From Cinematic Tropes to Viral Orbits: The Resurgence of Glasses and Personal Style
The perception of glasses has undergone a fascinating evolution. Initially, movies projected the idea that wearing glasses obscured beauty, a concept notably challenged by Gisele Bündchen and Megan Fox. Their embrace of glasses redefined attractiveness, setting the stage for the resurgence of the ‘hot librarian’ aesthetic seen in Bella Hadid, Gabriette, and more recently, Billie Eilish. Billie’s collaboration with Gentle Monster, notably sporting the Pierced 02 model, triggered a viral sensation on TikTok. So, what’s the allure of these glasses? Their transformative power lies in how they accentuate style, creating an enigmatic allure that amplifies one’s individuality and charm, adding an intriguing layer to personal expression and fashion.
The Pierced 02 Gentle Monster x D’Heygere glasses diverge from the once-trendy hipster glasses of 2013, with their thick black-rimmed aesthetic that often sported a lens-less style during the era of Starbucks and the omnipresent Keep Calm graphics. These modern glasses transcend time, conjuring an air of an imagined past while infusing a contemporary flair with ornate inserts that transform them into jewelry rather than merely functional eyewear. Crafted with a silver metal frame of elegant oval design, these glasses take on a seemingly straightforward appearance, yet their allure skyrockets with detachable piercings adorned with delicate diamonds. The amalgamation of classic nerdy chic and the whimsical freedom of customization gives birth to a product that seamlessly blends two quintessential themes of 2023: nostalgia and individuality.
Gentle Monster and D’Heygere have birthed a creation that resonates with the very essence of D’Heygere’s mission statement, seamlessly navigating the paradoxical relationship between opposites—luxury and the ordinary, reality and representation. They reimagine mundane materials and common objects, fashioning them into innovative, poetic, and functional adornments meticulously crafted in Italy from silver 925 and leather.
Two months following their collaborative launch with D’Heygere, Gentle Monster is once again hitting the bullseye with the Optical 2024 collection, which pays homage to the same aesthetic. Thin-framed silver and red glasses, slightly wrapped around, nostalgically evoke the 2000s style that has captured the hearts of Gen Z in recent months. The campaign imagery takes inspiration from the edgy fashion of Kill Bill’s Gogo Yubari, casting actress Nana Komatsu and musician Shinichi Osawa in high school attire, exuding a vibrant and dynamic aura tinged with a hint of rebellion. Though devoid of the distinctive piercings, these glasses encapsulate the same rebellious creative spirit, offering a contemporary take on a classic style.
2023 marks the resurgence of prescription glasses, a renaissance that redefines the once-nerdy ’90s imagery, infusing it with an edgy, transformative twist that bids farewell to the cycling glasses aesthetic. This evolution in eyewear fashion is exemplified by innovative designs, such as Kimhekim’s incorporation of a pearl earring into dark lenses and Gucci’s bold creation, adorning a gold frame with pink marble maxi pendants. The hyper-sexualized portrayal of librarians in media, characterized by an enigmatic innocence, might be witnessing a pivotal shift in perception. Miu Miu’s FW24 campaign, featuring Emma Corrin and Amelia Gray donning tortoiseshell glasses, evokes a nostalgic resemblance to the outdated, ‘unattractive’ eyewear worn by protagonists in 2000s romcoms. Conversely, recent releases from D’Heygere, Kimhekim, and Gucci hoist the banner of the ‘ugly duckling,’ initiating a fresh, innovative approach to redefine the narrative surrounding eyewear aesthetics from the ground up.

















