Solar Powered Shades Offer Infinite Energy

Designers Hyun-Joong Kim & Kwang-Seok Jeong create the world’s first “Self-Energy Converting Sunglasses” or called SIG. The SIG sunglasses feature lenses made of dye solar cells that are able to collect energy throughout the day, turning them into electricity to power your small devices through the power jack at the back of the frame.

"The dye solar cell is described by the designers of the SIG as ”cheap organic dye [used with] nano technology [providing] cheap but high energy efficiency.” Inexpensive, light, and visible-ray penetrable. The lens turns sunlight rays, (rays that would otherwise harm the eye,) into electrical energy".

Unless you're Bono*, you will only wear your sunglasses in bright, outdoor light, which is why these Solar Powered Sunglasses are such a great idea. That they are shaped like infinity itself is a mere nerd bonus from the designers of the "Self-Energy Converting Sunglasses", aka SIG.

They're just a concept right now, but we'd suggest that someone (please, not Oakley) gets making these things soon. Running a cable to your head from your MP3 player is an everyday task, so the wires shouldn't be too annoying. The specs should also have built-in earbuds to cut down on clutter, and a much longer cable to hook up phone or iPod -- the one in the picture is ridiculously short.

Add in a couple of LCD displays and a waterproof keyboard and I'd be in heaven. I could blog from the beach, simultaneously turning my skin into bronzed, wrinkled leather as is the custom of all Brits living in Spain.

*If you are Bono, we have a request. Any chance of releasing a decent song ever agian? Your last good album came out 20 years ago.

Split Thump: An MP3 Player hidden in Oakley Sunglasses

Split Thump is the latest high-end pair of sunglasses from Oakley. As we all know, looks are deceptive, and at first glance this Split Thump pair of shades appears perfectly normal. But the fact is that these slim and stylish sunglasses from Oakley are actually an MP3 player in disguise. These lightweight sunglasses have a polished black frame with grey tinted lenses. These sunglasses have been designed in a way that they are sweat resistant, thereby giving access to joggers as well.

Oakley has designed the sunglasses with the MP3 player to suit your world and at the same time rock it. The Split Thump shades look every bit as stylish as any other pair of elite Oakley sunglasses, like the Oakley Minute Sunglasses, for example. Now you can virtually listen to the music anywhere by just either plugging in the speakers or the headphones and can simply unplug them when you just don’t need them. There are control buttons present on your sun glasses about which only you know. Therefore, now you have the convenience of controlling your entire music without anybody even coming to know about it.

This is a highly comprehensive wireless solution provided by Oakley where you just carry the music in something which you already have it with you. Split Thumb from Oakley features high definition Optics protection along with crisp and clear sound quality. The MP3 player is compatible with almost all the audio formats such as MP3, WAV, WMA, M4A, AAC and WMA with DRM 9.0. Oakley Split Thump is definitely a combination of an uncomplicated style and music which has been crystallized into original and clean sunglasses.

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.