Whether you’re planning a warm week away by the Med or having a (hopefully) sunny staycation here in the UK, sunglasses are the perennial holiday accessory. The benefits of buying a branded pair are considerable – you can expect the kind of quality and longevity necessary for those always on the go. Maybe you’d like to experiment with an innovative, high-fashion shape that’s straight off the runway. Or perhaps you’re looking to invest in a classic and timelessly elegant pair. We have a host of different designs to check out in our guide to some of the best sunglasses on the market right now.
Mens
Celine Eyewear – D-frame Acetate and Metal Sunglasses
These genuine Italian made acetate sunglasses boast sleek polished gold-tone rims. The dark-tinted lenses are evocative of Hollywood glamour, while the uber fashionable frames offer a gentle retro vibe. The Celine logo can be found on the sides providing that high-end brand look, with subtle and understated class.
Dita – Flight.004 Titanium Aviator Sunglasses
Aviators are enduringly popular (thanks in part no doubt, to the movie Top Gun). Dita’s Flight.004’s all-American design has been inspired by the old and new aircraft at Nevada’s National Championship Air Races. Imagined by John Juniper and Jeff Solorio’s, the rounded sunglasses are made in Japan using gradient grey-tinted lenses surrounded by gold-tone titanium metal.
Fendi – FF-monogram Stainless-steel Aviator Sunglasses
Another Italian made brand, Fendi’s distinctive FF-monogram was designed by the legendary Karl Lagerfeld back in 1965 when he first joined the fashion house. These gold-tone stainless steel angular aviators have slim arms, yellow temple tips and chic brown-tinted lenses.
Dior Eyewear – AnDiorid Aviator Metal Sunglasses
If you prefer a cutting edge contemporary design, to the more classic styles, choose these sophisticated gunmetal grey sunglasses from Dior. There’s still a nod to the aviator shape, and they’re also reminiscent of Kim Jones’s 1950s AW20 runway collection. But the metal top bar and blue-tinted lenses give theAnDiorid a modern edge – as does the play on words in their name.
Gucci – Aviator Metal Sunglasses
Gucci’s latest aviators are Japanese made, but Italian designed by Alessandro Michele, a relative newcomer to the brand. These sunglasses are made from gold-tone metal that is set with black-tinted lenses. There’s also a brow bar, adjustable nose pads and a tiny engraved logo at the temples adds that timeless Gucci glitz.
Mykita – X Maison Margiela Stainless-steel Sunglasses
Here we have a funky German label in collaboration with Maison Margiela, offering these stainless steel gold coloured frames with double bridge, brown tinted lenses and clear nose pads. They’re lightweight and relatively minimalist, part of their collection entitled Craft which ‘reimagines a historical, ornamental aesthetic in a modern, functional context’.
Marni – Round Acetate And Metal Sunglasses
Wear these Italian sunglasses and you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped off the catwalk. In a deviation from the more traditional tortoiseshell style, Marni has created these brown, blue and orange round acetate and metal frames. The black lenses offer high protection ideal for the serious sun-worshipper and those with paler eyes who suffer in dazzlingly bright daytime conditions.
Womens
Dior Eyewear – Diorgypsy1 Cat-eye Metal Sunglasses
Experiment with colour by wearing these protective green-tinted lenses. The Diorgypsy1 is surrounded by a softly cat-eyed frame in a gold-tone and featuring Dior’s signature hallmark at the temples. Unlike some of the more pronounced cat-eyed designs elsewhere, these are easily worn by all face shapes.
Linda Farrow – Loni Square 22kt Gold-plated Titanium Sunglasses
If you like a slightly 1970s big lens, with a simple ultra-lightweight frame and slim arms, these will be right up your street. They may be light, but they’re strong, crafted in Japan from 22kt gold-plated titanium (including the nose pads). The lens itself has a brown-tinted gradient with full sun protection.
Cartier Eyewear – Core Aviator Metal Sunglasses
The sky will always seem blue if you buy these silver-tone frames with graduated blue-tinted lenses. These Core aviators are in fact, inspired by the sky. They’re also French-made with a brown bar, glossy black acetate tips and hallmarked with Cartier’s own 3D panther logo on the edge of the lens.
Saint Laurent – Mask Tortoiseshell-acetate Sunglasses
Opt for an 80s look with these haute couture angular tortoiseshells from Saint Laurent. The mask style sunglasses are made in Italy from acetate and have brown lenses, metal finishings in a gold-tone and engraved logos. They’re an unconventional and stylish choice for the woman who likes to be noticed.
Chloé – Gradated-lens Metal Sunglasses
These, quite literally, rose-tinted glasses have a soft and feminine design. There’s also a hint of blue in the lens, while the delicate frames are in a golden hue. This is offset with ivory tortoiseshell-acetate tips and Chloé’s logo at the temple. Providing a lighter UV protection nthan some of the others on our list, these are great for spring, autumn and those who aren’t exposed to bright sunlight so much, but love the look and feel of an elegant pair of sunnies.
Givenchy – Oversized Squared Acetate Sunglasses
Givenchy’s oversized squared sunglasses may be Italian-made, but they’re all about the Parisienne style. Strong and bold, they’re another pair perfect for the refined, fashion consisous woman who likes to stand out. The striking, glossy black frames are set with dark grey lenses and the couture house’s gold logos at each temple.