Diana by Ahlem
Discreet Chic
As we know, fashion trends are readily reactive to the economic and political landscape they present in. With that in mind, it is understandable that fashion designers have played it safe of late.
A muted colour palette, usually reserved for autumn, reigned supreme during the spring/summer 2024 (SS24) shows, along with a heavy dose of black and white. These hushed colours are perfectly aligned for the ‘discreet chic’ trend that shows no sign of slowing down in terms of popularity.
Brands such as Brandon Maxwell, Proenza Schouler and Tibi presented wardrobe staples such as denim, trouser suits and trench coats that provide that luxurious minimalist look so many are trying to replicate, and it can be seen heavily reflected in the eyewear industry too.
Consumers seem to be leaning towards easy-to-wear, timeless designs but in premium materials. These designs provide a more understated aesthetic that caters for everyday wear.
Take Diana by Ahlem, pictured top; this feminine design is modern, sculptural and incredibly elegant, but also highly adaptable. There isn’t a pair of jeans, suit or cocktail dress it wouldn’t compliment.
The D2071 by Markus T, pictured above right, provides a similar projection. The titanium construction and unisex profile would flatter many a face and provides a universally casual, yet contemporary and sexy, facade.
70s vibes and colour gradients
Another key trend for SS24 was the ’70s. From Woodstock inspired hippie chic to micro-shorts worn with striped knits and raffia bags. It appears that boho chic is back once again, and there are limitless eyewear choices available to complement the look.
Colour gradients, whether through the acetate itself or the lens, provide a subtle yet striking approach to eyewear design. Choose anything from the new Bold collection by JF Rey (Carolina, pictured right), as the use of colour is sublime throughout.
Or perhaps explore the Face à Face collection; its Carar frame (right) is a particularly handsome one. The midnight blue blends perfectly into a translucent gradient.
Hypnotic hues that play with colour and the frame’s silhouette are truly beautiful and the perfect attribute to your loose linen trouser or billowing blouse.
Whiter shade of pale
There was a clear side-step from the usual euphoric shots of colour during the shows. Instead, white governed the runway; in particular white dresses.
From Stella McCartney, Prada, Cecilie Bahnsen and Valentino, dresses swayed from sheer to heavily embroidered, but all served in a milky hue of swan white.
White is hugely effective when it comes to eyewear. It can present as both strikingly bold or understated and subdued. The construction of the frame plays an important part in how a white frame presents.
Take Lane by Veronika Wildgruber (pictured right); this feminine cat’s eye has a clever but subtle twisted bridge and an understated elegance to it opposed to, say, Motoko by Portrait Eyewear, pictured below right.
The latter being an equally visually interesting design, but its cyberpunk influence gives a completely different aesthetic to how you might imagine a white sunglass could present itself.
Lastly, Nina Mur designer Lorena Serrano always provides a curious silhouette, but the chalky colourway softens the profile a little, making it an excellent choice for people looking to indulge in the white trend, pictured above left.
Tech Luxe
The merging of fashion, technology, comfort and luxury present an exciting development in the world of sartorial design and eyewear.
There is definitely a transformative shift in the industry with sustainable eyewear designers pushing through thick and fast, as well as the rise of small, independent frame makers who are making waves with a more traditional approach to design.
Customisation, progressive materials and precision engineering are all factors that play into this trend, but with it there must be a level of comfort and refinement.
Progression in manufacturing, such as the highly advanced 3D printing seen at Mykita and Hoet (pictured top right), provides a level of freedom to design that is not usually achievable through traditional techniques.
In particular, the 3D printed metal seen in Hoet is unimaginably technical and utterly beautiful. The conceptualised designs of Pawaka and Lucas De Stael (Glacier collection pictured right) are also fascinating; these brands are presenting a new and exciting aesthetic for 2024. Keep your eye on them.