Stretch and thin like Bella Hadid’s, maxi butterfly and 70s for Victoria Bekham, squared on Hailey Baldwin Bieber’s face… here are the seasonal sunglasses must have according to the stars and where to find them
The trendy sunglasses for this summer? Maxi, mini, aviator, square, cat-eye… the stars have already chosen their must-have models.
Maxi 70s
Like those of Victoria Beckham, the designer who never leaves her New York apartment without a pair of dark, oversize lenses. The line with the Seventies trend that is hitting the catwalk. Retro style also for Chanel, where the butterfly model is combined with a pearl chain, the passion of Mademoiselle Coco.
Squared Aviators Sunglasses
Like those of Gigi Hadid with the thin, golden frame and reinforced bridge. The classic teardrop cut leaves room for more squared lines. The iconic model? It’s signed Ray-Ban. But from Persol to Moscot, the interpretations are many and vary in shape and color.
Maxi geometrical
They are the passion of Hailey Baldwin Bieber: black frame, rectangular cut slightly cat-eye, the Wave SL 276 from Saint Laurent have been the fetish accessory of it-girl for weeks. Celine’s iconic, optical for Pugnale, with reduced proportions for Hublot.
Cat-eye
Like the ultra-feminine model by Olivia Palermo, with rhinestone decorations. Those of Swarovski are catlike and studded with crystals. But the feline gaze also passes through tortoiseshell frames (Giorgio Armani) or transparencies all in pink (Stella McCartney).
Tight and long
The Matrix style models? They have given way to more elegant cuts: narrow, long and rectangular yes, but in a lady like version. Like those by Bella Hadid who wears them with red lipstick and folded helmet: between references from the 40s and 80s.
Things you should know about the quality of your sunglasses
Sun & eyes – even good days can have a negative side. Due to the increasingly aggressive UV radiation, good quality sunglasses are an indispensable accessory for protecting our eyes. In particular, it is important to consider the following aspects when approaching the purchase of a new pair of sunglasses, as well as your personal taste.
Glare protection thanks to sun filter categories
Many people think that, when it comes to sunglasses, the darker the lenses, the greater the protection for the eyes. Be careful, actually the color of the lens is not always an indication of its protective properties. Dark lenses cause a greater dilation of the pupil and, if they are not equipped with a suitable filter, this would cause the eye to absorb more UV rays than without glasses. For this reason, when shopping, always pay attention to the so-called filter categories, which indicate the intensity of the protection.
The EU categories, which are usually indicated in Roman numerals (I to V) or Arabic numerals (0 to 4), can help us make the right choice:
| 0 | 3 – 20% Offers the lightest protection |
| 1 | 20 – 57% For partly cloudy days |
| 2 | 57 – 82% Suitable for summer days in Central Europe |
| 3 | 82 – 92% Offers intensive protection. Recommended in seaside resorts, southern Europe and for walks in the mountains |
| 4 | 92 – 97% Particularly strong protection, suitable for high mountains and glaciers. Category 4 sunglasses are forbidden to drive and are marked with the symbol of a crossed-out car |
Under the most demanding conditions, although the lenses are of good quality, up to 60% of UV rays can penetrate from above or to the sides. For this reason, a wider frame or larger lenses can contribute to optimal protection. In addition, wearing a hat can help.
Retina damage caused by UV rays
If you get too close to the sun, you get burned. Ultraviolet rays – so-called UV rays – increase the risk of skin cancer. In addition, frequent sunbathing can accelerate skin ageing. But it is not only the skin that is at risk, because the eyes can also be compromised if exposed to the sun without protection. Long, intensive exposure can lead to inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea. In the most extreme cases, the visual system can be damaged in the long term and cataracts can occur. Moral of the story: Always wear a good pair of sunglasses with certified UV protection!
UV-C rays are generally absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, but UV-B and UV-A rays can reach the planet’s surface unhindered. To protect yourself from this hazardous radiation, look for the UV400 indication with guaranteed UV protection. In addition, sunglasses reduce the surrounding light, making your stay in the sun more pleasant.
In short, the term UV400 means that the glasses will absorb UV-A, B and C rays up to a wavelength of 400 nano-metres.
Other features of quality sunglasses
CE mark: The CE mark was established in July 1995 and guarantees protection of at least 380 nano-metres in sunglasses. It is located on the inside of the temples and indicates that the product complies with current EU standards.
Eyeglass frames: As already mentioned in this article, sunlight can also reach our eyes from above or to the side. For this reason, to ensure that you get optimal protection, you prefer frames with wide temples or large lenses.
Polarized filters: polarized lenses have a special coating that increases visibility when exposed to very intense light. This type of lens is designed to reduce sun reflections on surfaces such as sea waves, snow or glass. For this very reason, polarized glasses are particularly suitable for driving.