Photographed by Stephen Mark Sullivan

Oversized sunglasses have long been the accessory du jour for fashionistas and socialites, providing a jolt of glamour while also shielding the wearer from unwanted eye contact. The image of Jackie Kennedy walking around NYC in her big black frames perfectly depicts how oversized sunglasses can be both stylish and unapproachable. Glamour frames will always be in fashion, but large sun styles are offering a more individualized look through a greater variety of shapes, colors and textures. With the embrace of social media and the branding of the individual, privacy is no longer a big part of big frames. Instead, they are expected to reveal our personal style (along with our other sartorial choices) and take center stage in the photos we post on social media. These statement-making frames reflect this shift; instead of shunning the spotlight, they revel in it.

–Iris Johnson