Ever since I wore my dad's Ray Ban Wayfarers on holiday in Miami age four I have an affinity with sunglasses. I own 30 pairs, yes 30 pairs of sunglasses in all shapes, sizes and colours and since my obsession started all those years ago, I have sought to find the glasses that will last a lifetime.
Shades have been a big part of the summer fashion scene since the 1950s, when Ray Ban's iconic Wayfarer, Chanel-inspired circular sunglasses, and an ostentatious retro style of shade were all the rage. A decade later however, the popularity of sunglasses as a fashion item dimmed, some believe, as a result of round 'tea-shades', as worn by John Lennon.
Shades were back in the 70s though, with disco divas styling huge and extravagant pairs at the forefront of the resurgence. The 80s injected the summer fashion accessory with opulence, driven by the successful return of Wayfarers and aviator shades, both of which, incidentally, were helped in popularity by the superstar clout of Tom Cruise in his hit films Risky Business (Wayfarers) and Top Gun (Aviators).
In the 1990s, summer fashion favoured Dior's wraparound sunglasses, which were given centre stage by the likes of Victoria Beckham and other high-profile WAGs. The noughties fought back by ditching the blinged-out, OTT look in favour of yet another return to Ray Ban Wayfarers, which could be seen perched on the noses of virtually every celeb.
These days, every fashionista has a pricey pair Wayfarers in her collection, but affordable copies can be found filling out summer fashion shelves everywhere. The Ray Ban Wayfarer's newer and not-quite-so-popular sibling is the Clubmaster, copies of which can also be found on high street shelves, as well as pairs inspired by the classic aviator.
If you want something a little less conventional, why not follow Lady Gaga and try doubling up on your shades - it'll certainly add the wow factor. One thing's for sure, if you're after the perfect sunglasses to match your face shape, or shade of skin or hair, the current fabulous crop of summer fashion shades will have something to suit you.
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