Unusual and Whacky Sunglass Designs from History
Sunglasses are an essential accessory, providing protection from harmful UV rays, while also adding a touch of style to any outfit. Over the years, designers have embraced creativity and pushed the boundaries of sunglasses, resulting in some truly unusual and whacky designs. From the outrageous to the bizarre, let’s explore some of the most memorable sunglass designs from history.
One of the earliest examples of peculiar sunglass designs comes from the 18th century. In the mid-1700s, James Ayscough, an English optician, experimented with tinted lenses to alleviate various vision impairments. However, his creations featured lenses in a variety of colors, such as blue, green, and pink, instead of the traditional dark tint we associate with sunglasses today. While his intentions were noble, it’s safe to say his designs were far from what we consider fashionable today.
Fast forward to the 1950s and 1960s, a period known for its extravagant fashion choices. Sunglasses were not exempt from this trend, with designers capitalizing on the era’s creativity and flair. Cazal, a German eyewear brand, designed sunglasses that blended futuristic shapes with bold colors and patterns. These oversized frames were often adorned with gold or silver details, making them stand out in a crowd. While Cazal had a loyal following, these peculiar sunglasses may have been too loud for some people to embrace.
In the 1970s, Elton John made a name for himself not only for his remarkable musical talent but also for his distinctive fashion choices. He became notorious for wearing outrageous sunglasses that seemed to defy the laws of fashion. Whether it was his rhinestone-encrusted shades or his oversized heart-shaped frames, Elton John’s sunglass designs became a symbol of his flamboyant personality. While his choices may not have appealed to everyone’s taste, no one can deny that he embraced individuality and pushed the boundaries of sunglass fashion.
Moving into the 1980s, sunglasses took on a whole new level of wackiness. Dolce & Gabbana, an Italian luxury brand, took inspiration from iconic movie characters to create their unique designs. They released sunglasses shaped like Batman’s mask and, perhaps most famously, Audrey Hepburn’s iconic cat-eye frames from the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” While these designs may have seemed bizarre to some, they added a sense of playfulness and nostalgia to fashion accessories.
The 1990s saw the rise of wraparound sunglasses, thanks in part to the sporting world. Brands like Oakley and Nike introduced models with large, curved lenses that offered superior coverage and protection. However, these designs quickly took a turn towards the absurd, with creative minds adding bizarre features. Some wraparound sunglasses featured mini fans attached to the frames, promising to keep your face cool on hot summer days. While these innovations may have been intriguing, they never quite caught on in the mainstream fashion world.
In recent years, designers have continued to embrace unusual and whacky sunglass designs. Jeremy Scott, a renowned fashion designer, created a line of sunglasses that featured small retro televisions as lenses. These quirky creations were certainly a conversation starter but were probably not the most practical choice for everyday wear.
As fashion evolves, so too will sunglass designs. While some of these unusual and whacky designs may never become mainstream, they serve as a reminder that fashion is an art form, and sometimes pushing the boundaries can result in spectacular and memorable creations. So, next time you reach for your trusty pair of sunglasses, take a moment to appreciate the history of peculiar sunglass designs that have paved the way for this essential accessory.