Between fires and flooding across the Australian eastern seaboard last summer, and what will essentially be a write-off year in 2022, hopes are high for the summer of all summers leading in 2021. With the sun poking through the clouds and spring just days away, what better way to celebrate than with a cheeky investment in a fresh pair of sunglasses. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to collate a list of the best sunglasses on the market this summer – which you can check out below.
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A.S.O Havanna by P.Johnson
Australian menswear atelier P.Johnson recently debuted two styles of sunglasses – the C.É.J. inspired by le Corbusier – the father of modern arhictecture and the other by shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis. The A.O.S. channels the man’s fierce personal style, made of Italian acetate and scratch resistant glass, hand-polished in black or tortoise.
Shop now: $495.00
Kiwi 004 by Chimi
The boxy emerald frames from Chimi are a certified statement piece, handcrafted with glossy green Mazzucchelli acetate and paired with 100% UV (400) Protection. A relatively cheap option for those keen to channel the style of top designers like JacquesMarieMage (also on this list) without the accompanying price-tag.
Shop now: AU$159
Greta by Sun Buddies
These thick square frames from Sun Buddies are handmade of Italian acetate and are perfect for the man who likes a bold statement. The black Carl Zeiss lenses offer 100% UV protection for those days soaking up the harsh rays and come in a luxurious sliding paperboard box and an orange faux leather case.
Shop now: €130
M3058 by Matsuda
At the punchier end of this list in price and build quality are the M3058 frames from Matsuda, masters of the eyewear game for over five decades. Entirely handmade in Japan, these titanium sunglasses feature a classic P3 shape featuring a wide rim with Matsuda’s signature M+N engraving.
Shop now: AU$1,000
Kinney Champagne by Garrett Leight
Straight from Venice Beach, these Garrett Leight creations capture the very essence of summer with its Californian-inspired design. They’re timeless, tasteful, and oozing with cool – perfect for a sunset session on the sand.
Shop now: AU$480
CHAMP DE MARS by AHLEM
From Parisian born, LA-based designer, Ahlem Manai-Platt, AHLEM showcases an ever-evolving collection of trend-agnostic frames. Handcrafted in France from the finest Italian Mazzucchelli acetate they’ll have you feeling like you’re being snapped by Slim Aarons poolside at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. The CHAMP DE MARS, offered in four colourways, is our pick.
Shop now: AU$455
Marshall II by Ray-Ban
A new player has entered Ray-Ban’s classic rim game. The hexagonal-shaped metallic frame on the Marshall II is a strong summer addition that’ll hold its effortless style well into the colder months. This contemporary take on the Ray-Ban Aviator is a worthy inclusion in any eyewear ensemble.
Shop now: AU$215
The Argyll by E.B. Meyrowitz
Built upon the tenets of exceptional service and traditional craftsmanship since 1875, E.B. Meyrowitzr fashions exceptional handcrafted RTW or bespoke eyewear. Offering bold contours, lilting curves and cool green grey polarized lenses, The Argyll really is a showstopper of a piece. Available in four colours, direct from London.
Shop now: Approx $1645 (£900.00)
Hanalei S by Mr. Leight
Mr. Leight, a collaboration between father and son, Larry and Garrett Leight bridges multiple generations of design and craftsmanship to deliver superlative contemporary eyewear. Their Hanalei S frame is a lesson in finesse, inspired by the iconic 60s mod optical shape and crafted from Japanese acetate, titanium accents and 3-barrel custom hinges. Sunglasses don’t come much better than this.
Shop now: US$645
Nomad II by L.G.R.
The preferred pair of sunglasses by six-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, L.G.R. by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone channels the merging of two worlds; the adventure of Africa and the glamour of the Riviera. These contemporary gold shades are handmade in Italy, incorporating gradient blue mineral glass lens and hand-polished acetate frames. Subscribe to their mailing list for 10% off.
Shop now: €445
Dealan by JacquesMarieMage
Throughout the mid-1960’s, Bob Dylan toured the world with a sole companion: one pair of iconic, black, cat-eyed spectacles. The DEALAN by JacquesMarieMage pays homage to this unique relationship between a man and his eyewear, incorporating bold volumes and sharp lines that evoke the musician’s devil-may-care charisma. Available in 13 colourways and suitable for any face shape.
Shop now: US$555
Caro by RETROSUPERFUTURE
Caro by RETROSUPERFUTURE is a wide, geometric silhouette that blends 1960s Italian classicism with a 1990s grunge aesthetic. The model – which is also available in matte black, features a well-rounded design with a thick, sturdy acetate structure, squared temple tips and angular rims on the lower half of the frame.
Shop now: €159
Felix by Oscar Wylee
A perfect hybrid of aviator sunglasses and circular frame design, the versatility of this particular aesthetic from Oscar Wylee means where there is sun, there is always an opportunity to whip out a pair of these slick sunnies. ‘Nuff said.
Shop now: AU$169
Maison Bonnet
Finally, while it’s not a specific frame from the brand, Maison Bonnet is the creator of the best sunglasses for men and women and a name that simply couldn’t be left off this list, especially considering how many frames it inspired here.
With ateliers in both Paris and London, the fourth-generation family-owned business offers made-to-measure or bespoke fittings of styles they made iconic (with help from the likes of Aristotle & Jackie Kennedy Onassis), starting from €1300.
Now it’s just a matter of taking your pick.
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