Here in our sun-soaked state, sporting sunglasses has become as much of a style statement as a way to shield our eyes from harmful rays—but who says you can’t have fashion-forward protection? Not us—read on for tips on keeping your eyes safe while still looking good.
Safety First
Today’s selection of designer lenses presents endless style options, but the one factor all shades should possess is quality UV protection. In fact, Dr. Nimesh Patel, optometrist and owner of luxury eyewear shop, Optix at CityCenter of CityNorth, says that overexposure to UV-A and UV-B rays can have both long and short-term effects, such as developing photokeratitis (which Patel describes as “sunburn of the eye”). UV-B rays are the more harmful of the UV rays and overexposure can increase your chances of developing cataracts, irreversible damage to the retina and macular degeneration. How to avoid such unwanted eye sores? Patel says that in addition to choosing a polarized lens to cut the glare, sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiations. Frequently, these protection measurements are not readily available for the customer, so Patel recommends purchasing shades from a doctor’s office or optical shop when possible. “Buying the wrong pair of sunglasses can be more harmful than not wearing anything at all,” he says. According to Patel, bigger (à la Nicole Richie) really is better when it comes to frame size. “You want to protect the sides of the eyelid area and the upper orbital area and lower eyelid area.”
Slave to Style
Keeping your eyes safe is crucial, but is it such a crime to crave both excellent eye protection and some serious style? We asked luxe eyewear brand Oliver Peoples’s Design Director Lise Haxton how to look like a paparazzi-stalked starlet during the sizzling summer.
What sunglass trends are popular for summer?
New takes on retro classics with unique details for the wearer like hidden breath logos on the lens and intricate bi-color metal detailing.
What frame colors are hot for this season?
Look for rich blue tones and pearly pastels. These hues complement the lighter summer wardrobe.
How can you tell if a particular style and frame are right for you?
Priorities should be the comfort and feel of the frame. If you feel confident and beautiful in your frame, the style is right for you.
How important is considering face shape when choosing a frame?
Face shape is definitely important in determining the right pair of shades! Round or butterfly shapes tend to work very well on oval faces and square or rectangular shapes are much more flattering on rounder faces.
Is there one classic style that is always safe to invest in?
The best investment sunglass is the aviator. This timeless style is versatile and available in endless sizes.
Do you have any suggestions for keeping sunglasses intact?
The best tip for keeping your specs in tip-top shape during the summer is to avoid leaving a plastic sunglass in a hot car. The scorching temperatures can warp the form. It goes without saying that it is always a good idea to keep them in a protective case.
Are there any Oliver Peoples styles that have been particularly popular in Hollywood lately?
Oliver Peoples is known for teaming up with great designers for one-of-a-kind collaboration pieces. A current favorite among the stars is the KVA style by Kris Van Assche, artistic director for Dior Homme. Anne Hathaway, Kate Bosworth and Pierce Brosnan are just a few celebrities rocking this great sunglass. The next hot collaboration to look for is our recently released design with actress and Hollywood starlet Zooey Deschanel.
