The importance of being shady

Your guide to sunglasses this summer.

ISLAMABAD:

They say your eyes are the windows to the soul. If that is the case, then your shades would be what screen your eyes from the world, creating a tinted barrier between you and everybody else.

There is something very reassuring about the way they conceal expressions. Sunglasses can make the wearer look unassumingly neutral — Emperor Nero was a fan of watching gladiators bloody each other through polished gems. Other sources report that Chinese judges used to wear smoky quartz glasses to hide their expressions when they interrogated prisoners. Although shades may not be used specifically for cross-examination or torture purposes anymore, wearing them is a foolproof way of avoiding sun exposure, squinting unnecessarily, and looking effortlessly cool — if you have a decent pair.

Unfortunately, even fashion-conscious people sometimes forget to be particular when it comes to selecting eyewear. If you think you are cool because you have a pair of sepia-toned aviators, think again. Every Tom, Dick and Harry has one, and this only means you have to try extra hard to impress. Worry not; you need only turn to Oliver Peoples’ Summer 2011 collection to get an idea of which aviators make it on the fly-list. Their 70s-inspired masculine double-bridge Linfords are crafted with high quality metal alloy and are a novel take on traditional Ray-Bans. Guys willing to experiment without getting too crazy — don’t risk being Euro-Trash and avoid Dolce and Gabanna- are encouraged to check out what Brad Pitt was wearing for Cannes 2011. His Tom Ford tortoise shells are now making the rounds, with plenty of knock-offs.

Ladies are spoilt for choice this season. Fresh off Londontown’s High Streets, L’atelier Boutique’s very own Zahra Raza reports, “The Louis Vuitton Millenium Sunglasses are really hot. Everyone is getting them.” These are impressive black and gold aviators, designed to add a sleek touch to any outfit no matter how drab. They are a must. The same applies for big sunglasses (see Burberry) that evoke Audrey Hepburn circa Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

As for local trends, some quick market research shows it is still all about Chanel. “Ladies are mostly buying large bejewelled Chanel shades, in all colours,” said Zahid, an optician at D. Watson. These cost Rs20,000 and over but apparently the cost is not a big problem for many people in the city. There’s something about the glint of bedazzled shades that sends them into a wild frenzy of purchasing. Zahid also explained that Police wayfarers and aviators are a hot commodity for men; again these are priced at Rs10,000 and above. The trends are somewhat the same across the country with Bvlgari aviators and Ray-Ban wayfarers in black and brown being the most famous in Lahore as well. Karachi, however, sees an upsurge in the demand for funky Tom Fords in colours ranging from creme to purple, Prada, Gucci as well as Ray-Bans.

Ultimately, it is about wearing what suits one’s face and personal style. The glasses are not supposed to wear you — there is always that risk with designers — which is why spending the equivalent of a small school for the impoverished on overpriced labels can come off as a little exorbitant. Those who don’t put their faith in labels will find a variety of eyewear being sold for under Rs200 at street side vendors.

“My sister recently bought a pair from a roadside stall. They look really good and totally authentic,” said Mavra Bari. It takes a little time and patience, but people do luck out with amazing glasses when they are looking for a quick buy at street-side ventures (especially if you’re on the prowl for a pair of white-framed shades, which are very popular on the streets for some reason).

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th,  2011.