D&G joins Luxottica fold

Bright colours, side detailing and Swarovski crystals feature in many of Luxottica's new sunglass collections for 2006.

And purple is the fashion colour of choice in sunglasses, along with reds and whites, according to David Chadwick of Parker Hobart Associates, who also highlights acetate patterns showing through from the inner sides.

The first Dolce & Gabbana range by Luxottica features oversized shades with unrestrained D&G logo, as well as stud work across the bridge in designs inspired by the 1960s and 1970s. One style DG 2004B (below) is metal with hoop details on the sides and broad, lightly drop-shaped lenses.

Another signature model is in injection-moulded plastic, a 70s style brought up to date with face-hugging lines and offered in yellow, green and beige, for example.

Ray-Ban too has some oversized acetates, and there are five different takes on the aviator, one with a complete lens across the front. There is also a folding Wayfarer style (below), and a non-folding Wayfarer with dark front and crystal honey-coloured acetate sides. 'The beatnik look is coming back,' Chadwick says of the re-emergence of the Wayfarer.

He points out muted matt colours and other darker acetates that change colour to blues and greens when viewed in the light.
The DKNY range again features stud work, goldfish-bowl style or 'bubble' look lenses, similar in shape to the D&G sunglasses.

The Vogue line, which is changing direction, now has Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bndchen as its new face, as it targets a younger audience. Again there are tiny crystals on aviator styles, oversized acetate models with metal studs and drop-shaped aviators in a range described by the company as 'edgy'.

Versace mixes over-the-top designs featuring large logos with smaller, understated models and subdued logos. As well as the use of purple, there are smoky blue colours and white in acetate.

Amid the large, overstated, crystal-clad and colourful sunglasses of the designer brands, the traditional Persol line stands apart with tortoiseshells, blacks and the subtle, classical styling that maintains the quality feel of the brand. One larger design harks back to the model worn by Steve McQueen in the Thomas Crown Affair.

With Bvlgari offering bling and Prada not holding back on colour, with reds, purples and vibrant pink, there is no shortage of styles to stand out in. As Chadwick says, 'Who is trying to outdo who here?'

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