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Eyes cool

Sunspecs became almost part of attire for youth, be it to protect their eyes or just for the sake of fashion, says Harjeet Kaur Allagh

EYES OF BEHOLDERS An array of sunglasses are up for grabs in the markets, for youths want to make a choice to emulate celebrities

Once a fashion accessory of only celebrities, sunglasses have made it to almost everywhere in the world. There is nothing new about it, yet everything is new. If protection of eyes from the glare of scorching sun is an important reason for wearing the sunglasses, youth sport them for it is a fashion statement rather than a necessity. Come summer, the sale of sunspecs goes up. The young and hip crowds would not be seen whizzing around on their macho bikes without a trendy pair of sunglasses perched on their youthful noses.

Sunglasses protect one's eyes from ultraviolet radiation emanating from the sunrays. Many international brands have flooded the markets in the city. Brand consciousness surely states your preference. The most famous name in India is Ray-Ban, while `Police' and `Fast-track' are selling like hotcakes; Gucci, Versace, Cartier, D&G, Chanel and Armani are more suited to the purses of the rich and famous.

Celebrities' choice

Dark or black goggles have usually been associated with celebrities and actors who like to mask their feelings and in the process stand out in the crowd. Politicians like Karunanidhi and the late MGR have made dark glasses part of their regular attire. Jacqueline Kennedy hid her emotions behind large sunglasses in the 60's that later became a rage with most young women. Michael Jackson, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise are never spotted without their trademark specs. Singers like Sukhbir and Bappi Lahiri too hide their eyes behind the glasses. Most fictional characters too were portrayed sporting dark glasses and influence the minds of the youth. Men In Black or James Bond or any detective characters are incomplete without this fashion accessory.

For Narmada, a young businesswoman, it is more of a necessity rather than style, as she has to drive long distances every day. She says: "I would recommend brown, grey or green lenses to minimise colour distortion while driving."

Shooters generally sport yellow lenses for their depth and vision enhancement properties.

Susmita, a hep and vivacious collegian, wears purple or blue lenses, even though they are merely cosmetic. Anirudh, a physiotherapist in the making, prefers polarised lenses, as he also needs to read wearing the glasses.

Lightweight

Lenses are usually made of glass, acrylic or polycarbonate. These are the most common due to the lightweight, low scratch rate and high transparency, besides preventing ultraviolet and infrared radiations. Mirrored lenses are also used by a select few.

Sportsmen use nylon frames, as they are lightweight and flexible. Most cricketers, sporting the latest pair of sunglasses, are a direct source of inspiration to the younger lot.

Metal frames are heavier and tougher too, but not many prefer them today. They give a very dignified look on the noses of the middle-aged gentry wearing gilt-edged frames.

There are many other uses too of sunglasses. Anita, a middle-aged housewife, says: "I hide my eyes behind glasses, when I watch emotional movies so that my tears cannot be seen by others."

Aditi, an MBA student, remarks nonchalantly: "I wear glasses only because they make me look cool man." Ramya, a beauty-conscious teenager, sports sunglasses to avoid squinting in the sun and preventing myself from crowfoot." Guys like Sreenivas put on them to keep away from dust and pollution.

Funky youngsters, either gals or guys are under enormous peer pressure to dole out huge sums to sport the latest models to keep pace with joneses.

Audrey Hepburn, the legendary actress of the 30's, once said: "My look is attainable by any women just by flipping their hair, wearing large sunglasses and little sleeveless dresses."

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