Shades of Summer
The name Dirty Harry immediately conjures up an image of Clint Eastwood as the cool, no-nonsense cop in the movie of the same name sporting a pair of Ray-Ban Balorama shades. Fifty years on, Balorama and other iconic looks from the 60s, 70s and 80s are as popular today as ever before. Ac Magazine takes a look at some of the hottest retro styles in men’s sunglasses this summer.
BY GAVIN MANLEY
Carrera, 274/S
Named after Carrera Panamericana — one of the most dangerous open road racing events in the world — Carrera has been the brand of choice for adventurous spirits for almost 70 years. Today, the brand’s sporting heritage is as strong as ever with a selection of styles that are effortlessly sophisticated and decidedly well-made. Carrera’s new collection for SS22 includes the 274/S, a distinctive style that celebrates the brand’s innovative ski goggle design from the 1970s. Frame colors include Matte Black, Gold, Dark Ruthenium and Havana Gold (as shown), and the 274/S can be fitted with prescription lenses.
The first aviator style sunglasses were designed in the 1930s to protect the eyes of pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Adopted by the mainstream in the 1950s and the decades thereafter, the most iconic image of aviators in popular culture is undoubtedly still Tom Cruise as Maverick in the original Top Gun movie. Kevin Ching — Big Horn’s founder and designer — took the classic aviator as inspiration for his brand’s unisex style, Udono. With a contemporary look, the Udono brings a more fashion-forward interpretation of the original eyewear shape. Manufactured with stainless steel and sustainable bio-acetate, Udono’s lenses come with UV400 protection against the sun.
Proudly manufactured in Chicago, Illinois, State Optical’s frames are meticulously handcrafted — a process that takes hundreds of hours and includes upwards of seventy-five steps. The brand’s new Milwaukee style is inspired by the famous avenue in the company’s hometown. Bold with distinctively oversized, retro frames, the Milwaukee is constructed with a sturdy 3-barrel hinge and comes in three colorways.
Cutler & Gross, 1306
Hailing from Knightsbridge in London, luxury eyewear brand Cutler & Gross has been at the forefront of quintessentially British style since the late 1960s. Made in Italy, the brand’s 1306 design is handcrafted using 9mm acetate and features a flat bridge with rectangular-shaped frames that reinforce Cutler & Gross’s vintage heritage. Available colors include Green Smoke, Black, Dark Turtle and the inimitably named Granny Chic.
OPR Eyewear, The Salvatore Sun
The team at OPR Eyewear — a family-run company based on Manhattan’s west side — spent three months with the finest artisans in Italy learning how to make eyewear “the old way” according to a recent interview with The Accessories Council. Authentically Italian, using acetate from the region, the brand’s Salvatore Sun style recalls a vintage aesthetic with its boxy frames and crystal-tortoise coloration. Additionally, all of OPR’s product packaging is constructed from materials that can be recycled or upcycled — reducing the company’s environmental impact.
Ted Baker, Vaacay
Designer label Ted Baker made its name as a specialist in men’s shirting when it first launched in 1988, and today it has grown into a full lifestyle brand. The company’s design philosophy has always been guided by a focus on quality, attention to detail and a quirky sense of humor. With its single-bridge, round keyhole frame shape, Vaacay is constructed with 80% cellulose acetate and comes in both gray and tortoise shell (as shown).
Marc Jacobs, Icon Cat Eye
Arguably the most unisex style on this list, cat eye sunglasses have become a firm favorite for those seeking a unique fashion-forward look. Like all other shades that fall into this category, the design of the Icon Cat Eye by Marc Jacobs features a flattering frame shape that serves to accentuate the prominence of the cheek bones. The Icon Cat Eye’s signature details include a photo-engraved logo atop of the frame as well as a mirror JJ logo trim which together translates to a modern interpretation of an iconic 50s design.
Originally published in the Summer 2022 issue of Ac Magazine (The Accessories Council).
