WORDS BY JOSEPH FURNESS
Although we’re constantly encouraging our customers to invest in timeless style staples, we strongly believe it’s important to experiment with playful accessories. The outfit add-on we switch-up season after season without fail is our sunglasses, as nothing lets your peers know you’re up to speed with the latest trends quite like a pair of à la mode sunnies.
This summer, one style of shades will reign supreme: bug-eye sunglasses. We’re talking about those souped-up ‘90s/’00s styles exaggerated to the point where they resemble the eyes of an insect. The kind that wouldn’t look out of place if paired with a look from the Mugler Spring 1997 Couture collection.
Allow us to introduce you to the 10 best pairs of insect-esque specs currently available on FARFETCH, designed by brands such as Balenciaga Eyewear, Acne Studios and Natasha Zinko. Look out for shield shades, butterfly lenses, rimless frames and more.
Acne Studios
Creamy, curvy and comically oversized, these Acne Studios sunnies are ideal for those looking for a statement summertime accessory. Shrinking violets, avoid this pair at all costs. Extroverts, add to bag rn.
Chloé Eyewear
Sunglasses don’t get much prettier than these Chloé Eyewear butterfly shades. The very-noughties shades – available in a selection of colors (the gradient pair complete with gold tone hardware pictured above being our personal favorite) – is just the thing you need to finish off your bejeweled Y2K-inspired ensembles.
Natasha Zinko
Look closely at the temples of these Natasha Zinko alien cat-eye sunnies and you will notice they’re adorned with the phrase “For aliens and bunnies”. But, personally, we think they’re more A Bug’s Life than they are Looney Tunes. Wouldn’t you agree?
Balenciaga Eyewear
Balenciaga is always at the forefront of fashion so, naturally, their bug-eye sunnies are already popular with the most influential members of the jet set (Kim K being one of them). This particular pair crafted by the Paris-based brand are nostalgic with a capital N.
Burberry Eyewear
These wraparound bug-eye sunnies from Burberry are larger than life. Characterized by their tortoise shell frames and orange-tinted lenses, the accessory is best reserved for those with a penchant for neutral pieces.
Moncler Eyewear
Moncler Eyewear have designed a pair of bug-eye mirrored sunnies to suit everyone. Yes, everyone. Needless to say, the standout detail is the cushioned blinders attached to either side of the frames. Who said fashion had to be uncomfortable?
Gucci Eyewear
No matter how outlandish the trend, Gucci finds a way to refine it. Take these romantic bug-eye shades, for example, finished with a gold logo plaque located on the temple.
MYKITA + Maison Margiela
Berlin-based eyewear designer MYKITA has teamed up with French fashion house Maison Margiela to form a selection of conspicuous sunnies, including this red-framed rimless pair. The sporty-chic shades are perfect for those who practically live in contemporary streetwear ‘fits.
Miu Miu Eyewear
Miu Miu is the moment, and the best accessory to pair with the brand’s modish hobo bags and miniskirts is a pair of Miu Miu butterfly sunglasses. They’re pink, rimless, and embellished with crystals. Need we say more?
Balenciaga Eyewear
We've saved the biggest – and arguably the best – pair till last. Balenciaga Eyewear recently turned up the dial on the bug-eye trend when they released their Ski Cat sunglasses that are so oversized, they take up half of the wearer’s face. Hence, they’re perfect for the anti-social.