James Dean, Debbie Harry, John Lennon, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn, five world stars who have shaken up the art world for various reasons and who have one thing in common: unique styles that are always highlighted by sunglasses. Diverse shapes that never cease to inspire the world of fashion and optics!
James Dean and his Ray-Ban wayfarers
In the 50s, there was one star who made absolutely every young girl's heart skip a beat, and that person was none other than the iconic American actor James Dean. With his bad boy looks and his rather rebellious styles for the time, he considerably popularized the Ray-Ban Wayfarer frame during that decade. These glasses then became the symbol of rebellious youth, and remain to this day one of the most iconic shapes in the world of eyewear.
British top model Kate Moss, rock music journalist Philippe Manoeuvre and the iconic Blues Brothers have all succumbed to this frame! At Seconde Vue, we have several vintage glasses in the same style, signed Oliver People, Dior and Paul Smith!
Audrey Hepburn and her butterfly frames
Audrey Hepburn, a symbol of beauty in the world of post-war American cinema, appeared in 1961 in the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's". The film was a worldwide success, thanks in particular to the actress' iconic looks, most of which were designed by French designer Hubert de Givenchy.
But beyond that sublime little black dress that has caused the ink to flow in the entire fashion press, it is the glasses that the actress wears during the opening scene that are the real stars of the film. A scene obviously filmed on Fifth Avenue where we find Hepburn window-shopping behind her large black glasses, thus drawing the outlines of an iconic silhouette of the world of fashion. The success story of the “Cat-Eye” mount is only just beginning!
At Seconde Vue, we particularly appreciate this shape of glasses and have a wide selection of this style. From Patrick Kelly, to Thierry Mugler or Sky Eyes, all these vintage frames remain essential for all wardrobes!
Brigitte Bardot, carefree and timeless elegance
A true international fashion icon, Brigitte Bardot defied convention with her unique beauty and typically French nonchalance. Unlike the more "smooth" stars of her time, the so-called "BB" embodied an unrivaled sense of freedom, which was reflected in her outings, her outfits... and even through her glasses! Known for her so-called "bohemian-chic" style, Brigitte Bardot merged styles to better create her own.
Her sunglasses very often had smoked lenses, which added a little touch of mystery to the young woman. Large frames with rounded shapes often associated with jeans and a small white tank top, thus demonstrating that elegance is not found in the classicism of an outfit but especially in its attitude! A unique approach that reminds us that fashion must be fun to be more charming, as evidenced by her many XXL glasses.
At Seconde Vue we have many BB style frames, from various brands such as Cartier, Courrèges, Silhouette, Mugler and Dior. Vintage frames from the 70s to the 2000s, all available in store.
John Lennon and his little round glasses
John Lennon, a true rock icon of the 60s and 70s shocked the world with his incredible melodies and lyrics, his tragic death but also with his "hippie chic" style which inspired a whole generation.
It was surely when he embarked on a solo career that he impacted the world even more with his iconic song "Imagine", which advocates peace and love. John Lennon has left and will forever leave a global cultural mark, whether in the field of music or pop culture. In particular through his small round glasses that have gone around the planet and are still as popular as ever.
At Seconde Vue, we have many small round vintage glasses of the same style dating from the 90s, signed Jean-François.
Blondie and her punk and sophisticated aesthetic at the same time
Debbie Harry, her birth name, is none other than the legendary singer of the group "Blondie" with new wave influences, who greatly marked the world of music during the 70s and 80s. What's more, her avant-garde style influenced a whole generation of women. She made her mark with her bold and colorful looks, always embellished with sunglasses, each more iconic than the last!
Her signature style was to mix punk and glamour and the result is none other than the Blondie "character". Sunglasses were always an integral part of her looks, often colorful and extravagant, her frames were often embellished with colored lenses, breaking the standards and conventions of the fashion of her time.
Still considered a true source of inspiration by many contemporary designers, Debbie Harry has left indelible marks on the contemporary scene. Her ability to brilliantly mix punk and classic styles has made her a true intergenerational and timeless icon.
At Seconde Vue we have several models almost identical to those worn by the singer. Frames signed Sky Eyes and Rodenstock, among others.
Discover our selection of vintage glasses!
If you too are nostalgic for the fashions and designs of the past, lovers of the colours and oversized formats of the 60s, or worshipers of the butterfly shapes of the 70s or even loyal to the more classic shapes of the Way-farer type. If you too adopt a more responsible and environmentally friendly consumption. If you have a taste for vintage and second-hand. But especially if you want to give a second life to these vintage glasses that are just waiting for you: do not hesitate any longer and find our large selection of vintage glasses all restored in our boutique at 15 rue Commines, Paris III!