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Looking for directional sunglass frame? The shield has been a bold style statement on the runway, celebrity style and of course, a key — functional — part of the sports world. Balenciaga, Gucci, Acne Studios and Marine Serre all offered a take on the trend on their spring 2024 runways. On Friday the 2024 Paris Olympics begin, giving the eyewear a sporty super boost.
“After gaining prominence in the early ’90s, it seems that shield style sunglasses have recently been revitalized,” reported Tarrence Lackran, eyewear expert and founder of Eyecons Agency, a multifaceted firm committed to developing brand experiences and campaigns by partnering with forward-thinking creative leaders in the luxe eyewear space. While the Olympics are closing in, Lackran says the trend has been gaining steam for awhile. “Indie brand Anna-Karin Karlsson is taking shield designs in a fresh direction,” he said. “Their Shady Luv 2.0 frame, worn by Beyoncé during her ‘Renaissance’ tour and Mary J. Blige on her ‘Strength of a Woman’ tour, captures the metallic trend in eyewear,” showcasing the popularity of the style among celebrities.
Demand for shield sunglasses “has skyrocketed over the past year,” said Sunglass Hut’s head of content and storytelling Heather Feldman. A way to stand out in a sea of quiet luxury, the sporty shield can feel edgy and futuristic. “Their versatility and bold design have made them a favorite for both everyday wear and high-fashion events,” Feldman said. Sunglass Hut customers are gravitating toward “narrow and oversize wraparound shapes with a futuristic vibe. While black and white remain classics, bright and pastel hues like neon green, dusty green, electric blue, baby blue, and cherry red are trending,” she said.
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Already a customer favorite built for function but often used as a style statement, every sportswear brand has skin in the game: Adidas, Nike, Puma and more, but the lion’s share of sport eyewear comes from Oakley, who will likely see a massive bump from the Paris Olympics. This summer’s games will see around 2,000 Oakley athletes, including Fred Kerley, Andre Degrasse, Mutaz Barsham, Joseph Fahnbulleh, Alaysha Johnson, Sara Hughes, Mathieu Van Der Poel and more sporting Oakley products throughout the two weeks of events. “The popularity of our eyewear depends on the nature of the activity and the specific performance needs,“ explained Will Conk, Oakley global product director — sport performance eyewear, highlighting that the brand is about solving the needs of athletes first.
Oakley athletes in Paris will be fitted in the new Inner Spark collection, an exclusive Olympic colorway available in the brand’s latest styles: Latch Panel, Sphaera, and BiSphaera. The collection debuted July 1, and is inspired by the movement of the human nervous system featuring unique color patterns.
Conk reported that the Sphaera, BiSphaera and Latch Panel models are “among the current most highly desired.” Sphaera provides a wide field of view, Prizm Lens Technology and a sleek, lightweight O-Matter frame designed to wear with hats and helmets. BiSphaera builds on the flagship Flak 2.0 XL, with an adaptable sport-inspired finish for both on and off the field. Latch Panel, also equipped with Prizm Lens Technology, embraces a fusion of street and sport style with full rim shield lens designs.
Functionality is paramount in sports but also a key factor at retail for everyday customers, too. “Customers seek features that blend style and practicality. Adjustable nose pads, flexible hinges, and anti-slip temple tips are important for comfort and fit. Futuristic elements like sharp angles, metallic accents, and bold branding are highly desirable. UV protection is a top priority, with many opting for polarized lenses for glare reduction,“ Feldman said.
Looking to catch a bit of Olympic spirt or make a stylish statement at a summer party, the sporty shield is the frame to take your eyewear game to the next level.
