Glam glasses: What do fashion trendspotters see?

Published 3:56 pm Wednesday, July 9, 2008

The latest eyeglass frames aren’t just for seeing.

With bold colors, futuristic frames and sparkling embellishments, they are meant to be seen.

Two major trends that emerged. So-called “geek chic” is still in, with strong frames in bright colors, classic tortoiseshell and animal prints. This includes thicker frames that echo the Wayfarer sunglasses Tom Cruise sported decades ago in “Risky Business.”

The big frames also serve a practical purpose. The larger sizes can accommodate new progressive lenses that eliminate the line that splits traditional bifocal lenses.

The thickness and embellishments stretch also down the glasses’ side pieces — called “temples.”

Crystals point in an arrow down the sides of pink- and orange-tinged Prada frames. At Dior, sparkling flowers underline the logo on the temples. Gucci added a bow at the hinge or Swarovski crystals that contrast with gold, black or violet temples.

An ornate crystal hinge puts a little space between the lenses and thick green temples of a pair of Bulgari glasses. Burberry stamped a plaid pattern over some of its tortoiseshell temples.

The oversized temples modernize eyeglass frames and offer designers’ a bigger canvas for logo

While many designers’ ads focus on the biggest and boldest frames, their collections do include smaller options for those looking for a more subtle accessory.

As frames get bigger, they also are being designed with lighter materials to keep them from sliding off smaller noses.

That’s a chance to get a luxe look without spending a lot of money, not just a chance to see.

At the other end of the spectrum from the bold looks are futuristic frames made from flat metals such as titanium.

These are not the round, wire frames. It’s almost a plastic kind of look, very flat on the front and very thin.