6 sunglass brands that nail ‘Quiet Luxury’
While it’s fun to keep up with the latest trends, play around with our looks and pick new pieces that aren’t usually part of our style’s lexicon, there’s no doubt that when the hype train dies down, truly timeless pieces are what we find ourselves reaching for.
The internet would seem to agree. Evocative of a subtle luxury that eschews oversized logos and excessive colors, quiet luxury is the latest buzzword that perfectly defines this aesthetic.
Though by no means new, quiet luxury’s recent revival could be many things. In TV, our glance into the old-money style of the ultra-rich comes from HBO’s Succession, where New York’s elite casually saunters around in the latest looks from Brunello Cucinelli and Loro Piana. And the FW23 runways have been sprinkled with pared-back releases by the likes of Bottega Veneta, Celine, and perhaps most surprisingly, Balenciaga. These two avenues have shown a considered take on style, where beauty is savored alongside a true love for the very essence of clothing itself, further showcased through sculpted tailoring and an impeccable attention to detail.
Moving away from gimmicky trends and ultra-loud colors might be just the dose of sobriety we need for the seasons ahead. But don’t get quiet luxury confused with boring. While quiet luxury usually embraces neutral tones and sleek blacks when it comes to clothing, sunglasses are more flexible. Bold frames can still work, but switch out neon acetates and pastel details for more natural, earthy tones. Think subtle green-tinted lenses and marbled brown tortoises, all good touches that embrace the vibe without being too minimalistic.
Looking to ace the look? Read on to find out how these six eyewear brands have been nailing the quiet luxury aesthetic for quite some time now.
1. Oliver Peoples x Brunello Cucinelli
If you’ve already taken a deep dive into the quiet luxury movement, you’ve probably already heard Italian menswear label Brunello Cucinelli cited more than once as an exemplary brand of the aesthetic. Known for their slow production and use of the finest materials, the Umbrian house has paired with like-minded experts Oliver Peoples for a limited edition collaboration that showcases both brands’ vintage-inspired vibe and timeless craftsmanship.
Oliver Peoples x Brunello Cucinelli sunglasses embrace the quiet luxury with their classic shapes, subtle Italian design and hand-inlaid Brunello Cucinelli plaque. Fine-tune your style with the collection’s Mr. Brunello, Deadani, and Griffo models.
2. Bottega Veneta
Since 2021, creative director Matthieu Blazy has carried on Bottega Veneta’s sleek luxury with sculptural expression, woven detailing and delightfully modern minimalism. Never too austere, but definitely highlighting shape and form over anything else. Much like their sought-after bags, Bottega Veneta’s eyewear showcases the same beautiful charm with its angularity and polished acetates.
Reminder: quiet luxury doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go sans logo, as the brand knows well. With sunglasses featuring the contemporary gold-tone ribbon signature on the temples, the logo still conveys a gilded elegance without being gaudy.
Pair these sunglasses with your favorite straight-leg jeans and longest trench, and you’ve perfected the look.
3. Barton Perreira
Barton Perreira’s founders Bill Barton and Patty Perreira both tote impressive resumes; Barton was the previous CEO of Oliver Peoples while Perreira worked at Prada, Miu Miu, and also Oliver Peoples for eighteen years. Sharing their knowledge of expertly-crafted eyewear, the brand is known for its Japanese handicraft and limited-batch production.
Without even trying, all Barton Perreira sunglasses are a perfect match for the quiet luxury aesthetic. Made with a ‘responsible luxury’ expression as noted by the brand’s website, they feature timeless designs which were made to be worn in any season, not to be discarded every time a trend is no longer ‘in’.
Beautiful and never ostentatious, these frames accentuate an understated look. Fans of neutrals will gravitate to Barton Perreira’s Coltrane sunglasses in Champagne acetate, while a more sartorial styler will undoubtedly love the elevated sophistication of the Joe 007 sunglasses, which are from the brand’s limited edition James Bond collection.
4. Mr. Leight
Self-described as ‘quietly unexpected, undeniably beautiful, and completely timeless,’ Mr. Leight innovates the ordinary with their retro-inspired designs and cultural references. The brainchild of father-and-son duo Larry Leight (of Oliver Peoples) and Garrett Leight, the brand makes frames for the seasoned stylist. Made in Japan and Italy, these frames feature titanium detailing, polished acetate with considered finishes and filigree accents.
Practically embodying a day lounging by the pool with a stunning backdrop, Mr. Leight sunglasses elevate the carefree Californian lifestyle with their unparalleled construction and natural color palettes. Think cinematically indie, not commercially blockbuster.
5. Tom Ford
Made in Italy, all Tom Ford eyewear is treated with the same careful attention to detail and style as all of the creative director’s immaculate creations. The house’s sleekly polished acetate frames have made them favorites amongst celebrities such as Daniel Craig.
It’s no surprise, then, that it’s the eyewear of choice for Succession’s Naomi Pierce, played by Annabelle Dexter-Jones. In the debut episode of the series’ fourth and final season, Dexter-Jones makes her entrance in ivory wide-leg pants, a black knitted top that’s casually tucked in at one side, pearl drop earrings and black wraparound Tom Ford sunglasses. It’s a simple look that showcases quiet luxury’s purposeful effortlessness.
To get Naomi’s look, try Tom Ford’s Cyrille sunglasses. With their all-black edge, they’ll give you the perfect amount of glamour without being too loud.
6. Mykita
Berlin-based eyewear brand Mykita knows that when something’s really good, there’s no need for exaggeration or showy branding. A fact that is made evident by the brand’s sober aesthetic, putting function at the center of each handmade design. From patented spiral hinges to innovative materials, the sunglasses’ details and decidedly pared-back look give them their quiet luxury feel.
Match your minimalist style with the brand’s flattering lightweight frames, such as the matte Ketill sunglasses or the sleek black Callum shades.
