Eyewear trends this season are all about over-sized frames. We are seeing a playful take on texture, from sexy lace-patterned rims at Dolce & Gabbana to velvet-trimmed frames at Givenchy. Designers like Cutler and Gross are taking the
cat eye frame and bringing a futuristic element to this classic shape. There is a new found resurgence of the perfectly circular vintage spec, much loved by the iconic John Lennon—and this time it’s cooler than ever in the hands of designer Thom Browne. And, lastly, women are beginning to embrace their inner geek, a trend perhaps ignited by J.Crew’s Jenna Lyons.

Erdem Spring/Summer 2012

1. Eyewear trends: Lace rims

Pretty lace is not just for dreamy dresses and sexy undergarments; the eyes need some sensuality too. Erdem’s Spring 2012 runway showcased lace-stamped sunglasses in collaboration with Cutler and Gross, which added a playful element of femininity to the face. Cutler and Gross worked the print into their main collection as well, with a minimalist black and white pattern that almost resembles a fishnet stocking. Dolce & Gabbana offer a more traditional take on the lace print, in a slew of fun spring colours from tangerine to grassy green.

Givenchy Fall/Winter 2011-12

2. Eyewear trends: Velvet plush

Slightly unusual? Yes, definitely. But when these soft-touch specs appeared on Givenchy’s Fall/Winter 2011-12 runway, they had all the editors swooning. Sure, this surprising texture might be a thing to embrace if one already has their basics covered. Velvet is often associated with opulence, but in an eyeglass form, there is a wonderful sense of quirkiness to it. But one could certainly play up its sexy side and pair it up wit a
bright shade of red lipstick.

Prada Spring/Summer 2012

3. Eyewear trends: Exaggerated cat eye

Always in, but particularly strong this season are cat eye sunnies, which appeared on the Spring 2012 runways of Prada, Prabal Gurung, and Proenza Schouler. Eyeglasses are following the season’s exaggerated take on the classic style, with angular versions showing up in the collections of Cutler and Gross and third generation optical master, Claire Goldsmith. This retro look recalls Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly, so be prepared for to embrace your ladylike side.

Discover more eyewear trends – think Lennon-inspired and geek-chic – for spring, on the next page…


Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2012

4. Perfect circle

The famous circle peepers worn by John Lennon, and more recently, Harry Potter, have been enjoying a comeback in the last couple of years, as sunglasses and opticals. As sunglasses, we saw them on the Spring 2012 runways of Thom Browne and Armani, where they projected a nice balance of masculine and feminine. If you are looking to strike that perfect balance, check out Thom Browne’s retro-inspired collaboration with eyewear label Dita. These circle specs might just become your go-to pair. Of course, 91-year old style icon Iris Apfel has been rocking her over-sized circle frames for decades.

J.Crew Fall/Winter 2012-13

5. Geek chic

They’re a classic: black-rimmed eyeglass. The look, first made popular in the 1960s by seasoned thesps like Michael Caine, has been enjoying a revival in the world of womenswear. We must, of course, thank J.Crew’s creative director Jenna Lyons for making these geek-ish specs so very right now (at J.Crew’s recent Fall 2012 presentation, several of the models also wore black-rimmed specs à la Lyons that had editors doing double-takes). Another lover of this look? The adorable Alber Elbaz of Lanvin, who just launched his debut eyewear collection this season. Online eyeglass company Warby Parker has a slew of stylish versions on the classic style—with price tags that are easy on the eyes, if we may say.

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