Shades of summer

From goggles to rimless study glasses, designer boutiques are spilling with eyewear options this summer. It’s time to say ‘Eye do’ to sunglasses

Jimmy Choo
If exclusivity is anything to go by, eyewear from Jimmy Choo has made a smashing debut this year. With Choo, sunglasses only get bigger. Their Boo and Kat styles are perfect for those who love to remain incognito—even Jennifer Lopez is hiding her tired eyes behind them. Mostly oversized frames in red, topaz and pink, they even come with Swarovski detailing to add some glitter. Sex up your eyes with knotted snake effect of their JJ sunglasses (This style appears in their sandals too). A one-time splurge is guaranteed to get the twinkle back in many an eye.

Bottega Veneta
Through Bottega Veneta sunglasses, the world is definitely rosy. Aviator shades command as much attention as the bags at the Italian design brand this season. They command a stiff price too — walk into a store only if Rs 55,000 is not too much to spare. With their signature weave design; these handcrafted aviators come in earthy frames of old bronze and copper. Also, you can brighten up your days with their Gray Gradient sunglasses that are a winner. All their pairs come in a lovely case with the 'intrecciato' woven leather, so it's like buying two beautiful things for the price of one. And yes, each pair of sunglasses comes with a detachable leather cord so that you can comfortably wear them around your neck as well.

Gucci
Stabbing would be fashionable if women needed a prescription to wear Gucci eyewear. Retro looks with Lolita-heart glasses and tortoiseshell borders have made a serious comeback. Frames of Gucci's Spring Summer 2008 collection are a cure for sore eyes. The Black Horse Pit and the buckle frames are ones to watch out for. Mauves, reds, purples and yellows sit pretty on shelves and prettier on noses. No wonder our fashionistas have already created a demand-supply deficit as far as the sole Swarovski-studded pair in the collection goes.

Roberto Cavalli
Some summers are hot enough for a chic European look that demands a fabulous pair of Roberto Cavalli sunglasses. Aviator style glasses rule here too. Unlike his fixation with Swarovski and encrusted diamantes last year, these aviators feature metal stud details on the arms and bridge. It's hard to miss the meticulous detail in the laser inscribed logo on the side. Like every year, Cavalli's premiere couture line is sure to make heads turns.

Rating: Very good

At Shoppers Stop and leading optical boutiques

Moschino
Moschino's latest line leaves one spoilt for choice. It has 24 ophthalmic frames and 24 sunglasses in plastic and metal. One can tell Moschino by graphic icons like the heart, which appears predominantly throughout the collection, often embellished with Swarovski crystals. Other trademark motifs include peace symbols, question marks and studs. Colours range from bronze, gold, palladium, ruthenium, brown, black and ivory to Moschino favourite reds, blues and leopard prints.

Kavita Chougule
I have checked out the Jimmy Choo sunglasses online and found them great but right now, I am in love with my Tom Ford’s. They may be next, considering I buy myself a new pair every two-three months.

Mandira Bedi
I feel best behind very dark, huge sunglasses. Usually, it’s a pair of DKNY that I splurge on.

Maria Goretti
A classic pair of Gucci is a must-have. Although I have branded shades, I also have a stock of cheap but good sunglasses too. I have a tendency to lose them so they’re perfect.