The Most-Loved Shades of All Time

Published on: January 30, 2023

What better way to celebrate love than looking back at the most loved and iconic sunglasses worn throughout history. From the famous round sunglasses fondly referred to as the "John Lennon glasses" to Hunter S. Thompson's signature aviator's that made their way onto the big screen, these are some of the styles that played a part in shaping pop culture and fashion alike.

Keep reading to find out more about these famous sunglass styles and those who wore them as we break down their influence on fashion and where you can steal their look.

Jacqueline Kennedy's tortoiseshell sunglasses

Former first lady and style icon of her time, Jacqueline Kennedy was the fashion inspiration for many women due to her sophisticated and polished look. One of Kennedy's most distinct fashion accessories were her oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses that she was frequently photographed wearing. While her chic shades were from the french brand François Pinton, many brands have made renditions of the wildly-popular style including Ray-Ban, which subsequently named their version after the American socialite herself, the Jackie Ohh RB4101.

Kurt Cobain's white oval shades

Perhaps no other pair gives us Nineties nostalgia quite like the white sunglasses Kurt Cobain famously wore in a photoshoot with photographer, Jesse Frohman in 1993. Much like the grunge band itself, these sunglasses had a hold over the young, angsty teens of the 90s. The distinct "alien" style shades quickly became the most recognisable totem of Cobain's rebellious persona, becoming a symbol for the misfits and eccentric nonconformists. In recent years, the original designer of the iconic sunnies, Christian Roth, decided to bring back the white sunglasses. While difficult to obtain the limited edition style, many brands have continued to take inspiration from the lead singer of Nirvana's iconic look.

Get the look with the Ray-Ban RB4441D

John Lennon's round metal glasses

Lennon's eyewear of choice were small rounded sunglasses. This simple accessory worn frequently by the famous singer's became a key component of his look, as well as frequenting the music videos of the Beatle's most popular songs. While the tea shape style sunglasses had certainly been around before Lennon's time, he remains strongly associated with round metal sunglasses due to their profound influence on pop culture and fashion in the early 60s and onwards. Today, round metal sunglasses remain as popular as ever, whether that can be accredited to the famous Beatle or the flattering style itself.

Get the look with the Ray-Ban RB3447 sunglasses

Audrey Hepburn's oversized cat-eyes

Breakfast at Tiffany's gave us a multitude of iconic looks that perfectly encapsulate fashionable femininity. From the perfect up-do, the little black dress, the adornment of pearls, and of course, her signature cat-eye sunglasses, Hepburn's appearance in the 1962 film has remained a prominent reference for fashion. Her large tortoiseshell sunglasses complimented her outfit perfectly, adding an element of mystery and allure while remaining a glamorous accessory to tie the look together. Like Hepburn's look, oversized cat-eye shades are truly timeless.

Get the look with Cat-Eye Sunglasses.

Steve McQueen's Persol aviators

American movie star and one of the best-dressed men of all time, Steve McQueen, famously sported a pair of Persol sunglasses in the original 1968 film, The Thomas Crown Affair. Originally, the acetate pilot-style sunglasses were never intended on the big screen, but when McQueen stepped on set wearing his pair of Persol 714s, the producer decided to incorporate them into his character's style. Naturally, the effortlessly cool shades became one of the enduring images of the film, embodying a dapper, understated style.

Get the look with the Persol PO9649S Sunglasses

Hunter S. Thompson's yellow lens aviators

Known for many things among his gonzo-style journalism and his turbulent lifestyle illustrated in the film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas starring Johnny Depp, one of Hunter's most defining characteristics is his yellow-tinted aviator sunglasses. The distinct yellow sunglasses fitted with Bausch & Lomb Kalichrome C Yellow lenses were first developed specifically for shooters and hunters, however, Thompson famously made them part of his everyday look. Named the "Shooter" style, the aviators feature a circular hole on the nose bridge which Thompson used to hold cigarettes. The famous Ray-Ban style is still available to shop as the Ray-Ban 3138 Shooter sunglasses, however, if you're after the signature yellow lens look, we suggest the pair below.

Get the look with the Ray-Ban Bill