Can you feel it? Spring is (almost) in the air. The days are getting incrementally longer, brighter and, occasionally, warmer, and as springtime tentatively approaches, ushering away the doom and gloom of cloudy skies and freezing months, with it, sunglasses season follows.
Personal style philosophies aside, everybody knows that a great pair of shades is the perfect finishing touch to any good outfit. And we mean everybody: actors, athletes, princes and politicians all know the sartorial power of popping on a pair of polarised peepers.
James Bond always seems to have a pair of classic frames close at hand, whether chasing down bad guys (also usually sporting their own) or seducing his way through some far-flung locale. Lewis Hamilton is rarely seen without his – even going on to release a capsule of his own with luxury Italian accessories brand Police – and Royal style maven King Charles III is an avid fan, too, having finished off his look with a pair of timeless sunnies on many occasions.
The good news is that there’s a frame to suit all. From round and square, to retro Aviator or D-frames, there’s not much room for error – bar the dreadful wraparound styles our dads were so inexplicably fond of 20 years ago – and most shades are classic enough to stand the test of time. So whether you’re jetting off for some well-deserved sun, or looking to add to your collection, read on for Luxury London’s pick of the best sunglasses for men.
Brunello Cucinelli x Oliver Peoples Jep sunglasses
Brunello Cucinelli – the Italian outfitter best known for its luxurious cashmere – joined forces with Oliver Peoples for its first eyewear collection. Highlighting heritage design and craftsmanship, these acetate D-frames are a timeless, versatile choice that will look at home anywhere from Mayfair to Monaco. Oh, and the lens clips is detachable so they can swapped out for optical lenses. Genius.
Burberry check sunglasses
Featuring the brand’s signature check, this square framed pair by Burberry are a truly statement-making choice for the sartorially savvy gent. Tapping into the logomania trend, the printed acetate frames are embellished with polished metal stripes and will earn you major taste points among the street style set.
Cartier Eyewear Première de Cartier aviator sunglasses
The French accessories maison has not held back with the statement Première de Cartier aviators from its opulent eyewear line. Crafted at the brand’s workshop in scenic Sucy-en-Brie, the bold, blue-tinted lenses are complemented by sleek gold-tone hardware and C-monogram hinges.
Taylor Morris George Arthur sunglasses
Taylor Morris’s retro-inspired frames are lent a modern touch by the addition of vibrant yellow acetate frames. Providing 100 per cent UV protection, the lightweight, durable shades have been expertly cut to eliminate visual distortion and their classic style guarantees they will stand the test of time.
Cutler and Gross 9101 sunglasses
Handmade at the brand’s Italian atelier, these 9101 frames by Cutler and Gross pay homage to the 40th anniversary of founder Tony’s favourite 0101 design. Featuring a classic D-frame, the lightweight acetate frames acome in a contrasting black on Havana colourway.
Garrett Leight Hampton sunglasses
As the son of the founder of Oliver Peoples, Garrett Leight was always going to have an eye for opticals, so the success of his eponymous brand has been no surprise. Since its first collection in 2010, the Hampton sunglasses have been a bestseller, striking a balance between casual and refined, classic and contemporary with a retro, rounded P3 silhouette and fresh colour combinations.
Gucci Eyewear pilot frame sunglasses
One for the Pitti Peacocks, Gucci’s oversized, retro aviator frames make a true style statement. Repping the brand’s signature Seventies aesthetic with their gold-tinted frames and double bridge, they’re the perfect accessory for a day spent sipping espresso on the Piazza del Duomo.
Moscot Zev sunglasses
Founded in 1915, family-owned Moscot has been providing New Yorkers with impeccably crafted opticals for five generations. Staying true to the brand’s DNA, each design harks back to the timeless styles that make up the family archive. These dapper, vintage-style round frames, handcrafted from enamel and Italian acetate, take their inspiration from the famed NHS “Poor Boy” glasses of the Sixties with their classic Windsor rim.
Ray-Ban RB0880S sunglasses
Almost everyone has a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers in their collection. Versatile and timeless, the style has come to be one of the brand’s most iconic. Crafted from semi-transparent green tortoiseshell and with tonal gradient lenses, this contemporary take lends a fresh, modern feel to the classic shades.
Bottega Veneta aviator sunglasses
Graduated matte lenses, gunmetal hardware and subtle blue stems afford an air of nonchalance to these classic aviator frames. Imbued with Bottega Veneta’s signature insouciance, they’ll look just as good even after the sun has set.
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