Style in summer can never be complete without that scintillating pair of sunglasses. No matter what clothes and how much accessories you wear, the goggles make a visible difference to your face and overall appearance. Be it the classic aviators and wayfarers or the modish large-frames, sporting a pair of shadesis a want these days and not just a simple summer need.
“All brands have introduced a range of cool tints in sunglasses. Sea-blue, green and purple shades are the latest varieties. The trend these days is in favour of matte frames. Flashy glazed frames are only preferred by the middle-aged and elderly” says Rajasekar, at the Ray-Ban outlet in Vishaal Mal. “College-goers pick up sporty-looking varieties with chiselled features and brands like Oakley and Fastrack. Bikers and adventure-lovers usually have a fancy for shades. Most of them pick up large aviators covered on all sides.”
Vinoth, a biker says, “I have a collection of over 30 sunglasses. The latest I bought was a model called ‘Win-Jacket’ for Rs.15, 000. Tom Cruise wore it in Mission Impossible . It is best for hill-driving as it is dust and wind proof.” Radar-lock with UV filter technology and Red Iridium shades are other varieties going well among bikers. Aviators also symbolise opulence and if you are the type to add sparkle on the eye, pick up the MLA glasses that are back with more sheen. With 22 Karat pure gold frames, a limited edition of Aviators are up in the stores. Look out for the leather temple-tip that accentuates the entire pair.
“There are people who pick red, orange and brown colours simply for getting a different look,” says Rajasekar. “Young guys are more influenced by cricketers and film stars. There are more demands from high-school boys for goggles like ‘Oakley M-frame’ worn by Dhoni and ‘Garage Rock’ that Yuvraj Singh sports on the field.”
Wayfarers are all-time favourites that gel-well with women. But unisex designs are also available these days. Handmade frames with colourful prints and patterns are new arrivals in wayfarers. The large ‘Club master’ style of 70’s is back with a bang. Apart from the classic green lens, turquoise and sky-blue are the newer shades introduced in Wayfarers.
Vogue has also come up with an exclusive range of women’s goggles with designer frames. With geometric shapes and stone-studded side-frames, the collection is a striking style-quotient. The Vogue shades are huge in size with flower-power and polka dot prints on the frames reflecting retro fashion. The price ranges from Rs.3,000 to Rs.18, 000.
“In cities like Madurai, even though women drive bikes and cars, the awareness and usage of sunglasses is low, particularly among working women. Many are not even aware of the brand and options available for them. But the young crowd is updated with latest designs and trends,” observes Manoj, at a multi-brand eyewear outlet in Tallakulam.
Buying sunglasses is one thing but maintaining them is different, especially when you pick an expensive piece. If you are the carefree types, go for foldable thin-frame models that are easy to use and carry or opt for the fibre-made elastic frames that are extendable and unbreakable.
If you are more concerned about the health aspect of Sunglasses than the style factor, pick a pair of Polarized shades for they are designed to cut glares and reflected light. Polarized shades aid clear vision and are best for riding into mist and underwater diving.
The options are many but to pick the right one, consult a trusted stylist. Or try out until you get the perfect pair. Not all shapes, sizes and styles look good on everyone. Your choice of shades can make you look both awesome and awful!
