Since the 1960s, over 60 years ago, the high fashion trend has been around women’s eyewear. Beginning with more functional styles and moving towards things a little more stylish, the evolution of eyewear has seen some drastic changes over the years.
Eyewear was originally only a fashion accessory rather than the functional item used by people of all ages it is today. At this time, frames were limited to a simple oval shape with lenses bound together with wire.
The true era for womens designer sunglasses sale heights came during the 1960s and 70s. During this time, glasses became something much more trendy.
The shapes became much bolder, while colors were pushed to brighter choices. Round frames and oversized options became all the rage, plus unusual shapes started being seen more regularly. The pop art movement gave these experimental designs further tangibility and power.
Today women’s glasses have become a symbol of beauty and confidence. No longer are the limitations of the traditional glasses silhouette in place. Countless styles and designs are available in the modern world, ranging from the more classic-looking options to a more contemporary feel, right towards something much more avant-garde.
The technological age's growth has also allowed new frame materials to be tried and tested over the years, such as the more sustainable plant-based acetates or the super-lightweight titanium frames with laser-cut designs. Glasses and frames have entered the modern age, becoming something easy to handle and eco-friendly.
The Tortoiseshell frame
Tortoiseshell frames date back to the 18th century. Hawksbill turtle shells were the original material sourced for this era's frames. The sheer beauty and distinction of amber coloring sprinkled with dark brown patterns were why these frames were so sought after. Shell of this kind was expensive and difficult to obtain, which is why it was sought after by aristocrats and people of wealth.
This period was characterized by opulence, reflected in the frames' intricate carvings and embellishments. Patterns like this are still highly desirable; many manufacturers are developing recreations using synthetic materials.
However, the pattern of frames like this can still be traced back to the original tortoiseshell. Today, you can find tortoiseshell frames in various styles and shapes. Anything from round to angular designs explores this aesthetic. The timeless nature that comes with tortoiseshell styles means they are here to stay, bringing a touch of elegance and sophistication to anyone who wears them.
The oversized frame
In the 1950s, round frames were a popular choice in women's eyewear, but as a functional item rather than the stylish accessory we know today. Over time larger-than-life frames became a statement for all women who wore them, adding an extra layer to their already eye-stopping outfits. It was in the 1970s pop music rise that fashion seriously influenced oversized frames, especially when they were paired with bold colors such as purple, red, and blue.
By the 1980s, the oversized look was organized differently, with many more frame shapes and sizes, such as square varieties and thick rims with extended circumferences.
In the 1990s, the oversized trend faltered with wireframes, but by the time the 2000s came around, they came back with a vengeance thanks to the massive retro-inspired looks that had a resurgence. In today’s market, this genre has many frame options – shapes such as oval, round, square, and more.
These frames can be made using various materials, including plastic, metal, and acetate. A timeless and classic accessory with a touch of elegance and sophistication, oversized frame glasses or sunglasses were once considered a bold fashion statement.
Cat-Eye frames
Cat-eye frames have been a fashion favorite dating back to the 20th century with the modernization of women’s glasses and sunglasses. The upward swoop of the outer edge of the frames made these a real statement piece for women leading a new trend in the world of fashion.
The Art Deco movement had a strong directional pull to enhance patterns making them geometrical, bold, and ornate. In addition to bright lipsticks and hairstyles, the chic sweep was considered playful and sophisticated.
Modern fashion pushed the look even further by using clean lines, sleek frames, and graphic patterns that created a minimalist look, ultimately rewarding them with their immense popularity.
Today, these frames can be found in a variety of colors and styles. Headnods to the original black frames are still popular, but many bright, bold patterns are also available. In the past, cat-eye frames were seen as a bold and unconventional choice; nowadays, they are seen as timeless and versatile accessories that can complete any outfit with a retro and feminine flair.
