-eye shaped frame with smooth curved front and bold temples. The collaboration also has a snake motif and comes in two colour variants, although both have the standout detail of metal slithering snakes around the bottom half of the frame and lenses.

We are loving how fierce yet casual these sunglasses look and recommend taking some inspiration from the runway looks on how to style them. (Psst. they look really good even with other animal prints or a simple white top and denim shorts combo).

$453, available at selected Gentle Monster flagship stores and Alexander Wang boutiques, as well as the official websites of both brands.

Louis Vuitton Rainbow Sunglasses

The new Louis Vuitton Rainbow Sunglasses in their men’s line is an extension of the motif of rainbows that were heavily used in Virgil Abloh’s first debut collection for the brand.

With just two frames in two classical frame shapes, a square fit and a pilot fit, the emphasis is really brought on the colours of the shades and the message of inclusivity the rainbows represent. The classic silhouette also means that the quality and intricate details in the sunglasses are easier to appreciate. For example, the sunglasses are fully crafted in Italy using an intricate injecting technique which lends to a single front frame. It also has a smooth, gummy-like two-colour gradient effect as it is made in transparent solid nylon. Lastly, a detail for the true fans: the hinges are inspired by Louis Vuitton signature S-lock, first featured on the iconic Millionaire sunglasses in 2004.

$590, available at Louis Vuitton boutiques at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, ION Orchard, and Ngee Ann City.

Cartier Fall / Winter 2019 Eyewear Collection

This season, Cartier is updating 3 of its most popular designs: Santos de Cartier, Panthère de Cartier, and Première de Cartier. They are getting a contemporary look with metal details and coloured lenses.

This collection is truly for the loyal Cartier lovers as the subtle detailings on the sunglasses pay homage to Cartier’s beloved creations. For example, the Santos de Cartier, with its full rim frame, is accented with screws that evoke the airplane rivets of the iconic Santos watch. Additionally, the Panthère de Cartier is embellished with sculptural panther heads recalling the brand’s jewelry pieces. Meanwhile, the Première de Cartier has updated autumnal shades, just in time for Fall.

$1390 to $3900, available at Cartier boutiques and selected high-end opticians worldwide.

Shanghai Tang ‘Through a Chinese Lens’

Shanghai Tang, known for their contemporary Chinese fashion offerings, is expanding with a new unisex range of sunglasses. The collection, called Through A Chinese Lens, features 12 designs in multiple colourways, all different in their own ways and yet, evoking the same essence of the brand.

The use of lightweight stainless steel wire, intricate detailing, and vivid pops of colours all bring out the slightly faminine, delicate, high-fashion look that is defining of the contemporary Chinese fashion. Another detail that stands out; the laser-coloured wires echo the iconic contrast piping often seen on Shanghai Tang’s renowned ready-to-wear items, including the Tang jackets and silk pajamas.

The sunglasses come in a variety of unique frames; there’s the Pollen which comes in a statement-making angular butterfly frame, Felix is in a chic oversized cat eye frame, and Disco which has a glitter layer on its oversized square frames for a retro look.

There are also a few pairs that pay homage to the rich Chinese culture and history, such as The Poet, which is inspired by Chinese Scholars and their round frame sunglasses. However, in this collection, they have been updated with lightweight stainless steel with a chic matte finish. Then, there are the Fei, Shou and The Agent sunglasses which have a simple aviator frame, round frame, and square frame respectively. However, they are made unique with the “Shou” motif, which signifies longevity, and the brand logo at the tips and temples.

The other half of the collection, Feather Horn, Spotlight, The Pilot, The Pop, and Razer, are made with acetate frames in different patterns and colour gradients for fun, playful looks.

$320 to $375, available at all Shanghai Tang boutiques and on the online store.

Kate Spade New York Fall / Winter 2019 Eyewear Collection

Kate Spade’s eyewear collection is taking cues from their past seasons but updating it with a Fall twist. Based on the concept of soft glamour and eclectic decadence, the 6 styles of sunglasses and reading glasses in the collection feature a refined approach to colour and a unique print language for a sophisticated look.

Additionally, Kate Spade’s brand promise of Optimistic Femininity is very present in the colour scheme. Pink hues are used to complement the deep fall colours of warm browns, cinnamon and berry shades in this collection.

The 3 sunglasses in the collection — Dulce/G/S, Alianna/G/S, and Kimora/G/S — are reflective of the top trends in eyewear featured on the runway this season. The Dulce has a lightweight metal cat-eye frame with coloured lenses, whereas the Alianna, a full-frame square sunglass with a translucent coloured acetate frame, and the Kimora, an oversized square shape sunglass, evoke the look of the retro sunglasses that are coming back in style this season.

There are also 3 reading / optical glasses in the collection — Jordana, Maci, and Gabriella — that have patterned acetate temples for more character and a metal spade logo on the temples as a finishing detail. Available in classic silhouettes like square and round frames, the sunglasses all give a very classic and refined vibe.

$215 to $710, available at Kate Spade boutiques and selected high-end opticians worldwide.

Tommy X Zendaya Eyewear Collection

Zendaya is a fashion icon who never steps out in anything less than stunning and so, it’s natural that she’s collaborating with the equally iconic fashion designer, Tommy Hilfiger. However, it’s not the first time they are collaborating. As the brand ambassador of Tommy Hilfiger, Zendaya has already walked the brand’s runway for a Spring line in Paris and at New York Fashion Week earlier this month. This Fall, their eyewear collection is a fusion of iconic ‘70s power dressing and Tommy Hilfiger’s classic American cool heritage.

THZENDAYAIII, comes in 4 different variants, and features an oversized, ’70s-inspired rounded frame with a gold-coloured Tommy Hilfiger logo printed on the temple. What’s particularly special about this design is the use of mixed materials; the frame is embellished with silk fabric inlays.

Additionally, depending on the colour variants, the vibe of the sunglasses can vary and give a unique feel. The clear frames with brown lenses give a feminine feel while the black frames with snow leopard-look fabric, snakeskin-look fabric and houndstooth fabric give a chic and edgy vibe.