Eyewear has long been a vital accessory for practical use and self-expression. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance a look while providing visual clarity or UV protection, which is why they’re a must-have for many. It’s also why the eyewear market is showing no signs of slowing. Data from Statista notes that the eyewear market was valued at $141.20 billion in 2023 and will see a 3.3% growth in 2024.
With a new year comes new trends that disrupt the scene. The 2020s have seen a massive revival of the Y2K style, with colorful, skinny shades dominating the industry. Vintage aesthetics also made a comeback in 2022 and 2023, rehashing the chic and classic styles of the 1960s and 1970s but with a modern twist. With so much room for innovation and creativity, eyewear trends in 2024 look promising and exciting, changing how glasses and sunglasses are used as fashion statements. Here are some of the top eyewear trends to look out for in 2024:
Bayonetta glasses
Eyewear trends in previous years have skewed more toward big and bold thanks to the revival of the Y2K fashion era and 1970s-inspired fashion. Designers like Michael Kors incorporated oversized sunnies on the runway, and big glasses were a major feature of the maximalist style trend. Oversized eyewear adds a touch of glam, but the opposite side of the spectrum is also gaining more traction. “Dorky” aesthetics are making a comeback in fashion, and eyewear is a huge part of this growing trend. For 2024, eyewear is taking a more ‘90s and early 2000s “geek chic” approach with sensible and simple prescription glasses.
These sleek and slim glasses are often called “Bayonetta glasses,” as Bayonetta is a popular video game character known for her iconic thin black glasses that are part of her signature look. The character makes these otherwise nerdy frames look sexy and chic. She’s not the only one responsible for this resurgence of these simple shades; fashion houses like Miu Miu, Prada, and Chanel have hopped onto the preppy and ugly-chic trend, with models donning narrow rectangular or round glasses. Celebrities like Bella Hadid and Emma Chamberlain have also been spotted out and about with these glasses, giving an it-girl spin on frumpy aesthetics.
Timeless frames
People are becoming more conscious of their consumption, especially in light of the ethical concerns surrounding the fast fashion industry. Where the early 2020s saw a massive uptick in people using platforms like Shein for shopping and massive clothing hauls, 2023 shifted toward secondhand or thrift purchases. As such, 2024 may see a greater focus on the longevity of fashion pieces to combat mass production and unethical fashion practices. Eyewear is no exception to this growing wave of “slow fashion.” Rather than buying shades based on fashion fads, sunglasses are becoming an investment piece to be worn for years.
Designer eyewear brand Ray-Ban has been at the forefront of classic sunglasses styles for decades, with much of their classic models still being fashionable today. The Wayfarer, Aviator, and Clubmaster styles are just a few examples of their evergreen models, showcasing that eyewear can elevate a look no matter what’s trending in fashion. Timeless styles can transcend the trend cycle, allowing consumers to stay stylish without having to buy new or multiple pairs too often to conform to what’s fashionable at the given time. By buying eyewear with longevity in mind, consumers can veer away from overconsumption and unethical fashion by investing in well-made pieces that can last for years to come.
Avant-garde styles
Eyewear is an attention-grabbing way to elevate a look while acting as a tool of self-expression. With the 2020s setting the stage for more fashion experimentation, microtrends, and the rise of “core” style aesthetics, eyewear is set to become the next frontier for flaunting and enhancing personal style, shifting from a practical or protective accessory to a statement piece. Avant-garde and eclectic glasses are gaining traction, especially among younger consumers looking for a way to carve out a unique style identity.
Brands like Gentle Monster are paving the way for disruptive eyewear designs. The Korean brand’s 2024 Optical Collection showcases futuristic spectacles with intricate metal detailing and cool colorways, putting a luxurious and experimental spin on youthful aesthetics. The star shapes on the temples are the collection’s signature, creating unique frames that stand out from traditional styles. Balenciaga—known for its avant-garde designs and exquisite craftsmanship—has also been a crucial player in eclectic eyewear. The brand takes well-loved designs like the cat-eye or oval shape to create unorthodox styles based on classic models. The Fennec Oval Sunglasses and the Hamptons Cat Sunglasses showcase the brand’s prowess in developing out-of-the-box frames based on what consumers already know and love.
3D-printed eyewear
Personalization has become a major buzzword in the marketing and data industries, and 2024 may also see more personalization in eyewear. There’s nothing more luxurious and exclusive than having a custom piece made precisely for you, and the 3D-printed eyewear trend can offer that customization for consumers. Frames and silhouettes that are crafted based on a customer’s measurements and preferences can create a fashion experience that’s totally unique and special.
Fashion house Givenchy previously delved into 3D-printed eyewear with their “GIV CUT” sunglasses collection, combining innovative craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. The collection features dramatic angles and unconventional shapes, showcasing the prowess of 3D printing and the promise it can have for future eyewear generations and shopping experiences. Since 3D printing has shown to be capable of aiding in the creation of disruptive designs, consumers seeking one-of-a-kind shades may enjoy this technology and the hyper-personalization it provides.
Fashion is constantly evolving and shifting, and eyewear is no exception. These forecasted eyewear trends are emerging in a unique era, shaped by changing consumer habits and demands, the development of the latest technology and online features, and even the monumental impact of social media. These trends may only be a fraction of what’s to come for eyewear—and the fashion industry as a whole—in 2024.
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Contact Name: Evan Tye
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Website: https://www.essilorluxottica.com/
Source: BINARY NEWS NETWORK
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