Our selection of 5 never-fail sunglasses to see you through summer 2023
For the best pairs that’ll draw eyes for all the right reasons, take a look below…
Words: Jonathan Wells
As is the case with a two-piece navy suit, there are few people who don’t look great – or at least good – in sunglasses. Incarnations of cool, these all-important fine-weather accessories have heightened the style factor for oceans of individuals, from Bob Dylan to Barack Obama, by way of The Blues Brothers.
And it’s the worst kept secret in fashion that a pair of shades can take your summer style from the everyday to the extraordinary. So, of course, it pays to invest in these powerful tools. But which to buy? With myriad options and caveats to consider, including frame style, colour and material, the choice can be overwhelming.
But don’t fear! As ever, Gentleman’s Journal is on hand to help you navigate through such shady business – this time via our tightly curated selection of frames. For the best pairs that’ll draw eyes for all the right reasons, take a look below…
TBD Eyewear, ‘Cran’ in Bicolour/Tobacco
Though we could start off by talking wildly about the perfection of black wayfarers – the way they’re steeped in style history; how they suit most face shapes; their ability to blend in with both classic and cutting-edge fashion – we’d prefer to begin with something a bit more statement-making. TBD Eyewear’s ‘Cran’ model turns our head in particular, due mainly to its ability to offset brown-hued lenses with a clear-acetate frame, which has been handcrafted in Italy. It’s a considered design, as the unobtrusive silhouette allows all emphasis to be placed firmly on the colours.
&Sons, ‘Vincent’ Sunglasses in Tortoiseshell
For something that leans more towards the conventional, we’d recommend this creation by &Sons, a brand that may be known for its hardy, durable workwear, but also churns out a fine pair of shades, too. The rounded shape, just like with the previous option, gives it a timeless appeal, meanwhile the key attraction is the complementary interplay between the smoked-brown lens (which reduces the brightness of the sun’s rays without distorting natural light) and the tortoiseshell framework, whose slick and vibrant sheen looks wonderful when matched with great weather. Wear with a white t-shirt and some well-cut chinos for maximum impact.
TBD Eyewear, ‘Vicuna’ in Gold/Tobacco
If, however, you’re seeking something that overlaps into the John Lennon realm of dressing, we suggest you make a beeline, yet again, for TBD Eyewear. These designs, named after and influenced by the fine fabric that was revered by the Incas and used to create garments for their royal head, feature a 24k-gold rounded frame, which is featherweight and delicate, allowing for a fuss-free wearing experience. The tobacco-toned lens enhances the rich, earthy palette.
Oscar Deen, ‘Fraser’ in Tortoise
Whether it makes you think of Arnie’s first outing in The Terminator or the suave power-heavy style that floods throughout the House of Gucci’s runtime, the ‘Fraser’ is, undoubtedly, an oversized, retro-looking winner – complete with sculptural lines and an incredibly prominent brow – which, itself, takes its aesthetic from 1960s Italian bifocals. The lenses are made from a lightweight CR-39 plastic and coated for complete UV protection, meanwhile the frames, created from hand-finished Italian Mazzucchelli acetate, aren’t heavy on the face, despite their exaggerated proportions.
Curry & Paxton, ‘Alex’ Sunglasses
The ‘Alex’, by one of Britain’s most iconic creators of fine eyewear, sits somewhere between a tortoiseshell and a sort of wood effect, and it’s this blurred line, which plays out in a melted caramel styling, that we appreciate most about it. You’ll find Curry & Paxton’s signature three-dot logo on the tips of the earpieces – a feature that gives a subtle hit of interest – and it arrives in a collapsable prism case.
Want more summer style? Easy and breezy, Luca Faloni’s latest edit is a glorious showcase of fine linen…
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