
I became obsessed with eyewear around the time Ray-Ban re-launched the original Wayfarer sunglasses years ago. You probably remember them from the ’80s in Risky Business, The Blues Brothers, and Miami Vice. My go-to pair: white with gray lenses. Rain or shine, it was glued to my face.
This obsession led me to optical shops and boutiques, where I discovered many more labels: the vintage-inspired style of Oliver Peoples, the new-school cool of Retro Super Future, the eccentric and artistic Alain Mikli. And every Fashion Week, I clicked through the shows online, my eyes honing on the frames that designers sent down the runways in New York, London, Milan, and Paris.
That’s when it donned on me: eyewear can be a bona fide piece of fashion, a way to bring a larger-than-life statement into real life. Unlike an extravagant couture gown or an avant-garde showpiece, a frame is just as much about form as it is about function.
And don’t be mistaken: it’s not just about logos anymore. Whether it’s a silhouette, a material, or a point of view, design sets the trends. So, this fall, look out for these trends in designer eyewear:
- A blast from the past, the cat-eye is still going strong season after season, from Tom Ford to Bulgari. Updated with angular lines and sleek finishes, modern is the name of the game.
- Another decidedly retro style, round sunglasses are also still enjoying a moment in the spotlight. Think thick acetate shades and oversized metal frames.
- Forget four eyes. Geek is the epitome of chic this season. It’s all about very librarian specs with brains and beauty—look no further than Gucci.
- It’s also hip to be square. Shaped, that is. Miu Miu makes the case for square-shaped sunwear with ombre lenses, evoking the carefree vibe of the ‘70s.
- Move over, tortoiseshell. Luxe marble-look acetates in color variations will be trending, as seen at none other than Dior.
- All that glitters isn’t just gold this fall. Whether subtle or spectacular, glittery acetate frames appeared at the likes of Fendi and Prada.
While it wouldn’t hurt to be an A-lister or super-connected fashion insider to get a hold of these designer frames, all you need is to be an EyeMed member. Carrying the designers namechecked here – plus styles that may be hard to find elsewhere – ILORI Optical, the Optical Shop of ASPEN, and Persol now accept EyeMed vision benefits1
. Just in time for Fashion Week.
It’s just one more way that EyeMed continues to expand in-network options for its members.
So go on, take on this season’s trends frame first.