Sunglasses for SS23 must not go unnoticed: our guide

Which is the most versatile accessory of all, the most useful and, above all, the one that can turn your look upside down in a second? We do not know if you are one of those people who only wear sunglasses in the summer or one of those who instead keep them with you 365 days a year, but the 2023 summer season has already set some clear guidelines. Coachella served as a "style showcase"," there we could see our favourite celebrities in their spring/summer outfits and, also referencing the last fashion month as well as the trends that emerged on social media, it's time to answer the question that is being asked right now: "What sunglasses do I buy?" While we have opted for a 2023 for the rest of our wardrobe, consisting of simple, straightforward garments with an effortless outcome, sunglasses can be our outlet, under the banner of maximalism and sophistication, keyword: iconicity, so yes to historical models or eye-catching logos, very special vintage finds and, why not, even tech and futuristic style. The best advice is just one: pay attention to the details, because in the absence of logos, we need sunglasses that reveal a little of our personality and therefore of the designer who created them.

Such is the case with Irina Shayk and these signature glasses by Rick Owens. They are a direct ode to the underground punk culture of the 1990s, but also a perfect dedication to couture elements and a timeless gothic style. Like many of his creations, the designer's glasses look like a contemporary art installation: black, glossy effect, tinted lenses, oversized frame and straight temples, 100 per cent nylon.



A nod to sunglasses associated with legends of the past is impossible to miss, including the frame most often worn by grunge king Kurt Cobain. All oval sunglasses with a coloured frame are advertised with bravado. The thick, white, round frame is making a comeback in our Instagram feeds. Their appeal is timeless and reminiscent of a star who was up all night for an after party. Plus, their versatility makes them perfect for an elegant and chic beach aperitif look. Beyoncé, for example, sticks with white but opts for a bolder, more daring rectangular frame.



Alessandra Ambrosio also opts for the same frame, but in a shocking pink by Chiara Ferragni. Besides white, we could see the same hype for other bright colours like pink or red. The Brazilian model did not miss out on an extravagant, boho and rhinestone-covered Coachella even without glasses.

Thin frames, with the exception of Rayban Aviator sunglasses, give way to thick frames. Why aviator glasses? After the 60s/70s aviator explosion that is early 2023, accompanied by Texans and voluminous hats, it's now the turn of eyewear. In 1937, the Ray-Ban Aviator became famous for the peculiarity of its geometries and the notion of strength associated with it, as it was the official sunglasses of the army in the 1930s. In the 1960s, the now widely known model became a symbol of rebellion, of subversion of the rules and fashions imposed by society. A pair of sunglasses that has a long and important history behind it and that is still appreciated today, also thanks to the practical and lightweight features that distinguish them and the low price that fortunately makes them affordable.



Coming back to the most discussed models: Although we have said minimalism is not one of the key words, you can definitely turn a blind eye to an all- black pair of glasses with an eye-catching logo on the side. Hailey Bieber wears Gucci glasses with a rectangular and straight frame that perfectly matches her classic chic but modern style. Without ever giving up the elegance and impenetrability of black sunglasses, this year it is important to choose the right glasses: not anonymous, but recognisable.



Instead, in the campaign with Kylie Jenner, Dolce&Gabbana offers a rather square and rigid pair of sunglasses with the brand name, white on black, stretched across the entire stem of the glasses, massive but perfect to carry the weight of a brand name of a certain calibre.



In addition to the big, established luxury brands, this year is also dedicated to personal research and thus originality. Although luxury brands are synonymous with guarantees, you should give a chance to independent companies that will certainly not let you go unnoticed thanks to trendy designs, but above all thanks to the element of surprise. This is the case with CHIMI, a Swedish brand founded in Stockholm in 2016 with the idea of creating eyewear, ready-to-wear and accessories for those who want quality products from the simplest to the most unusual shapes. Their products are designed with futuristic simplicity, wearability and aesthetic longevity in mind. The company recently opened its first European shop outside of Sweden, in the heart of Paris' Marais district, and on its Instagram page we see that it has not gone unnoticed by style icons like Kendall Jenner, who has already left a few likes.

After these inspo, we make it easy for you with an ad hoc guide. For an unforgettable summer, you need a faithful companion: the perfect pair of sunglasses. They protect you from the glare after a night of partying, but also from reading your favourite book on the beach with a cool drink or from the mysterious and airtight gaze as you stroll through the streets of the destination you have chosen for the summer.