Shady business: why you should be wearing tinted sunglasses at Christmas parties
The 5 frames we can't take our eyes off...
Words: Josh Lee
Photography: Sam Hofman
With the party period in full flow, awards season in sight, and Gentleman’s Journal having recently celebrated its tenth anniversary, it would only seem appropriate to spotlight a classic piece of eveningwear – but following years of hybrid working and its more relaxed approach to formalwear, a classic tux and its trimmings may feel more like a satin bodysuit of rigidity than an expression of high style. A hit of flair won’t likely come via a cummerbund, and a pair of bright, patterned socks is a little too middle management.
But perhaps a pair of tinted sunglasses might brighten up your late-night attire? Daywear turned eveningwear that you can sport from dusk ’til dawn, the louche type of thing you’d imagine Jeff Goldblum has a stockpile of.
Popularised further by fellow actors Robert Downey Jr and Daniel Craig, tinted shades have found favour among the red-carpet crowd, becoming a menswear mainstay for those looking to add another tone or hue to what is likely already a punchy black-tie ensemble. There are also benefits to dyed lenses: brown variants are said to minimise strain; amber offers sharper definition on distant objects.
With that in mind, these are the frames that have caught our eye.
TBD Eyewear, ECO Denim in Dark Havana/Orange
Named after the heavy-duty material synonymous with workwear, this pair of shades by GJ favourite TBD Eyewear leans towards the robust, hard-wearing end of the scale. It’s defined by both its squared frame, which is made from sustainable acetate, and its golden hue, which will inject a glow of warmth into the night.
Moscot, Shtarker Gold with Custom-Made Tint
On the other end of the spectrum are these skinny-framed creations, made by New York’s five-generation, family-owned Moscot, which is renowned for blending timeless cuts with contemporary colours and slants. Though the temples and temple tips are extremely slimline, the overall shape is padded out by voluminous lenses and a double-bar nose bridge. We recommend pairing them with a midnight-blue tux, as both colours – one regal and mellow; the other more subdued – will offset each other beautifully.
Curry & Paxton, Yvan Tinted Lens
The model made famous by Sir Michael Caine in The Ipcress File, The Italian Job, and during his off-duty outfits when socialising with the Sixties set, the ‘Yvan’ is an icon of that hedonistic decade in which sartorial choices became more experimental and colourful. A throwback style, it’s instantly recognisable due to its lenses that appear like squared-off ovals and the hexagonal-style pinwork arrangement around the hinged temples. For the full Charlie Croker look once the black-tie season has died down, wear them with a stone-wash blazer and pencil-stripe shirt.
Emporio Armani, Irregular-Shaped Sunglasses
What an aviator would look like were it go through a Picasso filter, this is an angular, sharp take on a tear-drop style lens. We’re particularly drawn to the pared-down aesthetic, as well as the cool ice-blue tone, which blends in nicely with the frosty season. For such a complex shape, we suggest that it’s best for those with a rounded face, as the edges will balance out softer features.
Oliver Peoples, Altair Round-Frame Gold-Tone Polarised Sunglasses
Oliver Peoples’ design, which has been produced in Japan from lightweight titanium, is inspired by watches, as evidenced in its rounded front – the minimalist appearance also belies the loving detail that’s gone into its creation, including the polarised lenses, and the filigree engraving along the bridge, temples and arms. Due to their lack of harsh edge, they have a nonchalant appearance that is more fitting for less-strict black-tie codes.
Want more black-tie inspiration? These are the finest pairs of patent leather shoes for party season…
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