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Luxury Lenses: Our Guide To Summer Shades

Our pick of the best sunglasses this season

By LLM Reporters   |  

Everyone knows that a killer pair of sunglasses is an essential purchase – whether it be to hide the morning after the night before, or simply look super cool in the sun.

However, the famous British ‘summer’ is excelling itself this year, meaning you might not yet have got around to picking up your designer shades this season.

Check out our guide to the best sunglasses out there for your summer travels, or maybe even that five minutes of sunshine a day we’re being treated to in 2015.

Ray-Ban Tortoiseshell Aviators, £125

Ray-Ban: in style for six decades

Ray-Ban have been actually been making sunglasses since the 1930’s, originally for the United States Air Corps, but rose to public popularity during the mid 1960’s when stars including Marilyn Monroe and James Dean endorsed the now famous Wayfarers.

In the fifty years since, the brand has continued to grow and still remains one of the most popular today with its constant reincarnations of the classic styles finished with a fresh modern twist.

These stylish shades are an adaptation of the first aviators and will look sophisticated and suave with a suit or casual and cool with shorts or jeans.

Finished with the tortoiseshell frame and the iconic Ray-Ban logo, these sunglasses will give a classic and timeless look whatever the occasion.

johnlewis.com


Victoria Beckham Gold Coated Sunglasses, £550

 Get the vintage look: 18kt Gold Plated Sunglasses
Get the vintage look: 18kt Gold Plated Sunglasses

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Victoria Beckham only designs fashion for women due to her girl power ‘wannabe’ days, but Mrs B has clearly been picking up some style tips from her husband.

Wife of David Beckham and luxury fashion designer, VB is on trend with her new Autumn fashion collection, now available online.

The internationally recognised style icon has been designing her own line of eyewear since 2006 and has publicly spoken about her personal love of shades citing that “they can make virtually any outfit look cool”.

These 18ct sunglasses possess a stylishly vintage appeal, and would look perfect teamed up with a white shirt and chino shorts in St Tropez.

harveynichols.com


Yves Saint Laurent Matte-Acetate Aviators, £230

Adding flair: YSL Aviators

These YSL (or Saint Laurent Paris as the brand will be known as in future) aviators have a modern, unique design, perfect for those who like to be one step ahead of the crowd when it comes to style.

With matte-acetate frames and silver tone arms, these sunglasses are eye-catching and will make you stand out from the crowd with distinctive pizzazz.

This style, although modern, would not have looked out of place in Studio 54 back in the 70’s – one of Yves’ favourite party hotspots.

Worn with a sharp two-piece suit, these sunglasses would look great when stepping out into the City, adding a new height of glamour to your summer clothing collection.

mrporter.com


Persol Round-Frame Sunglasses, £200

Persol: 80 years of experience
Persol: 80 years of experience

Persol are luxury Italian eyewear designers that have been making sunglasses since 1927.

With over 80 years of experience and a large celebrity fan base including Mr James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, their range of sunglasses stay stylishly sleek.

These silver toned metal-framed specs which offer good eye protection with their anti-glare polarised lenses are adaptable to every occasion.

They look effortlessly smart with jeans and a blazer or for adding a sophisticated edge to formal attire.

mrporter.com


Cutler & Gross D-Frame Sunglasses, £300

Timeless classic: Cutler & Gross

Whether you’re in New York, Paris, Milan or London, these Cutler & Gross sunglasses are a super choice for international jet-setters.

With a classic, timeless design that is reminscent of the Ray-Ban Wayfarer, these are a worthy investment piece.

Hand crafted frames from Cadore in Italy give this London based brand the edge on style, whilst you’ll find that this shaped frame is pleasantly suited to most face types.

Transform yourself from big-shot businessman to good-looking gent in one move with this pair of shades to make the transition between work and leisure.

The jet black frames are a key, ageless colour that would compliment any outfit with ease.

mrporter.com