What type of sunglasses do celebrities wear?

Here’s a universal truth: Squinting isn’t a good look. With the weather in Singapore getting hotter in 2024, you need a proper shield – not just to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays but also to lend a touch of undeniable swagger. We’re talking about sunglasses.  

Sunglasses are the epitome of form and function. In the hands of a celebrity, they serve a multitude of purposes. They help to protect against the paparazzi’s camera flash while offering a way to hide tired eyes. More importantly, they are a statement piece. Sunglasses can be the cherry on top of a great outfit, instantly elevating a celebrity’s cool factor. For many public personalities, this little accessory has become a key part of their personal brand.  

From the audaciously flamboyant frames of singer Elton John to the effortlessly stylish tinted shades of YouTuber Emma Chamberlain, here is a look at some of the most iconic sunglasses – worn by the most beloved figures of pop culture. 

1. Elton John

In the early years of Elton John’s career, this British singer-songwriter sported some of the wackiest, most playful and extravagant sunglasses that the entertainment world had ever seen. It was the 1970s, and most of the eyewear this piano-pop star wore was bedazzled in some form, oversized, and with tinted lenses. Our favourites include his feathered glasses and a unique pair featuring miniature awnings attached to each lens.  

2. Audrey Hepburn

Oversized sunglasses are often associated with today’s celebrities, such as Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez. But it was first popularised by actress Audrey Hepburn in the 1960s, who went from wearing them in her film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” to making it a part of her core personal wardrobe.

3. Kanye West

One of the defining moments of pop culture in the 2000s was when rapper Kanye West released his “Stronger” music video, which featured him wearing the now-iconic shutter shades. This singular style of sunglasses became so popular that you could’ve even bought yourself a pair for a few dollars.

4. John Lennon

One quarter of English rock band The Beatles, John Lennon was an avid wearer of small, round sunglasses. One of them was even sold for £137,500 (about S$235,100) at an auction. Beyond mere fashion, his round-rimmed shades was a symbol of his artistic spirit, intellectual cool and counterculture persona.

5. Emma Chamberlain

Aside from being a content creator and founder of coffee Chamberlain Coffee, Emma Chamberlain is also known for her distinct fashion style. Anyone who’s a fan of hers knows that she loves a good sweater vest and a good pair of tinted sunglasses. Her choice of sunnies has even led her to collaborate with two eyewear brands, Crap Eyewear and Warby Parker, to create her own line of quirky yet classic sunglasses.

6. Kendall Jenner

While certain celebrities tend to gravitate towards bold style choices, supermodel Kendall Jenner prefers to dress herself in a sleek, sophisticated and understated way. This extends to her choice of eyewear too. Whether she’s heading to the airport, or coming out of the gym, you’ll likely see her in her signature black rectangle sunnies – a classic yet chic look.

7. Karl Lagerfeld

A fashion icon and designer who had worked for luxury labels like Chanel, Balmain and Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld had a signature look that he never often veered away from. In almost all photos of him, Karl wore a ponytail, black jacket with a white shirt, black pants, black gloves, and his iconic black sunglasses. His favourite pair is said to be from Chanel, giving him an air of mystery and prestige.

8. Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, the late King of Pop, had worn many types of sunglasses in his lifetime. But none were as iconic as his aviators. One could recall his Super Bowl Halftime concert in 1993, where he stood on stage for exactly 1 minute 30 seconds without any music or movement, and kicked off his show literally by removing his aviators in slow motion.

Whether you’re looking to emulate the style of a celebrity or experiment with a new look, our extensive collection of sunglasses at Chew’s Optics has something for everyone. Among the brands we carry include Prada Eyewear, Burberry Eyewear, Coach, Ray-Ban, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Giorgio Armani.

To enhance your shopping experience at our optical store, our seasoned optometrists are also available for on-the-spot consultations, during which they will take the time to understand your lifestyle and preferences, analyse your face shape, and offer tailored recommendations on the best sunglasses for you.

It’s about time you treat yourself to some retail therapy and shop around for a new pair of sunglasses. Our optical shop is located at 144 Teck Whye Lane, #01-211, Singapore; and we are open daily except Mondays and Fridays. Got questions for us? Drop us a line directly on WhatsApp at +65 8314 7093.