Horn-rimmed Sunglasses: A Classic In the Making

August 24th, 2011 by Brian Wallace Leave a reply »

Nowadays, sunglasses are no longer worn solely for the purpose of eye protection. Fashion value has driven over functionality and become the most looked at and worried about characteristics of a pair of sunglasses. Speaking of fashion, an interesting and somewhat weird fact about it is that it repeats itself. As our friends in the fashion business like to say, everything old could be new again. This year, one of the old things that are new again are horn-rimmed sunglasses. You can see them worn by people practically everywhere from the Hollywood red-carpets to the world’s most famous beaches to average households. Like many other classic vintage styles that have a long history behind them and somehow managed to stand the test of time and stay in vogue, horn-rimmed sunglasses are showing a surprisingly strong potential for longevity that will undoubtedly make them the next candidate for that classic hall of fame list.
horn-rimmed sunglasses

With their origins tracing back to the 19th century Europe, horn-rimmed sunglasses got extremely popular in the United States in the 20th century. Famous actors like Harold Lloyd and music icon Buddy Holly wore them at the time, creating a trend and contributing much to its height. After the peek horn-rimmed sunglasses’ popularity waned for a period of time, but before long they found their spokesman in the new century. Hollywood megastar Johnyy Depp’s devotion to this type of glasses has literally rejuvenated the almost distinct style and put it high up there among the most fashionable accessories of our time.

As can be implied by the name, horn-rimmed sunglasses are those shades with frames made of animal horns and tortoise shell. Initially, these frames were made from real horns and tortoise shell. However, as the result of relentless efforts by the environmentalists and rise of environmental awareness among the general public, manufacturers started to resort to plastic frames and dye them in colors so as to simulate or replicate the look of real horns and shell. As the time goes by, people don’t refer the phrase “horn-rimmed sunglasses” to real horn and tortoise shell made sunglasses anymore, but rather any bold black heavy and “in your face” type of frames that’s out there.

As a much loved style that’s been around for almost two centuries, horn-rimmed sunglasses always give out a look that resembles that of the old times. In this age that value vintage look and retro edge so much, nothing comes before a pair of horn-rimmed sunglasses. Plus, these classic shades have made many adjustments to appeal to the new generation of wearers. Take color for example, these shades come in a huge variety of colors. For the male consumers, black, amber and brown fit the bill, while for the female demography, redwood tortoise and semi blond are the ways to go.

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