Very few accessories were able to fully encapsulate the edgy spirit and boldness of 80s fashion quite like mirrored sunglasses.
Mirrored sunglasses are recognizable by their reflective lenses. And, they became a distinctive eyewear of 80s fashion. They were synonymous with the decade’s fascination with rebellion, glamour, and technological coolness. But, mirrored sunglasses were more than a practical choice, they were a statement of mystery and confidence. They appeared everywhere from blockbuster films to music videos, and quickly grew to become a defining symbol of the 80s aesthetic.
The Emergence of Mirrored Sunglasses in 80s Fashion The 80s were full of economic prosperity, culture experimentation, and technological advancements. Consumerism flourished, opening up a whole new world to personal style and self-expression. Fashion accessories in particular began a whole new course, taking on a more bold and futuristic flair. And, mirrored sunglasses were the perfect embodiment of this 80s aesthetic.
Even Hollywood played a pivotal role in popularizing mirrored sunglasses throughout the 80s. In both Top Gun as well as The Terminator the leading actors were seen sporting a pair of mirrored sunglasses. Disassociated them with authority, coolness, and of course, a touch of danger. When coupled with the rise of MTV, which featured musicians wearing mirrored lenses in music videos, mirrored sunglasses quickly became the must-have accessory.
Of course, we would not had mirrored sunglasses in the 80s if it weren’t for the many technological advancements in lens technology. The reflective coating on mirrored lenses was specifically designed for reducing glare. However, they gave sunglasses an ultramodern look that resonated with the decade’s fascination with innovation. This blend of functionality and fashion made mirrored sunglasses a perfect fit for 80s fashion.
How Mirrored Sunglasses Changed 80s Fashion Mirrored sunglasses changed 80s fashion thanks to the popularity of aviator sunglasses, wraparound sports theme to sunglasses, and pop culture.
80s Fashion and the Popularity of Aviator Sunglasses One of the most iconic styles of mirrored sunglasses that were available in the 80s was the Aviator. These mirrored sunglasses were popularized by the US military throughout World War II, but it was the 1986 film Top Gun that ultimately pushed them into the fashion industry. Tom Cruise portrayed a daring fighter pilot who made use of sunglasses as his symbol of rugged masculinity and coolness. And, that reflected lens added a layer of mystery and authority to anyone who wore them.
Wraparound Sunglasses in 80s Fashion Then there was the rise of sports-inspired wraparound sunglasses. Throughout the 80s you had major brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley began to manufacture sports-inspired sunglasses that were designed to stay on in any condition. They often featured reflective lenses, lightweight frames, and offered the ultimate level of UV protection. But, these wraparound sunglasses were not just limited to the sports field, as they quickly found their way into the mainstream fashion of the 80s.
The Pop Culture Phenomenon Without question, mirrored sunglasses became a staple of 80s pop culture. They were seen in music videos, TV shows, and even advertising campaigns. It wasn’t uncommon to see artists like Madonna or Michael Jackson sporting a pair of reflective sunglasses. And, they played a prominent part in television shows like Miami Vice and Hawaii 5-0.
It was their presence and media that help reinforced mirrored sunglasses as a symbol of rebellion and confidence. Not only were they practical for reducing glare, but they crafted an entire image. Whether you were a fashion-forward individual or a rock star, everyone was wearing mirrored sunglasses and the 80s.
The People Who Brought Us Mirrored Sunglasses in 80s Fashion Although the Aviator sunglasses had been around for quite some time, their popularity in the 80s can be traced to several celebrities. There was the 1986 performance by Tom Cruise in the blockbuster film Top Gun who drove aviator sunglasses sales to the sky and beyond. Then, there were celebrities like Madonna and Prince who helped to popularize the glasses in mainstream media further. They use them to amplify their public personas which further helped to drive sales to the moon. And, brands and designers like Giorgio Armani, Oakley, and Ray-Ban quickly became household names.
The Cultural Legacy of Mirrored Sunglasses The cultural impact of generic sunglasses in 80s fashion was profound. They were a symbol of the decade’s love of extravagance and technological innovation. They quite literally reflected 80s fashion and personal identity. Beyond their practical benefits, they quickly became a must-have accessory that allowed wearers to project a level of mystery, confidence, and glamour. But, mirrored sunglasses didn’t simply disappear at the end of the 80s, as they still enjoy popularity today.
Conclusion In the end, mirrored sunglasses help to define and reflect 80s fashion. They managed to capture the entire decade’s bold and innovative spirit in a small package. From their association with iconic blockbuster films, to celebrities on MTV, mirrored sunglasses played an integral role in shaping the entire fashion industry. If you are looking for that truly 80s style look, then a pair of Aviator sunglasses are the perfect choice.
