Way before social media, movie stars were the "influencers" of their time, inspiring people with their charm and setting trends in fashion and style.

As for eyewear in movies, certain sunglasses or spectacle models became as legendary as the film character wearing them.

It all boils down to the fact that the eyewear choice says so much about what a person desires to express. Therefore, they become not only an ornamental piece, but in all respects a vital part of the character.

Since we're bonafide movie nerds, we're happy to share our love for cinema with you! So here's six legendary movie stars whoinspired millions of fashion enthusiasts all over the world.

 

Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961, dir. Blake Edwards)

Possibly one of the most memorable film shots, sees Queen Hepburn wearing her iconic Manhattan sunglasses in shiny tortoise acetate. She wore her frames flawlessly, appearing sophisticated and dangerously charming at the same time.

Her character is to this day a huge inspiration for contemporary divas and an entire generation of eyewear lovers who aspire to become fashion icons. You can be a star with the right pair of sunglasses and Mrs. Hepburn made it look easy. Groundbreaking!

 

John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, The Blues Brothers (1980, dir. John Landis)

Name a more iconic duo! John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd with their unforgettable outfit had a huge impact on film audiences worldwide. A look that, despite being lowkey compared to today's maximalist moods, aged greatly and is still favored by fashionistas who love wearing black.

When talking about The Blues Brothers, rather than the black suit or the skinny tie, everyone will mention the black wayfarers shades which became one of the most recognized sunglasses in film history. No further proof needed.

 

Marcello Mastroianni, La Dolce Vita (1960, dir. Federico Fellini)

In Fellini's melanchonic portrayal of the Sweet Life in '60s Rome, Marcello's conflicted character roams day and night looking at the world through his iconic dark shades. These glasses are not just a stylish choice by Fellini for his beloved character, but all in all an essential part of Marcello's charm, functional for protecting him from the blinding lights of luxurious clubs and the flash of paparazzi's cameras.

Many men aspired to be like Marcello, whose character normalized wearing sunglasses to look dashing even in the late afternoon hours. Legendary is an understatement.

 

Sue Lyon, Lolita (1962, dir. Stanley Kubrick)

The provocative adaptation by Stanley Kubrick of Nabokov's literary masterpiece is still one of cinema's most controversial moments. Young Sue Lyon's character was so iconic, she was immortalized as the image of the film and put on the poster with her memorable heart shaped frames in plain sight.

Many years from now, thick acetate frames with creative shapes went on to influence the punk scene, becoming a staple in the 80s glam scene as well as ironic props for early 90s grunge musicians. Make no mistake, though. They're still trending today being rocked effortlessly by hip hop superstars and TikTok eyewear influencers.

 

Bibi Andersson, Persona (1966, dir. Ingmar Bergman)

Perhaps Ingmar Bergman's masterpiece, "Persona" was the work of a director at the peak of his creativity. Not only a profound movie, but also a beautifully shot and stylish film. Bibi Andersson's character, Nurse Alma, conceals her eyes with a pair of black acetate sunglasses which were an instant hit when the film came out in 1966.

Many young women, especially in the art community, were heavily influenced by her style, from the pixie haircut to the dark shades, a look that conveys an impenetrable aura of mistery and vulnerability. 

 

Tilda Swinton, Only Lovers Left Alive (2013, dir. Jim Jarmusch)

Okay, who doesn't love Tilda? Especially, Tilda in Jim Jarmusch's Only Lovers Left Alive who looks unbelieavably great in her portrait of an ancient vampire struggling to adjust in modern day life.

For most of the film she's wearing a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses that make her look incredibly cool. Style aside, these shades have also a practical use, which is protecting her from the sun, notably a vampire's worst enemy! ;)

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