The Vivienne Westwood 2023 Sun collection draws on sunglasses as icons – timeless styles immortalised by the Hollywood starlets of the ’50s and ’60s glitterati. An expression of bygone glamour. Influenced by heroine’s; Moira Orfei, the queen of the Italian circus, Gina Lollobrigida’s earthy sexuality and Sophia Loren’s Sicilian glamour.

1960’s masculine icons define the vintage character of the silhouettes; Adriano Celentano’s jive, Michael Caine’s refined style, Johnny Hallyday’s magnetic charm or Marcello Mastroianni’s cool ‘La Dolce Vita’ demeanour. Sunglasses for dancing.

The collection’s rich colour palette is inspired by Dutch masters, the futurist ‘heart’ shaped visors – a motif synonymous with the house, wash the face with colour. Statement frames adopt tortoise shells in deep tones or gradients of colour, transitioning from dark rust to soft pink and cobalt blue to forest green. The iconic Vivienne Westwood orb can be seen encapsulated in an oval frame inspired by Georgian jewellery lockets, or branded into button finishings, creating the 1960’s inspired look.

Every detail of design is carefully considered – classic metal silhouettes have been reinterpreted, introducing rimless frames and nose bridge constructions, which give a sense of architectural suspension. Vintage techniques are used to create amplified form and finishings throughout the collection. The impact and choice of raw materials has been given equal consideration. The hand-made acetate frames and temple tips in the collection are crafted in an innovative Eastman material, ‘Acetate Renew’, made from 60% bio-based content and 40% certified recycled content. The bio-based material is formed of renewable wood pulp cellulose from FSC certified sources. The recycled content is formed of waste plastic diverted from landfill, which would otherwise not be recycled.

The packaging of the collection has also been carefully considered with a recycled by-product leather case, organic cotton bag, recycled polyester cloth, and presented in a recycled and FSC certified paper box – all produced with 100% green energy.

Shop the collection here.