Step aside, basic rectangular frames. It’s time for unique and wacky glasses to shine.
Celebs have cast aside their lackluster sunglasses and are opting for something that stands out: one-piece frames, out-of-the-ordinary sizes, and a rainbow of colors.
And stylists who spoke to Insider say Beyoncé played a part in making the statement sunnies chic.
“Beyoncé has always been an icon no matter what the genre may be,” Elisabeth Kassab, founder of STYLISTCHECK, told Insider. “But specifically with fashion, she definitely made statement sunglasses cool again. Especially after the era of the thin, minimal black sunglasses we’ve been seeing in years past. People are looking to add a little something with character to their looks lately. Whether that be with statement jewelry, a belt, or — in this case — sunglasses.”
Beyonce in Balenciaga sunglassesKevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood
The multi-award-winning artist just closed out her Renaissance World Tour, where fashion became a central part of the storytelling. During her sets, the singer donned a sequined and flowing green cape, embellished metallic bodysuits that glittered under the stage lights, and lots of custom couture.
Paired with many of these pieces were statement eyewear: bedazzled cat-eye sunglasses from Tiffany & Co., sleek black Balenciaga shades — and who could forget the oversized, campy eye shields accompanying her Mugler bee suit?
Tiffany & Co. sunglasses and Mugler headpieceKevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood
“She’s pushing the boundaries and making her own rules, and I love it,” Kassab told Insider.
The styles that Beyoncé has donned throughout her tour are now finding themselves in the hands of consumers. Dazed reported that Beyoncé, who was featured wearing a Loewe handprint bodysuit throughout her tour, played a part in making the Spanish brand one of the hottest in the world.
Experts say the styles of shades worn by Beyoncé are no different. More unique frames have made their way into celebrity fashion, personal styles, and Spring/Summer runways.
Pharrell Williams is seen outside Sacai fashion show during the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 02, 2023 in Paris, France. Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
Rachel Varney, the founder of StyledbyRachel, told Insider that her clients have also been embracing more distinctive styles.
“My clients in particular have been loving oversized frames,” Varney told Insider. “They command attention and are practical for those bright sunny days.
Fans have also taken inspiration from Queen Bey, crafting their own looks by gluing rhinestone trim or bedazzling their shades.
Beyonce fans at her Los Angeles showsJason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Runway looks in recent Spring/Summer 2024 fashion week shows also featured bold, angular, and multicolored frames and lenses.
“We saw an influx of statement sunglasses on the runways from designers like Coach, Tory Burch, and Ulla Johnson,” Varney said. “We’ll be seeing a lot of colored tinted sunglasses, oversized square frames, rectangular frames, and sporty one-piece sunglasses.”
And yes — statement glasses were bound to come back. Everyone knows that fashion swings like a pendulum, and simple sunnies would have eventually gone away. But Kassab said Beyoncé deserves at least some credit for that.
A model wears a creation for the Chanel Spring/Summer 2024 womenswear fashion collection presented Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023 in Paris.Christophe Ena/ AP Photo
“I love what we’ve been seeing on the runway this season with a bigger frame, colored lenses, and sharp edges,” Kassab said. “It’s inspiring people to make fashion unique and personal again, which I love. And I think we can credit Beyoncé for that a little.”
