Accessory Report: Transparent Shades
Whether you plan to spend your weekends lounging on the beach in Malibu or rocking out at to Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s at Lollapalooza, summer yields the perfect conditions for showing off your favorite sunglasses. Surely many of you, dear readers, are devoted to your aviators, colored frames, and classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers (all noteworthy options), but we’d also like to point out an uprising eyewear trend for your consideration. As evidenced on the runways and in various paparazzi pictures, this season the fashionable set is taking a ride on the transparent bandwagon and choosing sunglasses with clear frames.
We’ve found a stellar range of these shades for you, but before we begin throwing product around, let’s start with the origin of this trend! We noticed a handful of designers accessorized their models (and simultaneously shielded them from flash photography) with translucent lenses for the S/S 08 shows. Matthew Williamson and Sonia Rykiel complemented their runway looks with clear frames and, most notably, some thick-framed translucent sunnies turned up in Alber Elbaz’s collection for Lanvin.
The translucent frames trend was cemented off the runway by a handful of trendsetting celebs. Kirsten Dunst illustrated the look nicely during a recent stroll in Soho, when her futuristic Balenciaga Dinghy shades ($420, 646.348.6100) added flair to her otherwise simple outfit. Ashlee Simpson and Selma Blair also advocate the transparent accessory to accent their personal style. Simpson selected the two-tone version of Ray-Ban’s Tonal Wayfarer Sunglasses
($139) in black/clear while Blair chose the Ray-Ban New Wayfarer ($115) in honey/black. Most recently, Sienna Miller beamed at a photo call for her upcoming film Edge of Love in our favorite pair—Benjamin’s Nicole Clear Sunglasses ($325). You can purchase them online in Crystal Brown or call City of Angels Eyewear (323.951.9740) to order Miller’s fully clear pair.
As for the aforementioned Lanvin styles (we’re assuming many of you have your hearts set on them), we’re pleased to inform you that Edon Manor (212.431.3890), one of our favorite boutiques, will soon have the season’s key styles. They are getting in the Lanvin Way Shiner with crystal frames and brown/pink lenses and the Lanvin Key West Oversized with translucent cat-eye frames ($295 each) any day now, so put yourself on the list! In the meantime, we highly recommend the similarly shaped Grey Ant Status Sunglasses
($253) that are in stock at Diavolina (310.550.1341) in clear and also available in a slightly darker smoke color. If you still want to be spotted poolside in a pair of these hot shades but don’t want to break the bank, we think these Retro Clear Sunglasses ($5.80) from Forever 21 and Urban Outfitter’s Southern Lights Shades ($9.99) will satisfy your literal eye candy needs.—Jessica Amento
We’ve found a stellar range of these shades for you, but before we begin throwing product around, let’s start with the origin of this trend! We noticed a handful of designers accessorized their models (and simultaneously shielded them from flash photography) with translucent lenses for the S/S 08 shows. Matthew Williamson and Sonia Rykiel complemented their runway looks with clear frames and, most notably, some thick-framed translucent sunnies turned up in Alber Elbaz’s collection for Lanvin.
The translucent frames trend was cemented off the runway by a handful of trendsetting celebs. Kirsten Dunst illustrated the look nicely during a recent stroll in Soho, when her futuristic Balenciaga Dinghy shades ($420, 646.348.6100) added flair to her otherwise simple outfit. Ashlee Simpson and Selma Blair also advocate the transparent accessory to accent their personal style. Simpson selected the two-tone version of Ray-Ban’s Tonal Wayfarer Sunglasses
As for the aforementioned Lanvin styles (we’re assuming many of you have your hearts set on them), we’re pleased to inform you that Edon Manor (212.431.3890), one of our favorite boutiques, will soon have the season’s key styles. They are getting in the Lanvin Way Shiner with crystal frames and brown/pink lenses and the Lanvin Key West Oversized with translucent cat-eye frames ($295 each) any day now, so put yourself on the list! In the meantime, we highly recommend the similarly shaped Grey Ant Status Sunglasses
Summer try here for Ashley's frames http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/sunglasses/Ray-Ban
Posted by: | 2008-07-04 20:07:21
my friend brought me back some of these from a thieves market in croatia.www.runawaygallery.com
Posted by: runawaygallery | 2008-06-26 18:11:55
ive been wearing mine for years...its so stupid they are "fads" now i can not stand that so stupid fashion is not supposed to be like this
Posted by: jessica | 2008-06-26 17:34:42
can anyone tell me where can i get Ashley's sunglasses!
Posted by: summer | 2008-06-26 09:29:26
I've been wearing my transparents for years, and they're my favorite pair: red and cat eyed. Love them!
Posted by: Val | 2008-06-25 23:25:41
is this forum just for you all to promote your blogs? NOOOOO ....so say something if you must, but make it relevant to the post people....it's getting a tad boring!!
Posted by: sarah | 2008-06-25 20:45:09
Love fashion but don't have the biggest budget? Check out my blog http://wearfare.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Wearfare | 2008-06-25 15:21:16
I love them but I want clear ones almost to $$ to spend money on a fad that goes out quickly http://somenotesonnapkins.blogspot.com
Posted by: SNON | 2008-06-25 13:23:14
Love Sienna's style and the Sonia Rykiels version. (:
Posted by: Amy | 2008-06-25 13:20:32
LOVE Sienna's and LOVE Ashley's. I also think the ones Jessica Stam is wearing kick major ass too... I believe they're Sonia Rykiel?
Posted by: nicole | 2008-06-25 11:59:55
I LOVE Siennas, ive been wanting these for a while. fashioninsiderguide.com
Posted by: Ar | 2008-06-25 10:57:58
Sienna Miller's are good...the rest, eh.
Posted by: loveMaegan.com | 2008-06-25 10:36:49
I have the forever 21 pair, they are great and look designer on http://minosmagnan.com
Posted by: minos magnan | 2008-06-25 10:26:15
I ordered the Urban Outfitters shades. They were a major disappointment and I'm about to return them. The lens are really unattractive and they feel very 1980s California beach. I do not recommend them.
Posted by: Ekaterina | 2008-06-25 10:14:50
yay! i have oakley's frogskins w/ clear rims. and an added bonus they are vintage f/ daddy! check out my fashion blog! xo kittykatekins.blogspot.com
Posted by: kate | 2008-06-25 02:13:24
Love fashion but don't have the biggest budget? Check out my blog http://wearfare.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Wearfare | 2008-06-25 01:21:24
LOVE the ones on the bottom far right! The Elton Johnish ones in the middle are fun too
Posted by: sydney | 2008-06-25 00:39:45
love the SR's, the rest are totally NAF. x
Posted by: sarah | 2008-06-25 00:34:36