Iconic Sunglasses in Cinema: A Journey Through Time and Styles
In celebration of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, dive into the captivating world of iconic sunglasses in cinema. From Audrey Hepburn’s timeless elegance in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” to the futuristic designs of “The Matrix,” each pair tells a story and defines an era. We invites you to rediscover 14 legendary sunglasses that have not only adorned stars but also left an indelible mark on film history. A stylish and glamorous tribute to accessories that have transcended the screen to become cultural icons.
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Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Blake Edwards – 1961
THE MANHATTAN, BY OLIVER GOLDSMITH
It’s not just the little black dress that Audrey Hepburn made a classic in this film. Her sunglasses have become so legendary, that they are still available at Oliver Goldsmith.
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The Thomas Crown Affair – Norman Jewison – 1968
THE 714, BY PERSOL
Life can get boring pretty quickly when you’re a millionaire. To remedy that, Thomas Crown, played by Steve McQueen, organized a hold-up to inject a little excitement into his life. And every conman knows that your choice of sunglasses is key to staying on the down-low.
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The Swimming Pool – Jacques Deray – 1969
THE 006, BY VUARNET (VINTAGE)
Everyone can remember this Alain Delon scene by the pool. His glasses were the sixth model, from Vuarnet, a house that has since become a go-to for sunglasses. Such was the reception to the pair, that Vuarnet re-issued them in 2015 as the Edition Limitée 1969.
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Taxi Driver – Martin Scorsese – 1976
THE ORIGINAL PILOT, BY AMERICAN OPTICAL
Originally made for the US Army, don this this model worn by Robert De Niro and deliver the line like you mean it: “you talkin’ to me?”
And if you needed any more historical clout, it was also the pair worn by Neil Armstrong and the Apollo 11 team when they first set foot on the moon in July 1969.
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The Blues Brothers – John Landis – 1980
THE WAYFARER, BY RAY-BAN
A black suit, trilby and Wayfarers are the ingredients for John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s famously cool look in the cult film from the 80’s.
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Scarface – Brian de Palma – 1983
THE 6031, BY LINDA FARROW (VINTAGE)
Even gangsters should be able to sip a cocktail quietly on the beach icognito and Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino, knew that his glasses would leave their mark. No longer on sale, the model has become a symbol that inspires other designs today.
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Beverly Hills Cop – 1984
THE 5621, BY PORSCHE DESIGN (VINTAGE)
For Axel Foley (alias Eddie Murphy), investigating crime under the Beverly Hills sun was unthinkable without the right pair of glasses to complete his look. And they had to scream ‘California’.
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Terminator – James Cameron – 1984
THE ANSI CLASSICS, BY GARGOYLES (VINTAGE)
If there is one film in which sunglasses have become intrinsically linked to the character wearing them, it’s Terminator. Sunnies and guns form the arsenal of any self-respecting cyber-assassin and Arnold Schwarzenegger wears (both of) them well.
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Top Gun – Tony Scott – 1986
THE AVIATOR, BY RAYBAN
Tom Cruise couldn’t play a fighter pilot without a pair of aviators and during the summer months today, this timeless style is on every street corner. All together: “I feel the need… the need for speed!”
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Thelma and Louise – Ridley Scott – 1991
THE VAGABOND, BY RAY-BAN
A pair of cat eyes and a headscarf are essentials for going on the run. As Louise, Susan Sarandon demonstrates that with a good pair of glasses, you can get away with anything.
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Léon – Luc Besson – 1994
THE JUNIOR GAULTIER 58-00072, BY JEAN PAUL GAULTIER (VINTAGE)
Jean Reno’s round frames added just the right dose of mystery to his persona as an unflappable hitman. The model was taken from a collection of sunglasses for children designed by Jean-Paul Gautier.
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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – Terry Gilliam – 1998
THE SHOOTER, BY RAY-BAN
As Raoul Duke in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Johnny Depp used and abused all the chemical aids in his possession to see life through rose tinted glasses. And his own tinted sunglasses have become a legendary look.
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Matrix – Andy et Larry Wachowski – 1999
THE 4002, BY BLINDE (VINTAGE)
Keanu Reeves’ famous glasses were specially designed for the film by Richard Blinde, founder of Blinde. Some time later, the brand has nevertheless released very similar models to fill the desire of fans of Neo, Trinity and others.
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Fight Club – David Fincher – 1999
THE AERO AVIATOR, BY OLIVER PEOPLES (VINTAGE)
Don’t go looking for trouble without Tyler Durden’s (Brad Pitt) sunglasses from the film. The limited edition model is especially prized by collectors today.