Eyewear is an accessory that has been worn since the 1930’s. Once upon a time, glasses were used purely for their main function: to improve sight. But now, they’re a fashion statement, a seasonal must-have and in some cases, an iconic accessory.
Luckily for most of us, we have the blessing of decent vision, something we should never take advantage of. Although, back in the day, contact lenses didn’t exist for when the newspaper started to seem blurry. And the only way to improve your vision was by being prescribed a chunky Austin Powers pair of glasses – not really what you want to be rocking up to school in, in your teens.
Now though, eyewear has become another exciting yet understated way to show off your own individual style. A pair of glasses complementing your outfit is appreciated much more, making – some of – us, look sexy and intelligent as opposed to the geeky look ‘Clark Kent’ is known for.
I’ve come across hundreds of different types of vision glasses and sunglasses with all kinds of peculiar names and designs. Ranging from some of the top brands, down to some local charity shops! But the style worth talking about is the ‘Cat-Eye’ frame.
The Cat Eye style is a super retro and vintage look of the 1950’s and 60’s where the edge of the frame goes up to a sharp point near the woman’s temples.
The idea was that the origional frame of opticians glasses was way too chunky and not quite fashionable enough. So one woman, Altina Schinasi, wanted to make eyewear for women more elegant, and immediately thought of the wonderful masquerade masks in Venice, and brought the shape and style back to Ray-Ban, who at first declined, then later saw that Schinasi was ahead of her time in terms of fashion… but by then, Mr Lugene was selling them all around the country!
Buy or view some gorgeous styles from these wonderful online glasses companies and wear your own piece of history!
01. Rokit London
Price: £15.00!
by Rokit London
Summer has arrived in style! Rokit London has certainly delivered when it comes to eyewear this Summer. They’ve got you covered when the clouds pass with these 90’s style small framed cat-eye sunglasses. Bang on trend with UV 400 protection. Also available in black and tortoiseshell on their fantastic online shop!
02. Sunglasses Shop
Price: £80.00
by Oakley
“Oakley Frogskins were originally released in 1985 as comprehensive performance sunglasses. They had a unique design with a somewhat masculine twist on the classic Cat Eye, and the latest technology Oakley was known for, including the Iridium finish on lenses and Serilium based frames.
Frogskins were also Oakley’s first sunglasses to have two separate lenses. There have been a few re-releases of the popular frame and the current release is made of nylon based O Matter which is resilient but lightweight. This one is a part of the limited edition Crystal Collection and the frame is Polished Clear.”
03. MANGO
Price: £17.99
by MANGO
The traditional Cat Eye shape, no doubt turning any woman into a sexy, independent businesswoman, is back for this summer. MANGO do not agree they’ll ever go out of fashion.
They’re a winning statement and a classic look to any outfit. Match the shade of your glasses with colours of your outfit and have a runway finished look.
04. Faded Days
Price: £22.00
by Faded Days
These aren’t particularly the classic Cat Eye shape, but how could we miss this magnificent online glasses shop out? their designs and creations to make exploring nature more enjoyable are great!
“Our Faded Days Polarized Sunglasses are a collection designed to provide all of the benefits of polarized lenses and combine that with unmatched style to complete your look.
The polarized shades are perfect for water sports, skiing, a day at the beach, hiking or just a crisp look on the lake. Truly a versatile lifestyle collection.”
05. Sunglasses UK
Price: £83.00
by Ray-Ban
“Created with a soft touch of elegance and class, the RayBan sunglasses are a special blend of the classic RayBan look, with a feminine feel. The cat-eyed front frame, with a polished finish, comes in an array of colours, including black. tortoise, and matte with a transparent interior, with gradient lenses in most frames.”
06. Sunglass Hut
Price: £328.00
by Prada
“The hallmark styling of this world-renowned fashion leader denotes high quality with a dedication to innovation and a strong tradition of craftsmanship. Prada is synonymous with an understated style that has always anticipated, and often dictated, new trends. Prada sunglasses use only the finest materials to strike the ideal balance of form and function.”
Competition Time – WIN – Roberto Cavalli Designer Sunglasses worth £200
Roberto Cavalli Black & Gold Cat Eye Sunglasses
This sleek and stylish pair of sunglasses boasts a modern cat eye shaped lens with glossy black frame and abstract gold tone details at the front and arms. Complete with gold-tone signature branding on the arms.
Competition End Date: 20/09/18