"Vintage" sunglasses

It's time for innovation in the world of sunglasses (and more). With the new year, the most famous fashion houses launch new trends that will define the look of the coming months, but there's one style that has been gaining increasing popularity for some time now. A style tied to the allure of history , of times gone by, yet capable of evoking distant passions and emotions.

We are clearly talking about “ vintage ”, that is, those models, original or inspired by the originals, which over the past decades have identified a style, a myth, a famous person, and, in some cases, have become true cult objects.

It is the elegance of the past that always remains current and contemporary, it is the “classic” styles that cross the ages while preserving their contemporaneity and giving a “retro” touch to an intriguing and nonconformist look.

What does “Vintage” mean?

The term vintage originated in France in the world of viticulture to indicate wine vintages, particularly those of greater value and quality, but starting in the 1960s the concept also began to establish itself in the world of clothing, gradually acquiring greater respect and a growing following.

Technically, to be considered vintage, a dress or a pair of glasses should be at least twenty years old, making them authentic products of the past, iconic and sometimes unique. A tangible object with enduring appeal, capable of expressing nostalgia for times gone by while also enhancing the aesthetic standards of the era to which it refers.

More commonly, however, the term "vintage" isn't just associated with objects that are actually dated, but rather with styles that can be traced back to the "classics" of the past, which modern designers sometimes draw inspiration from. Thus, the "new" vintage seeks to recapture the spirit of an era, the aesthetic canons once used, and the influences that remain in the collective memory.

“Vintage” sunglasses

From a niche phenomenon in the early 2000s, the vintage aesthetic is rapidly spreading, driven by social media , which has rekindled Millennials' interest in more classic accessories to pair with contemporary clothing. And a growing number of brands have added nostalgic styles to their assortments, from Gucci to Armani, Tom Ford to Carrera, not to mention the distinctly vintage design of many iconic Ray-Ban models.

We've thus witnessed a veritable revival of shapes like cat eyes and aviators, initially adopted by Hollywood stars in the 1940s and 1950s and now worn by jet-setting celebrities, career executives, and trendy young people. Even the square glasses of the 1970s, with their thick frames and oversized dimensions, have been rediscovered by many high-fashion brands, which, albeit with some reinterpretations, have enhanced the retro look of these designs.

Furthermore, most of these models are offered at generally more affordable prices than the more innovative collections, making them accessible to a wider and more diverse audience. It's therefore no surprise that the popularity of vintage sunglasses is constantly growing, now a consolidated trend and an alternative to contemporary design. Classic fashion never goes out of style.