Let’s face it, the sun hurts our eyes. Most folks solve this problem by perching a dark-plastic contraption at the nose bridge. It’s one of the amazing curiosities of chic living, though, that this device, known simply and accurately as sunglasses, has somehow been upgraded in fashion-wear terms and now count as a designer item. This exalted status makes these sunglasses very expensive. Fancy brands get fancy prices and we are often convinced that the more we pay for sunglasses, the higher its value as status symbol. The question is: are retailers taking us for a ride? And what can we do to find out? Read on to decide for yourself.
o There’s no doubt that sunglasses are part of one’s haute couture. It is like an adornment to your face and adds value to any fashion statement you desire to announce to the world at large. It makes sense, therefore, to pay money for an item that attracts others’ appreciative glances.
o There’s a great deal of global hype in pushing the so-called perceived value of sunglasses. To start with, there are in fact a large number of brands whose products are genuinely high quality. Expensive they might be, but they won’t cheat you either. Some of these top of the fashion line brands are Calvin Klein, Gucci, Nike, Adidas, Donna Karan, Marco Ricci, Dolce & Gabbana, Serengeti, Christian Dior, and Chanel. This list is not exhaustive. You can look for these brands or more while checking out sunglasses at exclusive shopping malls or multiplexes.
o Not surprisingly, brands apart, several international celebrities use or have used sunglasses to create a personal image for themselves. Jacqueline Onassis set the trend with the Onassis sunglasses. Swank glitterati who have used designer sunglasses with great effect include the Beatles, Elton John with star-rimmed sunglasses, Britney Spears, Sophia Loren, Ivana Trump, and Linda Evans. Conspicuous by his exception is Elvis Presley – but the King needed no sunglasses!
o World class eye gear keeps on making fashion statements that never end. Every part of sunglasses – the frame, lenses, ear supports, nose bridge supports – offers different designs. Truly, sunglasses is a collector’s item in every sense of the word. You can take your pick if you’re fussy about what your face wears!
o Remember, though, designer sunglasses offer no special or extra protection beyond usual ones like polarized lenses or UV protection. But they’re safe to buy, having been manufactured under license. Its high value reflects the designer brand, not protective value.
Sunglasses have the unique power of making you feel good. This is a fantastic quality – the sort of intangible money can’t quite buy. Hence the high prices. If you can afford them, buy designer sunglasses and please don’t feel bad about your purchase. Not only does this sunglass adequately protect your eyes, it tells the world about your style, taste and attitude. So why not go ahead and buy? For heaven’s sake, do not feel guilty!
Suzanne Hughes is an eyewear style consultant who specializes in reading sunglasses. Visit her website for great glasses and styles from top fashion designers such as Clic reading glasses, Scojo Vision, Seeqa and Others.