From the Archives: Shield Sunglasses From the '60s to Now
Ever-present in the early aughts, shield sunglasses were a dream for pap-magnet celebs. Now, the accessory makes an elegant comeback on the spring runways.
Shield sunglasses are chic and sleek, sporty and fast, and they've always brought a fresh look to fashion. First appearing in the late 1960s via Courrèges, Cardin, and Yves Saint Laurent, the wide-eyed shades added an athletic dimension to otherwise preppy, modular ensembles. Originally, these shield sunglasses came in various geometric shapes in gargantuan sizes, sometimes covering the majority of the wearer's face. These mega shades evolved alongside fashion trends over decades, becoming a singular entity at the turn of the millennium.
Often made from reflective, tinted materials, shield sunglasses quickly became an It girl accessory in the early aughts. The rise of paparazzi culture during this epoch led celebrities like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears to pair their designer streetwear looks with a huge pair of shades that screamed: "No pictures, please!"
In part, these shades gained popularity as a reaction to the minimalist frames that dominated the 1990s, and the trend cycle has once again retracted its steps in 2024. Although Y2K has been a reference point for the industry for some time, its staying power has been cemented by the omnipresence of the piece on recent runways. Giant shield glasses by designers like Tory Burch, Louis Vuitton, The Row, and Acne Studios have been spotted on catwalks as recently as the Spring/Summer 2024 shows. Combining nostalgia with a sporty vibe, these sunglasses will forever be attention-grabbing pieces of note for those who (claim they) want to be alone.
