10 Most Memorable Moments in Cinema Eyewear
There’s no doubt about it: eyewear has remained one of the longest staples in pop culture ever since they were first released to the public centuries ago.
Whether you use them as a bold fashion piece or simply for practical vision use, something as simple as a frame can completely alter your appearance — a feature that filmmakers quickly caught onto.
From modern blockbusters to age-old classics, movies have been utilizing eyewear to propel their narratives further and ensure audiences never forget about their title years later. And, regardless of their intention, many of these instances have gone down in history as some of the most iconic eyewear moments in cinema.
So, which ones should you remember? Keep reading for a list of our favorites.
Fight Club: Brad Pitt’s Oliver Peoples Frames
Released in 1999, this classic thriller has gone down in cinema history for multiple reasons, from its incredible acting to narrative critiques of toxic masculinity. Still, its fashion alone is another aspect worth remembering, with Brad Pitt’s unforgettable Oliver Peoples sunglassesremaining on our minds all these years later. Bold, brash, and certainly not for the faint of heart, these frames are a statement piece not everyone has the nerve to pull off successfully.
Rebel Without a Cause: James Dean’s Ray-Ban Frames
This ultra-cool film icon exuded a certain star quality that most modern names in entertainment still struggle to replicate. However, there’s no doubt that James Dean’s effortless style and charisma made the pair of Ray-Bans he wore in Rebel Without a Case even more eye-popping. Though his career might’ve been painfully short, his brief time in the industry forever changed cinema — and eyewear — for the better.
Almost Famous: Kate Hudson’s Lennon-style Frames
From Hudson’s retro Lennon-style sunglasses to the script’s quirky and unexpected nature, Almost Famous holds a special place in the hearts of cinema lovers across the world. Though the film fulfilled its promise to entertain with a series of increasingly dramatic events, we’d argue that Hudson’s choice of eyewear played an equally important part in its success.
American Hustle: Amy Adams’ Christian Dior Frames
No femme fatale character is quite complete without eyewear that represents her fierce personality — something the filmmakers behind American Hustle clearly understood when styling Amy Adams’ character. The unstoppable force that was Sydney Prosser just wouldn’t be the same without her vintage Christian Dior frames adding another layer of seduction and power.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Audrey Hepburn’s Oliver Goldsmith Frames
Though Breakfast at Tiffany’s remains an unforgettable cinematic experience for multiple reasons, there’s an argument to be made that its iconic fashion and props are what viewers truly remember most about the classic. Of these, Hepburn’s Oliver Goldsmith cat-eye frames undoubtedly helped pushed her closer towards stardom.
Thelma and Louise: Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis’ Cat-eye Frames
No high-octane story about fugitives would be complete without an equally fierce wardrobe to accompany its leading stars. Fortunately, Thelma and Louise followed this step successfully by providing Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis with cat-eye frames that perfectly encapsulated the film's retro feel.
Top Gun: Tom Cruise’s Aviator Frames
Perhaps forever linking the fighter pilot profession to this iconic fashion piece, Top Gun made a lasting impact on the cinema industry by introducing Tom Cruise to the world — along with his Aviator frames.
The Thomas Crown Affair: Steve McQueen’s Persol Frames
Though Ray-Ban might remain one of the most popular eyewear brands in Hollywood, this film certainly gave it a run for its money by introducing Steve McQueen and his sleek pair of blue-tinted Persol frames. His impact on cinema would continue with a continuing streak of classics, though the effects of his eyewear choices would be felt for far longer.
The Wolf of Wall Street: Leonardo DiCaprio’s Ray-Ban Wayfarer Frames
Speaking of Ray-Ban, we can’t forget about the pair of Wayfarer frames sported by Leonardo DiCaprio throughout his renowned film, The Wolf of Wall Street. Worn during some of the film’s most pivotal scenes, thousands of viewers left the theatre with the image of a smug-looking Jordan Belfort — and his stylish eyewear — burned into their minds.
Lolita: Sue Lyon’s Heart-Shaped Frames
Regardless of where they stand on Lolita’s controversial narrative, no one can deny the long-lasting impact of Sue Lyon’s heart-shaped frames. Seen in most of the title’s advertisements and promotions, the impacts of this eyewear decision can continue to be seen throughout modern pop culture and the fashion industry.
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