Showing off in designer shades

THE TRENDY and the style-conscious have plenty to cheer about this summer as the latest collections of shades by the world’s top designers find their way to Bangkok. 

Dolce & Gabbana continue to set the pace with their “Enchanted Beauties” theme, introducing a luxury limited edition frame, where each piece is a unique example of artisan creativity and skill. Sparkling Swarovski crystal flowers bloom on an oversized clear smoky grey acetate frame; next to them little, enchanted creatures create the illusion of a fairy garden. This style features gradient grey coloured lenses and the Dolce & Gabbana logo is applied discreetly on the temple tips. 

Prada introduces rigorous designs and geometric shapes, bold volumes and oversize frames, decorated with white studs while Giorgio Armani uses flannel, the dominant fabric of his winter 2014/15 fashion collection, and exquisite natural walnut wood, interpreting them in unexpected ways to create iconic frames with refined and sophisticated shapes.

The classic Aviator glasses, which have dominated every runway for decades, are still very much in vogue with vintage fans. For those who want a more modern look, Ray-Ban has broken its traditional style of Aviator, by using its Light ray 2.0 technology to create the nylon frames withpure titanium arms, instead of the usual stainless frames. For those who prefer the older look, with the classic stainless frames, the new Aviator collection has been adjusted by using brass and boasts colourful lenses in red, grey blue and purple. Victoria Beckham and Cutler & Gross also offer Aviator designs.

Emporio Armani creates excitement this season by recruiting DJ, singer and music producer Calvin Harris as the presenter of its collections. Along with the retro-inspired rounded options, there are modern interpretations with diversified designs of the frames and curious tone combinations.

For the old-fashioned guy, legacy British eyewear brand Cutler & Gross has a range of vintage eyewear and Paul Smith also offers a interesting Devonshire collection for the man about town.

Oversized sunglasses remain popular with celebrities, Kate Moss among them, and Burberry’s new Gabardine Collection boasts plenty of these fashionable shades.