Masks, Goggles and Shields have been around for many years. Much of the look started with Driving Glasses back in the 1920’s. As eyewear became increasingly popular, companies such as American Optical started promoting the Shield as Sport Glass. From Sports to Safety, came the fashion aspect which started to evolve in the 1940’s leading to the Designer Eyewear Trend from the 1950’s.
The look is a heavy, chunky straight top bar offset by large rimless screens or shields. The look is still available today
Circa 1946, the his and hers AO Polaroid Sportglas.
merican Optical Polaroid Sportglass Sunglasses (1946)
Course Eyewear took it up a notch and started promoting the Designer Look, circa 1960.
600.00 André Courreges Vintage with Monogram Print Sunglasses Mint | eBay
Audrey Hepburn is seen here wearing Pierre Cardin Futuristic fashion (Shield) in 1967.
Audrey Hepburn 1967 wearing Pierre Cardin
The look never goes away as seen in 1970.
Sunglasses fashion in L’Officiel magazine, 1970s.
Silhouette’s interpretation of the Shield in the 1980’s.
Silhouette 1980’s
Alain Mikli 2009
Image: Sunglass Preservation
Then the look changed to separate lenses.
Missoni SS 11
Missoni 2011
Lady Gaga in Gucci 2012
Fendi Mask 2012
Back again to single shield
LaCoste #Sunglasses Fall Winter 2012
Mykita x Bernhard Willhelm 2013
Jeremy Scott- Linda Farrow 2014