Eyewear to express the self
Instagram Update: Eyewear
As tracked across social media, the eyewear category is currently influenced by various creative energies. With social life being suspended for so long, the willingness for self expression is proposing eyewear trends with a variety of shapes and materials that can create different narratives for different kinds of consumers. Sunglasses are versatile accessory that enhances the perception of us and our own perception of the world around us. With the sensory shift of the pandemic, tinted glasses can help us to see the world through a different lens, while an upheaval of clear styles seems to provide us with clarity and self-assurance. One of the main trends that are emerging on Instagram is deeply connected with a sentiment of nostalgia for the past. Attached to this desire are large retro-style aesthetic, classic cat eyes or, as the result of an intense y2k revival, an influx of Millenial looks. As for the 2000s style, frameless rectangular shapes and shiny finishings celebrate a new appreciation for frivolity and tackiness. But consumers are not only longing for a gloomy past, but reach for the future by dreaming of a hyper-tech world. A new sphere that will include spectacular sunglasses designed for energized races with iridescent surfaces that are ready for a journey through the metaverse. Colors, materials, shapes and finishes are vibrating with innovation to celebrate a beautiful moment of rebirth, where new looks can nourish our souls, which needed to be silent for too long.
Frameless 00s
+186% YOY
Credits: @vicca_wonck, @crapeeyewear, @petrahenriette, @vi_bogodist, @rainymilo
The Shielding
+136% YOY
Credits: @aks, @soccins, @alealimay, @mariawoos, @streetstylespy
Racing Specs
+110% YOY
Credits: @veronicaferraro, @jordandaniels, Paris Street Style, @daisybirchall, @graceghanem
Expressive Squares
+87% YOY
Credits: @lauraeguizabel, @martinahamdy, @akila.la, Paris Street Style, @soccins
Clearly (in)Visible
+54% YOY
Credits: @alexandrapeirera, @abetterfeeling, Street Style Paris, @stellaluciadeopito, @joycorrigan
The Oval Frame
+23% YOY
Credits: @babetterosstylining, @chey_maya, @elisajohnson.co, @camillecharriere, @themagicalhour
The Futurist Cat Eye
+15% YOY
Credits: @perenilleteisbaek, @streetstyleparis, @ellajohnson, Paris Street Style, @jessicawang
Squared Cat Eyes
+5% YOY
Credits: @annakhan25, @ariviere, @tamara, @leoniehanne, @mia.ortizz
Revenge Retros
+9% YOY
Credits: @lauraeguizabel, @stellaluciadeopito, @poppylissman, Copenhagen Street Style, @lesspecs
Tastefully Tinted
+7% YOY
Credits: @jesseniaa.cruz, Milan Street Style, @poppylissiman, @lilyystewart, @emilisindlev
Bold Structures
+7% YOY
Credits: @alealimay, @abetterfeeling, @streetstyleparis, @crepeeyewear, @__mmaxinewylde
Aviator Styles
-21% YOY
Credits: @mpholebajoa, @elieegar, @handinfire, @carlahinojosar, @elisajohnson
Resurgence of Statement Eyewear
As shown above, Spring 22 shows an eyewear category that is saturated with a variety of looks for experimentation, turning even the classics into empowered and expressive styles. This edgy approach to traditional forms meets futuristic versions that push even further to reflect a new taste, inspired by the metaverse and the current race to mars. For the past year, we’ve seen consumers leaning into mindful shopping, opting for easy, versatile styles made out of biodegradable acetate – so-called everyday sunnies. This sentiment seems to have passed with the resurgence of statement eyewear. An original touch seems essential to express the personality after society’s uniformal appearance due to the face mask. The influence of sport has grown in eyewear as well. From alpine-inspired (@Gucci) to cycling-inspired shades (@Stella McCartney), Demna Gvasalia has made sport an integral part of Balenciaga’s brand proposition. For spring it’s all eyes on the oversized bug-eye shapes and distinct nods to Y2K sports eyewear. Size matters this season, from borderline to the absurd. The enlarged styles set an ode to the 70s with Versace’s big bright-colored sunglasses or Ferragamo’s oversized round frames, Victoria Beckham with 70s-inspired shield sunglasses and Saint Laurent retro bug styles got contemporary upgrades with an added bridge. But not everyone wants to get framed and because of this, the classic early 2000s look of rimless sunglasses took hold once more. This sleek trend is the perfect way to re-enter Y2K Era.
The data displayed in the report describes the Instagram visibility growth year on year. The definition of Livetrend stamp can be found on the right.
Category:
Date:
11 April 2022
Tag:
#archive