A pair of designer eyewear can be a luxurious setpiece in your fashion ensemble and help handle any vision problems you may have. According to research, the global eyewear market is expected to reach $223.22 billion in 2030. Aside from helping provide eye care to people, the market growth is also associated with increased workforce participation and purchasing power, making luxury eyewear brands more accessible to more people.
Designer eyewear also makes great luxury gifts for the holiday season. In a previous post on luxury Christmas gifts, we highlighted the Dorchester x Sestini limited edition sunglasses that merge both modern and traditional design elements, presented in the rich, warm colours of the 1980s.
Whether you’re looking for designer glasses as thoughtful gifts to loved ones or to add to your very own luxury collection, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest styles to stay ahead of the curve.
Below, we’ll look at some of the designer eyewear trends to look out for:
Retro silhouettes
One of the critical shifts in designer eyewear trends over the years is the nostalgic yearning for a blast to the past. Today, many designer glasses take on retro and vintage frames and silhouettes — albeit with modern twists of their own. Designer brands like London Retro capitalise on thick-rimmed, oversized lens designs that hark back to the 80s. The cat-eyed Farringdon, for example, blends elegance and retro flair and is available in sleek black frames or crystal pink for those craving a touch of style. These vintage designs are a good choice for people who want something sleek and stylish with recognisable silhouettes, as they are versatile and can be worn across various occasions.
Futuristic designs
On the other end, however, brands are zeroing in on wackier and more futuristic looks. Porsche Design recently revealed the studio’s latest futuristic glasses as part of its Iconic Machined Series. Inspired by the Cybertruck, this pair is a luxe single-piece lens with angular shapes reminiscent of the automobile. Dubbed the P’8951, only 911 units of the limited edition design exist. While these futuristic designs may not be for everyone, they’re a good choice for a crowd who likes a mix of luxury, sports and tech — and needs to show it in bold and edgy style. These designs also typically boast durability and high-quality materials, such as aluminium to boost the metallic, futuristic look.
Sustainable designer eyewear
Finally, another eyewear trend is the rise in sustainability initiatives among eyewear brands and manufacturers. Today, more and more eyewear brands focus on production and deliveries that remain plastic-free, contributing to as few emissions as possible. Companies also use more sustainable materials in their products to create more biodegradable frames.
If you’re still unsure about sustainable eyewear, more and more brands are forming high-profile partnerships across sectors to spread the message of sustainability while still ensuring the greener eyewear looks stylish and fashionable. While most ethical eyewear brands today are less well-known, it’ll be interesting to see how more prominent designer brands adopt sustainability initiatives to offer more green and clean designer eyewear in the future.
From retro to techno-futuristic, designer brands continue to innovate eyewear designs by reinventing familiar silhouettes and design languages. Depending on your lifestyle and fashion style, there is a pair of designer eyewear for you that will help elevate your luxe look. At the same time, it’s also essential to consider the environmental impact of our luxury purchases. Fortunately, more designers and luxury brands are pursuing sustainable materials and processes while still championing design and function.
All imagery courtesy of the brands featured and Unsplash.