Miu Miu oversized retro sunglasses

It's around this time of year that the big design houses start reminding us what Spring/Summer dressing is all about, and in accessories that means the advent of brand new sunglasses. Oversized retro numbers for the ladies aren't going anywhere, and Miu Miu's new pairs are the perfect vintage homage.

These two pairs are new in at ASOS and take obvious inspiration from the sixties and seventies. Their seventies pair (left) have an added angular detail that makes them a truly genuine reproduction. With the use of classic tortoiseshell on both sets of frames, these make classics that avoid datedness easily.

Sexy sunnies, Sunglasses not just for summer

Conspicuous logos and white frames a la Victoria Beckham are on the way out, but over-sized sunnies, aviators and mirror glasses are hot, hot, hot.

Any self-respecting fashionista can tell you sunglasses are about more than protecting your eyes against the sun.

Your sunnies can hide tired or red eyes while adding glamour, mystery, elegance and impact to any outfit.

And as Bono has shown, nothing screams “rock-star” more than a cool pair of sunglasses worn indoors, at night or when there isn’t a ray of sun around.

Here are a few upcoming trends in these perennial fashion faves.

BIG AND ROUND

Over-sized sunglasses are still very in, according to Dawn Klimaszewski, marketing director for Maui Jim sunglasses. “In fashion, the big thing is the big frames. But it’s evolving. More rounded, smaller.”

LOGOS ON THE OUT

Longtime luxury brand lovers are looking for a way to differentiate themselves from their flashier counterparts with understated elegance.

FLYING HIGH

Aviators are still big for men and women, says Melanie Martin, spokeswoman for the New York-based Sunglass Association of America.

Klimaszewski adds: “Oversized is fashion, but aviators are hot everywhere else.”

CLASSICS

Vintage-inspired remains hot, Martin says.

“Some of those vintage glasses used to have a flat lens. But new lenses can have a full wrap with details inspired by Jackie O, but wrapped a little more around your face, which gives you more protection.”

HAUTE HUES

Shiny black is No 1. From the vintage trend, tortoise shell remains popular and champagne shades are gaining fast.

White sunglasses are fading, while navy continues to be strong. Fluorescents are said to be on the ascent, including those from names like Dior.

SPARKLE

Jewellery lines like Tiffany and Bulgari are huge right now, says Barry Kay of Hollywood Eyes.

“They copy their jewellery designs on the sides of the frames. They sell well because of the uniqueness.”

These glasses can get pricey, though.

A limited-edition design from Fendi, loaded with hand-placed Swarovski crystals, goes for around $US1,000.

MIRROR, MIRROR

What goes best with your metallic dress or your foil-effect T-shirt?

Mirror-like materials are beginning to shine, especially with high-tech metals and colourful plastics from the likes of Jimmy Choo and Dior.

John Galliano signs global eyewear license with Marcolin

The Marcolin Group, one of the global leaders in the eyewear industry and Les Jardins d’Avron S.A., the company producing and distributing John Galliano’s Products, announced the signature of an exclusive license agreement for the production and worldwide distribution of men’s and women’s sunglasses and prescription frames under the brand John Galliano. The 5-year licensing agreement, renewable for another 2 years, will be effective September 1st, 2009 and the first John Galliano Eyewear collection will be unveiled in Fall 2009. The distribution will be selective and focused in the most prestigious accounts and Department Stores worldwide, as well as John Galliano boutiques. The expertise and know-how in the production and distribution of eyewear by Marcolin Group and the creativity, inspiration and design of John Galliano are a guarantee to a successful cooperation. John Galliano, stated: 'S unglasses and eyewear are essential accessories to make a statement on and off the runway and I am really excited to give them a Galliano twist. I am thrilled to be working with Marcolin and to add eyewear to the Galliano brand. I can't wait to begin a new vision in vision!'” Maurizio Marcolin, Style & Licensing Officer of the Marcolin Group, stated: “John Galliano is a true genius. It’s a tremendous opportunity for Marcolin to work with such a talented designer. This new agreement further establish Marcolin’s strategy in pursuing top Luxury Brands where to exploit our competitive advantage.”

Marcolin Group

Experts: Sunglasses more than fashion statement

The sun is getting brighter, the days are getting warmer and people are coming out of their houses.

This time of year means Little League, yard work and home improvements that have been put on hold by winter.

Dr. Terry Voirin, general ophthalmologist at Wheaton Eye Clinic in Plainfield, warns people that all these activities can damage eyes if protective measures are not taken.

To stress his point, he tells the story of a man who was cutting his grass on a riding lawn mower. While he was wearing sunglasses, the outside corner of his eyes were exposed.

A rock shot out from under the mower, struck the garage and ricochetted, hitting his eye on the unprotected side. It took two to three weeks for him to get his vision back.

"He was lucky because he gained his vision back," Voirin said. Most of the time, Voirin said, people just neglect eye protection.

"I think they just don't think anything is going to happen to them," he said.

But, it does.

When Voirin worked at a level one trauma center in Peoria, he said he saw numerous eye injuries caused by home improvements or outdoor sports that could have been prevented with proper eye protection.

"When I think cutting or hammering with nails, I think the goggles, wrap-around glasses are the best bet," he said.

People sometimes mistakenly think if they wear prescription eyeglasses that is enough protection for the eye. But, there is so much space that is not protected by regular glasses.

For children playing summer sports, protective eyewear is a must. If parents are concerned whether eyewear fits correctly or is the right choice, they should consult an eye doctor.

Adult recreational athletes also are in danger of eye injuries.

"I get a lot of guys that come in here and they are playing pick-up basketball and they got poked in the eye," Voirin said.

He said he also sees a lot of eye injuries in competitive badminton.

The most dangerous sport for the eyes, from Voirin's perspective, is paintball, especially because of the popular new plastic BBs.

"I have seen some horrific injuries from those," he said.

Proper protection can be an eye-saver. When it comes to paintball, sunglasses and regular goggles are not enough.

Instead, Voirin suggests participants use special paintball goggles.

It's not just those working around the house or playing sports who are in danger of damaging their eyes. Everyone must protect their eyes from the sun.

"The sun has been shown to increase the risk for macular degeneration and cataracts," Voirin said.

When shopping for sunglasses, people do not have to spend a lot of money. "As long as the little tag says UV protection, that's all you need," he said.

Sunglasses should be worn until the sun no longer is so bright that it causes a person to squint, he said.

Car windshields have some protection, but not enough.

For people who wear prescription glasses and like the convenience of lenses that darken in the sun, Voirin said improvements are on the way that will allow the lenses to darken in the car, despite the protection of the windshield.

Oakley's Enduring - Sunglasses designed by women for women

Sunglasses to me are what Manolo's are like to Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker, in case you've been living under a rock.) I have the beach "cheapies" (10 bucks) and my stylish Kate Spades (let's just say over a hundred dollars), but for real performance I always carry my Oakley's. Simply put, they make the best polarized lenses - no distortion, real colors, and because of the "water sheer" factor, you can even wear them in the pool. (Oakley calls it, amusingly, the Hydrophobic feature, but basically it's a permanent lens coating that prevents water from leaving streaks and sheens, which can compromise vision. It also works against sweat, skin oils, fingerprints and suntan lotions.)

Now they've taken them one step further and improved the fit by enlisting female athletes in the design process. The result? Two sizes of interchangeable nose pieces which come with every frame, adapting for the perfect fit, and a frame made of something called "Unobtanium," which makes them light. Also, the supple synthetic increases grip with perspiration.

For unbeatable clarity at all angles of vision - even at the sides - the lens contours provide peripheral view and optimize protection against sun and wind, and - god forbid - side impact.

Two different lens shapes let you choose the amount of lens coverage; I prefer the Pace style but the Edge is very sporty, and I like them for biking. There's tons of frames and lenses to chose from. Whatever your choice, the semi-rimless design ensures that there's no frame rim to block downward view.

The eyes have it!

Sunglasses are not for summers only anymore. Yet, it's mostly this season when brands launch their new collections and woo buyers. This summer promises to be no different — only the collections are bigger, better and costlier! Take a look at these latest lines available in the market which may just catch your eye, literally, this season!

Choosing Choo
There is a plethora of high-end brands to choose from. Apart from usual suspects like Fendi, Just Cavalli and Gucci this season, go look at Jimmy Choo as well. Well, Choo has launched its collection of sunglasses for the first time in the country. The shades are available in various shapes, sizes and colours though, of course, the most famous styles that you could opt for may be the oversized 1970s-80s look or Choo's "Rock" model that comes in a square frame, embellished with square Swarovski crystal studs. Price: Rs 18,500 onwards.

Burgundy is cool
Fendi, meanwhile, has brought its Selleria collection available in three colours —black, green and burgundy. The glasses are available in two shapes, small and oversized. The sunglasses come packaged in special Roman leather cases. Price: Rs 16,000 and above. Gucci's summer-spring collection is also available in the meanwhile and the range starts from Rs 15,000. Just Cavalli too has launched its Aviators for men, using tones like burgundy and brown and colder hues like blue. The rims of these glasses are in gold, bronze, black and silver. Price: Rs 8,000 onwards. If you like the retro look, Bvlgari has launched its 1960s collection and old favourite Ray Ban too has launched a limited edition collection of its famous Aviators range. Price: Rs 21,000 onwards.

The sun collection
Dolce&Gabbana's new collection is elegant, and the luxury element is understated with logos hidden inside the arms. On the other hand, there are sparkling decorations that heed to the design. Six unique models for men and women are available. Distributed by Luxottica, available at all leading optical outlets.