When it comes to making a statement on the red carpet, celebrities know that every detail counts. And one detail that can really elevate a look is a pair of standout eyewear. From classic cat-eye frames to bold, avant-garde designs, these five celebrities have rocked unique eyewear looks on the red carpet and left us all in awe.
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o is no stranger to taking risks on the red carpet, and her eyewear choices are no exception. At the 2019 Met Gala, she stunned in a pair of rainbow-colored cat-eye frames that perfectly complemented her multi-colored dress. The frames were by Italian brand Moschino, and Nyong’o showed off her playful side by pairing them with a bright red lip and oversized gold hoop earrings.
But it’s not just bold colors that Nyong’o is willing to experiment with. At the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival, she donned a pair of circular, wire-frame glasses that added an intellectual edge to her elegant purple dress. The glasses were by New York-based brand Selima Optique and featured delicate metalwork that made them feel both modern and timeless.
Elton John
When it comes to iconic eyewear, Elton John is the undisputed king. Over the course of his decades-long career, the legendary musician has sported countless memorable frames, from his signature round glasses to oversized bedazzled shades. At the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, John opted for a pair of black sunglasses with white star-shaped accents that were both playful and elegant.
But perhaps the most famous pair of glasses in John’s collection are the heart-shaped frames he wore in the music video for “I’m Still Standing.” The video, which was filmed on the French Riviera in 1983, features John strutting down the street in a bright pink suit and heart-shaped glasses, cementing both the song and the glasses as iconic pop culture moments. Click here to shop for glasses online and find your own statement pair mimicking those of Elton John.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is known for her avant-garde fashion choices, and her eyewear is no exception. At the 2019 Met Gala, she turned heads in a pair of oversized sunglasses that resembled a pair of sleek black wings. The glasses were designed by her longtime collaborator Brandon Maxwell and perfectly complemented her fuchsia gown and sky-high platform boots.
But Gaga has also been known to rock more classic styles. At the 2016 Academy Awards, she wore a pair of simple, black cat-eye frames that added a touch of vintage glamour to her white jumpsuit. The glasses were by Versace and featured subtle gold accents that elevated the overall look.
Johnny Depp
Actor Johnny Depp has long been associated with a unique and quirky style, and his eyewear is no exception. At the 2019 Hollywood Vampires concert, he sported a pair of red-tinted sunglasses that added a rock-and-roll edge to his classic black suit. The glasses featured circular lenses and a thin metal frame that gave them a vintage feel.
But perhaps Depp’s most iconic eyewear moment was in the movie “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” in which he played journalist Hunter S. Thompson. In the film, Depp wears a pair of yellow-tinted aviator glasses that have become synonymous with the character and the film itself.
Iris Apfel
At 100 years old, style icon Iris Apfel is still making waves with her bold fashion choices and standout eyewear. At the 2019 Met Gala, she donned a pair of oversized glasses with thick black frames and white accents that perfectly matched her monochromatic outfit. The glasses were by designer Linda Farrow and added a touch of whimsy to the overall look.
But Apfel’s eyewear collection is much more expensive than just one pair of glasses. She is known for her love of bold frames and colorful lenses and has been collecting eyewear for decades. Her collection includes everything from large, round frames to funky, geometric shapes, and she is not afraid to mix and match patterns and colors for a truly unique look.
Eyewear is a Statement
These five celebrities have proven that eyewear can be just as much of a statement piece as any dress or suit. From bold colors to avant-garde designs, they have pushed the boundaries of traditional eyewear and shown that glasses can be both functional and fashionable. Whether you prefer classic styles or daring looks, there is an inspiration to be found in the eyewear choices of these fashion icons.