Met Gala 2023 proved that all-black sunglasses are forever in style
Since 2005, the first Monday in May has become known as the most important ‘Save the Date’ for fashion’s finest. 2023 was no exception. Following this year’s theme, ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,’ this year’s Met Gala was a spectacle for style lovers. Homages to the late designer were paid in the form of tweed coats, satin ballgowns and even personifications of Choupette – yes that’s right, Karl Lagerfeld’s beloved Birman cat.
Besides the usual fanfare and extravagance, there was an accessory that we as eyewear lovers couldn’t help but notice. And no, it wasn’t Doja Cat’s beaded cat ears. Something much more demure, but always elegant: a pair of black sunglasses. It makes sense, Lagerfeld was rarely photographed without his black shades, and throughout the years the German designer’s uniform look created his instantly-recognizable persona.
Building on Lagerfeld’s legacy, celebrities took on their own version of the all-black look with these sunglasses.
Jessica Chastain, A$AP Rocky and Idris Elba in Gucci
Who would have ever thought that Idris Elba, Jessica Chastain and A$AP Rocky would have ever been put together in a Who wore it best? contest. Not us. But yet, here we are. These celebs all graced the red carpet with ensembles that were completely different from each other, but there was a shared thread; this pair of black Gucci sunglasses.
With their timeless squared silhouette and gold hardware touches, these shades are ultra-versatile, managing to polish off just about anything, from Chastain's sheer black ball ballgown to A$AP’s tux-kilt-jean combo.
Jackson Wang and Usher in Gentle Monster
Channeling Lagerfeld’s love for good tailoring and leather gloves, Jackson Wang and Usher finished off their ultra-sleek look with glossy Gentle Monster sunglasses. We’re especially loving Wang’s pairing of the house’s 27 and 7 sunglasses with a double-breasted embroidered coat, a look that perfectly mirrors Lagerfeld’s air of refinement.
Roger Federer, Ke Huy Quan and Pierce Brosnan in Oliver Peoples
Oliver Peoples knows how to make a good pair of black sunglasses, as shown by this year’s Met Gala. Ke Huy Quan styled his pinstripe fit with the Kasdan sunglasses, while Pierce Brosnan took the look for a spin with his tinted Oliver sunglasses. Not all shades were black: one of the event’s Co-Chairs, Roger Federer, was photographed in the brand’s Lachman sunglasses which, with their dark brown ‘bark’ acetate, offset the formality of his fitted suit.
Maluma and Diddy in Bottega Veneta
Lagerfield loved his bold jewelry, a fact not lost on celebrities like Diddy and Maluma. And what brand would be a better complement to dramatic accessories other than Bottega Veneta? We can think of no better choice. Diddy stayed true to his all-black theme with an oversized pair of sunglasses from the fashion house, while Maluma contrasted his ensemble with these glossy black Bottega Veneta cat-eye shades.
Kun in Prada
Kun knows a thing or two about good eyewear. The Chinese singer recently collaborated with Gentle Monster, and he proved his eyewear expertise at this year’s Gala. Spotting a dress shirt and tie combo with strategically placed chains and a sequined overcoat, the musician polished off the layered look with a pair of D-frame shades from Prada.
Lagerfield would have loved it.
