Since the 50s, we have noticed that glasses can be an inseparable accessory of a character in the cinema. On this occasion, we have listed for you 10 of our favorite films with iconic looks, all of which are accessorized by a frame that has become cult today!
Hitchcock's North by Northwest - 1959
Considered one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of cinema, North by Northwest captivates all generations thanks to its screenplay, its sets, its direction and, of course, the incredible performances of Carry Grant and Eva Marie Saint. A suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat for more than two hours and which reveals a Carry Grant at the height of her career (and her beauty!). Always in costume, her outfits are often enhanced with "Lemtosh" glasses by Moscot (Woody Allen's favorite brand). A frame that has become iconic and whose Giampiero Tagliaferri, the artistic director of Oliver Peoples, wanted to pay tribute to him by dedicating an entire collection to him in 2020, composed of six frames in different colors. They were designed following various conversations with Barbara, the actor's widow, and his daughter Jennifer.
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Blake Edwards - 1961
In 1961, Audrey Hepburn appeared in the iconic "Breakfast at Tiffany's", which was an immediate worldwide success. This was thanks in part to the actress' iconic looks designed by French designer Hubert de Givenchy. But beyond her sublime little black dress that has caused a stir in the fashion press, it is the "cat's eye" shaped glasses that the actress wears during the opening scene that are the real stars of the film! success story of the “Cat-Eye” mount is only just beginning...
Lolita by Kubrick, released in 1962
It is certainly one of the stories that has most disturbed the world of literature and cinema, "Lolita" tells the story of the meeting between a young teenager and that of a writer, in residence with her and her mother. Despite her minority, her provocative behavior will turn the latter's head, who will not hesitate to begin a romantic relationship with the young girl. A disturbing story, which highlights a child who spends most of her time lounging in her garden in a swimsuit with the simple adornment of a hat and sunglasses. On the poster, it is red glasses in the shape of hearts that take up the entire image and which are today immediately identified as those of Lolita .
The Swimming Pool by Jacques Deray - 1969
An essential film of the end of this decade, La Piscine immediately became a classic in cinema. And for good reason? Among other things, a 5-star cast composed of Alain Delon, Romy Schneider, Jane Birkin and Maurice Ronet, who are all filmed at the quintessence of their beauty in an idyllic setting. And if their physique may have made some people jealous, we also remember their costumes - which were mostly limited to a swimsuit - and their glasses! We think in particular of Jane Birkin who appears in an iconic scene with an immense round frame with blue lenses, typical of the late 60s and early 70s. And of Alain Delon, who hides his heartthrob look behind the sixth model of Vuarnet glasses. A frame that has become so legendary that the French brand reissued it in 2015 in a limited edition.
Taxi Driver by Martin Scorcese - 1976
Taxi Driver is the story of Travis Bickle, a taxi driver played by Robert De Niro who wanders the streets of New York before meeting a woman, Betsy, who will turn his daily life upside down. We then follow De Niro who immerses us in the depths of the Big Apple where violence and perversion reign. Travis Bickle's favorite accessories? A gun of course, but also his iconic pair of Pilot glasses from American Optical. And for the anecdote, it is also this model that Neil Armstrong and the crew of Apollo 11 wore when they set foot on the moon for the first time, in 1969.
The Blues Brothers by John Landis - 1981
Both bad boys and funny, the story of these two brothers named the Blues Brothers is a worldwide success thanks to their burlesque adventures and a breathtaking soundtrack. A duo instantly recognizable thanks to their suits and ties, white shirts and black hats, as well as their iconic Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses. A frame that they will wear throughout the film and that they will refuse to take off despite the director's request who wanted to create more "empathy with the audience". For the anecdote: the actor John Belushi lost dozens of pairs every day because of his drug-induced distractions. Only at that time, Ray-Bans had slightly gone out of fashion and Wayfarers were no longer even manufactured. Having become almost impossible to find, the two assistants of the costume designer had to go to all the flea markets in the country to find enough to be able to shoot the film!
Leon by Luc Besson - 1994
Here, Jean Reno perfectly embodies the character of the imperturbable hitman. To add a good dose of mystery to this crook, Besson sets his sights on a small pair of round glasses by Jean-Paul Gaultier. What makes this frame special? It was created for a children's collection...hence its unique appearance!
Las Vegas Parano by Terry Gilliam - 1998
Cult film where Johnny Depp, alias Raoul Duke, plays the clownish role of a journalist in the 70s who stays in Las Vegas accompanied by his lawyer. A tragicomic epic that addresses with great cynicism the famous "American dream". We then discover a completely "stoned" Johnny Depp with wild eyes who sports almost the entire film the emblematic 3138 Shooter Aviator glasses with yellow Ray-Ban lenses. Translucent lenses that perfectly illustrate the character's nonchalant and absurd spirit.
Notting Hill by Roger Michell - 1999
Who hasn't succumbed to this love story between Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant at the end of the 20th century? We challenge you to find... But beyond making hearts flutter and bellies flutter, this must-see film has also become a fashion reference. A leather jacket, a white t-shirt, a black Chanel beret and "cat's eye" glasses, such was and will remain the coolest and most iconic silhouette of this end of the decade.
Once upon a time in... Hollywood by Tarantino - 2019
This latest Tarantino film, which brought together Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie (yes, that's all), Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood follows various characters working in the film industry during the golden age of Hollywood. And while we can notably admire Brad Pitt shirtless on a roof, we especially remember the scene where Margot Robbie (who plays Sharon Tate) pecks at her popcorn at the cinema with huge square glasses with blue tinted lenses. Simply sublime!
We can never say it enough: glasses are the accessory that can change everything!
