Top Eyewear Designs Inspired by Retro Trends

Art is cyclical in nature, with certain styles, themes and works from the past becoming rich sources of inspiration in the present.

A great example of that can be found in one of our previous articles, featuring the stunning creations of Alexey Cot, a Poland-based illustrator known for his retro style. Reminiscent of the works of famous artists like J. C. Leyendecker and Norman Rockwell, the illustrations transport you back in time, depicting travel, romance, and domestic life in the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Beyond visual arts, retro trends can also be reflected in fashion. One of the biggest fashion trends in 2024 is ‘eclectic grandpa,’ which adds a modern twist to the vintage style of collared shirts, knit sweaters, patterned socks, and loafers through more expressive accents.

Other examples can be found in the eyewear industry, with today’s brands and retailers taking inspiration from retro fashion to create timeless frame styles. Discover some of the top retro-inspired eyewear designs below.

Oversized frames

Chunky and oversized frames first burst onto the fashion scene in the ‘60s, with iconic celebrities like Audrey Hepburn embracing the style as an elegant addition to her ensembles. By the ‘70s and ‘80s, the frame style was associated with hippie artists like Janis Joplin and rock stars like David Bowie, proving their versatile appeal.

These days, you can find oversized styles in the eyeglasses selection offered by leading retailer LensCrafters. While they share the same oversized silhouette, they vary in colors, shapes, and materials, ranging from the Prada PR17SV in crystal pink acetate to the square-shaped Ralph by Ralph Lauren RA7147. The frames are even available with prescription lenses, making them suitable not only for accessorizing but also for correcting vision.

Cat-eye shape

While oversized frames were designed to be unique and versatile, the cat-eye shape of frames and lenses in retro fashion evoked a more feminine vibe by accentuating the browline and giving the cheekbones a more lifted look. That’s why Marilyn Monroe, one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, often rocked the 50s cat-eye look.

Cat-eye styles are a big hit in women’s collections of luxury fashion houses, like Miuccia Prada’s Miu Miu and Coco Chanel’s Chanel. Miu Miu’s MU01VV recreates the beloved shape with a full-rim frame, while the Chanel 9163B sunglasses offer a sleeker silhouette with bejeweled temples.

Wraparounds

Lastly, the ‘90s obsession with futurism took many forms, going beyond shimmery and metallic fabrics to also include wraparound sunglasses reminiscent of space-themed eyewear. A notable example of this would be the Oakley Sub Zero sunglasses, known for their unique shield lens design. In line with the retro revival, Oakley has brought back the trend by relaunching the Sub Zero wraparounds with a new range of colorways and its latest Prizm Lens Technology.

Another eyewear brand that has tapped into the retro-futuristic style of wraparounds is Gentle Monster, specifically in its collaborative collection with Maison Margiela. Their MM104 sunglasses showcase a voluminous wraparound shape with a leather aesthetic to combine vintage styles with a techno concept.

Overall, these eyewear design trends reflect that retro will never go out of style. Fashion from decades past will continue to influence today’s looks and push the boundaries of creativity and self-expression.

If you enjoyed this article, explore our fashion and beauty stories for even more inspiration.