Sunglasses have come a long way since their invention in the 1200s.
Fast forward to the 20th century and the world finally realised their sartorial appeal and shades became a mass-produced style statement. This opened the door for a plethora of trends over the following decades, covering everything from easy beach looks to oversized creations.
1920's
Sunglasses first became fashionable in 1929, when Sam Foster began selling protective shades on boardwalks on the Jersey Shore. While it would take time for them to catch on among the masses, early Hollywood stars adopted Foster Grants and other round frames, helping to show the world how chic this eyewear could be.
To celebrate National Sunglasses Day, CR looks at the major trends from the 1920s through today to remind you why the eyewear staple remains a favorite for both adventure seekers and the Hollywood elite.
1930's
Simple, round sunglasses continued their reign, becoming more prevalent on the streets, as the likes of Bette Davis worked the statement into their wardrobes. This decade was more about continuing shades' spread as opposed to rapidly changing trends, creating precedent with a classic shape that's since returned every few decades.
1940's
Pilots at war were embracing practical aviator sunglasses, which wouldn't enter the fashion space until the '60s and '70s, but at home, trendsetters experimented with maximalist ways to reinvent round shades. Thick, colorful frames were a must, and the pairs pictured went a step further by resembling flowers.
1950's
Marking the first major change in shape for sunglasses, the cat eye became popular as a reflection of the post-war era economic boom. The flattering look quickly became an essential part of the time's iconic style, showing up on celebrities like Audrey Hepburn.
After a few decades of giant lenses, the sunglass zeitgeist was decidedly tinier to cap off the millennium.
1960's
Mod style marked the zeitgeist at the start of a cultural renaissance, and sunglasses were changing as much as skirt hemlines and the social climate. Huge, square frames were a swinging '60s favorite, especially in bright neons, as seen here on Twiggy.
1970's
Deeper into a major era of change, sunglasses became more transparent, opening up to dominant dreams of peace and love. The enormous lenses remained, but softer shapes and pastel tints created a relaxed vibe to match flowing hair and bell bottom jeans.
1980's
Power dressing and maximalism dominated the decade's fashion, so naturally, sunglasses did the same with dark lenses and sharper shapes. Ray-Ban was truly the time's shades brand du jour, as everyone from Tom Cruise to Madonna stepped out wearing the now-iconic Wayfarer style.
1990's
After a few decades of giant lenses, the sunglass zeitgeist was decidedly tinier to cap off the millennium. Both in embracing new sport styles and returning to vintage inspiration with round frames, celebrities and trendsetters were wearing smaller shades than ever before. Colors were mostly dark, as seen on Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow, but as the decade came to a close, tinted frames began to return in neon colors.
Mod style marked the zeitgeist at the start of a cultural renaissance, and sunglasses were changing as much as skirt hemlines and the social climate.
2000's
While this decade had plenty of low-rise jeans and crop tops, the sunglasses were rebelling against their '90s predecessors by swinging the other way. Giant pairs in all shapes and colours (think white frames, neon shades, and a healthy dose of designer logos) became staples for Britney Spears, J.Lo, and the Olsen twins.
2010's
Mod style marked the zeitgeist at the start of a cultural renaissance, and sunglasses were changing as much as skirt hemlines and the social climate. Huge, square frames were a swinging '60s favorite, especially in bright neons, as seen here on Twiggy.
2020's
Mod style marked the zeitgeist at the start of a cultural renaissance, and sunglasses were changing as much as skirt hemlines and the social climate. Huge, square frames were a swinging '60s favorite, especially in bright neons, as seen here on Twiggy.
Article by: https://www.crfashionbook.com/fashion/g21940953/national-sunglasses-day-trends-history/
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