shadestation lifestyle section

Chanel Sunglasses: Glamour, Drama, and a Necessary Luxury!

February 10, 2010
Posted by Laura

 

An amazing pair of sunglasses can make an incredible fashion statement and the ultimate classic label which depicts style, sophistication and timeless appeal is none other than Chanel.

Founded in 1914, by the originally stylish Coco Chanel, the designer primarily started the label having opened two small boutiques in France. As time went on, the Chanel name became synonymous with style and quality and the brand brought us such fashion classics as the little black dress, the quilted handbag, the Chanel suit, and the famous line of perfumes. Before her immense success, Coco Chanel was considered rebellious with her sense of fashion but her label has become possibly the most sought after in the world.

Chanel products now include clothing, fragrances, accessories, make up and of course, sunglasses. In 1999, in partnership with Italian eyewear producer Luxottica, the House of Chanel introduced its first line of sunglasses despite Coco Chanel passing away twenty-eight years previous. Her influence on style and fashion remains one of the most prominent and heavily inspired by her own creations, Karl Lagerfeld of Fendi (who is now the Creative Director of Chanel) decided to launch a line of Chanel sunglasses which first became largely popular after been seen on the ladies Sex and the City.

One of the most attractive factors of Chanel sunglasses (aside from the beautiful designs!) is that they allow you to enjoy a part of the label at a smaller price – many of Chanel’s products are priced way out of the league of the majority of consumers, and therefore the glamorous sunglasses allow you to enjoy the glamour of Chanel and become part of the brand.

Over the years, Chanel has designed a large range of sunglasses but the brand likes to keep its styles typically oversized, classic and dramatic. These elements are synonymous with the Chanel brand in general and it is what makes the products distinctive and unique. The CH5076H Chanel sunglasses for example are oversized with thick translucent brown lenses and definitely inject an element of drama and Chanel glamour into your look. For something a little classic, the CH5149B sunglasses with oversized black frames are perfect and the jet black quilted patterned arms make these sunglasses incredibly Chanel. The Chanel quilted bag is one of the most sought after and desired accessory in the world and these sunglasses incorporate the style. For something even more overstated, the CH5146 Chanel sunglasses with a black and white crystal patterned frame are the perfect option. All the sunglasses within the Chanel collection feature the classic double C Chanel logo upon the arm hinge and some also incorporate diamante detailing. Whatever the features, Chanel sunglasses are instantly recognisable by the timeless, dramatic style and exceptional high quality.

Oversized sunglasses are a huge style trend and are very much synonymous with the ultimate fashionista! Chanel is very much a trend leader that others try to emulate and the range of sunglasses are trendy and stylish but remain classic and elegant which is ultimately what the brand is all about. Chanel sunglasses will complete and compliment a refined, polite and sophisticated look in true A List style and celebrity fans of the brand who are regularly seen wearing their Chanel sunglasses include Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Nicole Ritchie and of course, American Vogue Editor Anna Wintour.

Coco Chanel once said that luxury was “the necessity where necessity ends”. Even if you are unable to afford other products in the Chanel collection, a pair of the brand’s sunglasses will definitely allow you to experience a little bit of that necessary luxury!

Prada Sunglasses – Style Perfection

December 21, 2009
Posted by Laura

When you think of the brand name Prada, you immediately think of exquisite style and luxury. The company was founded almost 100 years ago and The House of Prada for many decades has been adored on a worldwide level for its simple and elegant creations.

The Prada label was started by designer Mario Prada in 1913. He designed and sold handbags, shoes, trunks, and suitcases in boutiques in Milan and had a number of customers across Europe and the US who favoured his simple yet luxurious and high quality style. When Mario was becoming too old to run the business, in 1978, Mario’s granddaughter, Miuccia Prada, took over the company and although she had no fashion credentials to her name and lacked formal experience on the industry, her sense and eye for fashion proved all the experience she needed.

The label was still mainly a leather goods manufacturer at that point, and unfortunately wasn’t proving very lucrative in comparison to years ago. Competition had arisen from other luxury fashion houses such as Gucci and therefore Miuccia recognised that the brand needed to create something that little bit more special and directed the Prada brand into the world of haute couture.

The classic Prada handbag launched in 1985 was the first item which really helped to raise the brand’s profile. Made using an incredibly simple design and black nylon, the handbag became an overnight sensation. Of course, when a brand creates a highly sought after ‘it’ product that isn’t affordable to the everyday shopper, it suddenly becomes more in demand and considered to be exclusive and a way of asserting both your style and financial status.

Moving from accessories to clothing, in 1989 Prada showcased on the runway its pret-a-porter collection which featured elegant, simple pieces that perfectly flattered the silhouette and that were made using luxurious fabrics. The collection was a huge hit among the fashion insiders and that is when the brand was really put on the map and became a fashion force to be reckoned with.

Prada today has that incredibly high end, luxurious appeal and most fashion lovers would dream to own something by the brand. It even inspired the name of the novel and hit film which was based on the editor of American Vogue Anna Wintour titled ‘The Devil Wears Prada’.

In the years since Prada’s escalation to fame, the style has definitely evolved but maintains the core simple style combined with the use of high quality cuts, fabrics and materials. The collection of Prada sunglasses are highly reflective of this and whilst designing frames that are on trend, the sunglasses also have that high end luxury appeal with the use of muted colours including browns, deep purple and tortoiseshell to keep the look demure and refined. Feminine and delicate features of some of the styles include wave shaped arms and butterfly shaped frames and the iconic and distinct Prada triangle logo is either positioned boldly on the arm hinge or written subtly on the side of the arms. It is this logo that has become quite the status symbol all over the world.

Prada sunglasses have that dramatic style appeal without looking too exaggerated – the essence is understated but with a confident and glamorous edge. The clean lines and fine attention to detail is evident in each and every pair. With a fabulous collection of oversized, aviator, classic, retro inspired and visor/wraparound Prada styles for men and women (in addition to some unisex styles), in a variety of stunning colours as well as the classic black, there is definitely a pair of Prada shades to compliment your fashion personality.