8 Musicians Known for Their Iconic Eyewear
Throughout history, music and fashion have had a symbiotic relationship. It’s not uncommon for musicians to become associated with their unique style and accessories, including eyewear. Certain musicians have even achieved pop culture notoriety for their distinct glasses, such as Lisa Loeb’s tortoise shell frames and Elton John’s iconic glittery pink shades. Here are eight performers who have incorporated eyewear into their onstage identity, solidifying their status as fashion icons in addition to their musical talent.
Stevie Wonder and Shades
Stevie Wonder, an iconic musician revered by many, has made his mark not only with his unparalleled musical talents but also with his distinctive eyewear. Living with blindness since birth, he wears dark glasses to shield his eyes from excessive brightness.
His eyewear has become an inseparable part of his image, with him often sporting shades in varying hues and designs. From small round Lennon-style glasses to larger rectangular frames, Stevie Wonder has experimented with a range of glasses over the years. His eyewear serves as a testament to his musical prowess, with the ability to evoke emotions through sound alone.
Elton John’s Pink Sunglasses
Few musicians have made as significant a fashion statement with their eyewear as Elton John. His flamboyant style has included some of the most memorable glasses ever worn by a musician.
Since the 1970s, Elton John has taken full advantage of statement-making eyewear, when he began sporting outrageous outfits. His most famous pair, the pink glitter sunglasses, featured in the 1975 film “Tommy.”
Elton John’s bold eyewear has become synonymous with his music and personal brand. He claims to own over 250,000 pairs of glasses.
Lady Gaga and Oversized Glasses
Lady Gaga has gained recognition for her unconventional approach to music and fashion. The release of her first album in 2008 sparked a wave of attention, with her daring outfits and unique eyewear garnering much of the limelight.
Her iconic appearance at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, where she donned a pair of oversized sunglasses that concealed a significant portion of her face, remains etched in the memory of many.
Her eyewear choices have continued to remain outside the norm, ranging from tortoise shell glasses to bold neon frames that push the boundaries of traditional eyewear.
Buddy Holly’s Classic Black Frames
Buddy Holly made significant contributions to the evolution of rock and roll and his eyeglasses have left a lasting impression on contemporary fashion trends.
The esteemed artist donned a distinctive pair of black frames that have since become a style unto themselves.
His glasses were a permanent fixture on his face, so much so that they became an essential element of his signature look, even incorporated into his official logo.
Holly’s legacy lives on through his innovative music and iconic eyewear.
John Lennon’s Small Round Frames
It’s no secret that John Lennon was a musical icon, but what you may not know is that he was also a style icon.
His signature eyewear, small and round frames, became a fixture in his wardrobe and made a lasting impact on the fashion world. In fact, his eyewear style is still influencing modern retro trends today.
He first wore these kinds of specs when he was filming “How I Won the War.” Fortunately, he didn’t drop the look right after filming.
He decided to keep these small and round sunglasses and even made them his trademark!
Debbie Harry’s Mirrored Sunglasses
In the 1970s, Debbie Harry made a statement with her fashion choices as the lead singer of Blondie. She wasn’t afraid to experiment with bold colours and daring outfits, and her eyewear was no exception.
Harry’s round-framed mirrored sunglasses were a critical component of her image, helping her stand out as a standout figure in the punk rock movement.
It’s no wonder that her unique look continues to be celebrated and emulated today.
Roy Orbison and Thick Rims
It was common to spot Roy Orbison donning his glasses in just about any setting
The renowned singer was celebrated for his unique vocal range and poignant song writing, but he is equally recognized for his signature thick-framed glasses.
Orbison’s glasses were not only a fashion statement, but also a necessity due to his extreme nearsightedness.
His glasses were a part of his persona, and he never left home without them.
Janis Joplin’s Big Round Shades
Janis Joplin made significant strides in the music industry, forging a path for female artists to follow. Her distinctive fashion sense was part of her distinctiveness, setting her apart from other musicians.
She was a fan of bohemian style, and her unconventional fashion choices extended to her eyewear.
Joplin frequently sported large, round frames in vibrant hues, which became synonymous with her unrestrained spirit and independence.
Any Style, From Tortoise Shell Glasses to Cat-Eye Frames
Throughout history, the worlds of music and fashion have been closely linked. Many performers have showcased how eyewear can be a crucial accessory that helps to define their image.
From the iconic wraparound frames of Bono to the classy black frames of Elvis Costello, these artists have made eyewear an essential part of their on-stage presence. Their eyewear choices have become timeless styles, inspiring fashion enthusiasts across generations.
Explore the site today to find glasses that can help you emulate your favourite classic musician.