Big sunglasses are shady business By Sonia Morin Tom Cruise's aviators from Top Gun, Bono's Dolce & Gabbana and Paris Hilton's Dior, among others, have transformed the use of sunglasses from standard protection against UV rays to trendy fashion statement. Sunglasses make good fashion accessories because "there is a wide variety of styles and shapes to accessorize just about any look," said Furlong. People no longer exclusively use them to protect their eyes from the sun. "They wear them in doors and at night, it goes with the whole ‘cool image' factor," she said. This spring and summer, prepare to see a lot of "Onassis" sunglasses, the oversized sunglasses made popular by celebrities to hide from the paparazzi, aviators and wayfarers, which seem to be the best-selling style today. For those looking for a more eclectic, retro look, the tea shades sometimes called the "John Lennon" wire-rimmed glasses will make an appearance, and for the extreme sports enthusiasts, there are the mirrorshades, she said. "I think women pick sunglasses based on fashion trends and accessorizing. My observation is that there is a preference for designer sunglasses such as Guess, DKNY, Dolce & Gabbana, OK, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Tommy, Versace," she said. While men choose sunglasses "mostly for the cool, macho look." Jessica Crawford and Erin Mckeand, both students in pre-health sciences, disagree that women pick sunglasses based solely on trends and to match with their purses and shoes. Crawford looks for a pair that will suit her face most of all and protect her eyes. "They have to have a nice colour and some bling," said Mckeand. Choosing the perfect pair of sunglasses can be a chore, but it's all about the "total look" of fit, colour and style suiting the individual, said Furlong. |
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