(6/2018) It takes an eye for fashion to see that the future of the sunglass industry is bright. The summer shades have not only complemented outfits in the Spring 2018 runway season, but this small, and yet pivotal piece of fashion has overwhelmed the advertising world — reaching skyscraping billboard campaigns and video promotions in the busiest neighborhood of New York City. The impact gives the public a nod to the future of fashion. Sunglasses are not only trending, they are the nucleus of a summer outfit.

The oversized, bug-eyed lens, pointy, cat eye fashions and sleek, tinted, pilot aviators represent animated forms of design, that not only make one feel hip and cool, they provide fashion health benefits worth sporting. As Fox News shared online, sunglasses carry "UV Protection, Blue-light protection, [allows for] comfortable vision [and is] skin cancer [preventative.] People should wear sunglasses outdoors whether they are working, driving, participating in sports, taking a walk, running errands or doing anything in the sun." While wearing sunglasses may inspire one to inflate their status, or shade their identity, in the same way a celebrity would act, sunglasses have a fundamental safety net quality shared by every human being. Sunglasses are fashion’s most forward piece of design because they are the most practical and inclusive.

Warby Park is a company unlike any other – for its mission stands to advance the eyewear industry by offering affordable optical healthcare and an overall approachable perspective to eyewear. Charging $75 for eye exams and glasses — sunglasses included — at a base price of $95, Warby Park is determined to bring luxury lens at a decent price point while building a business founded on social consciousness. At the purchase of a pair of glasses, another is donated. The New York based, entrepreneurial company was among the first brands to create a buzz around fashion-forward glasses, marked at an unbeatable price.

Practical things aside, sunglasses have surfaced the waves of design as a focal point of summer fashion. A form of fashion communication for "do not disturb," celebrity status, and cool factor, sunglasses have become more than a beach accessory, the last thing you throw in your bag with your keys, on your way out the door. Rather, an accessory of modern interest and a runway piece of art, sunglasses are the one and only item that pulls a summer outfit together. Sunglasses are an accessory of modern interest, a runway piece of art and are undoubtedly practical.

Fashion shows were first to start making bold sunglass statements. More than creating cultural references from John Lennon’s small circular shades, or the Matrix replica, miniature, oval glasses — styles in vogue stand as a more cultural statement, whereas the high fashion shows ran with dramatic appeal. These designs at times make a louder statement than the collections at show. Gucci’s playful approach to accessorizing reaches a maximum level with white block animated square shades shedding a blood red, tear drop paired to a simple, lime green jumpsuit, while girly, heart-shaped sunglasses with deep purple tints outfitted to a silky, polka dotted blouse and trouser set. A final impressionable style was a slick, razor thin design with ski mask appeal decked out in gems of kaleidoscope colors. This fashion was a reoccurring look but made a strong first impression when paired with a stardust-animated top and sleek navy pants, at the beginning of the show. Gucci makes its mark this season through comical eyewear that catches everyone’s attention.

With similar sentiment Dolce & Gabana presented the most re-creative "Do It Yourself," DIY sunglass designs experienced on the runway throughout the Spring 2018 season. Filled with personality, individuality in the way DIY creations inspires, but also colorful and uniquely made. A pink tiki hut rimmed pair of sunglasses matches with a zebra and fruit printed maxi dress. Flower petals round the rim of a gold pair of sunnies, to match a radish printed dress and bedazzled shrug layer. A matching pair of Queen of hearts cards layer of a pair of glasses, eyeholes cut in the shape of hearts for visibility is another pair of shades that complemented Gucci’s Spring 2018 collection of artistic and eye-catching sunglasses.

Off the runway brands are also in fashion. Son of Oliver People’s founder Garrett Leight is advancing the eyewear industry by adding a little heart and soul to an opulent industry. Based in Venice Beach, California, his namesake label offers designs named after the streets of the beach, grounding the brand in a laid back, bohemian foundation while launching collaborations with fashion brands including Amelie Pichard and Robert Gillard, that refresh its perspective with eccentric and cult-followed brands. In recent news, the protégée released a collaborative collection with a kindred spirit, Ulla Johnson. The New York designer known for her free-flowing bohemian dresses and feminine touch shares a quaint collection of Barbie doll square frames, bubble gum pink tinted lens that are reminiscent of moments driving in a convertible with the top down. The Ulla Johnson x Garrett Leight collaborative collection sets the tone for a summer mindset on cruise control.

Sunglasses are also trending in the world of advertising. In a film campaign featuring UK pop star Charli XCX, Marc Jacobs presents its latest eyewear collection. The color-tinted shades of lemon, lime and strawberry complement the color palette of the seasonal, Spring 2018 collection, a 70’s point of view. The aviator shades elevate her rock star mentality, as they pair with her loud printed dresses and faux fur outfits. The advertising campaign creates a dream through the lens of the sunglass collection. In this recent film, Marc Jacobs shows how a pair of glasses completes an outfit.

Persol, yeto is another brand that has surfaced in the world of social media and advertising. A recent video campaign in Times Square breaks the Italian crafted label into a Western market with a rebranded look. Classically known for habitually featuring Steve McQueen in an archive of their advertising, the label redefines its rebellious nature by featuring the same simple frames in the context of witty jargon. "The truth lies between the lines," "Nostalgia is a thing of the past, the past is present" and the brand’s leading line, "Good point, well made" shares the label’s fundamental intention to make sleek-looking, yet practical eyewear first made for sports drivers and pilots. Persol is on the rise of comeback, in perfect timing, when eyewear has reached a pinnacle of interest in fashion.

Sunglasses are the strongest statement this summer. Through the runway and advertising, fashion brands make the statement through a variety of mediums this year. The beauty of this trend is that the rules are not too stiff. Aside from the tiny rectangular futuristic Matrix shades, the trends range from classic Persols tinted Marc Jacobs Aviators to art pieces from the Dolce & Gabana runway. The diversity of brands show just how a key piece of fashion can reinvent itself and still remain a classic piece of fashion. After the runway shows end, and the film comes to a close, sunglasses have a final impact: supposedly, as my mother says, sunglasses enhance your outfit. Maybe it’s time for me to find my perfect pair.