Your Essential Guide to Eyewear: Sunglasses and Optical Frames You’ll Love Next Season
The idea that sunglasses and optical frames are no longer mere accessories but the true stars of our outfits has firmly taken hold. The Fashion Weeks SS2026 make this crystal clear, turning eyewear into a statement of intent: for Saint Laurent, it’s a solemn manifesto of style; for Bottega Veneta, a sharp signature; and for Fendi, an intimate celebration of effortless sophistication.
Whether you’re a trendsetter or a dedicated eyewear aficionado, this article is your definitive guide. We’ve immersed ourselves in the runways, studied the most iconic looks up close, and attended new collection presentations to offer you an exclusive, detailed panorama.
Discover the shapes, materials, and inspirations already dominating the catwalks and defining the eyewear trends of 2026—styles you’ll want to wear and adore starting this winter.
Contents
- Runway Review: Eyewear Takes Center Stage
- Bayonetta Cat Eye: Bottega Veneta’s Iconic Femininity
- Pilot Double Bridge: Gucci’s Genderless Appeal
- Low-Front Square Frames: Saint Laurent’s Decisive Elegance
- Oval and Almond Shapes: DIOR and FENDI Redefine Sensuality
- Extra Extra Masks: Sport Meets Futurism
- Havana is Here: The Timeless Charm of Tortoiseshell
- Conclusion
Runway Review: Eyewear Takes Center Stage
At the Fashion Weeks, eyewear proves itself an integral part of fashion’s visual language. From Milan to Paris, maisons treat frames as miniature works of art, capable of communicating identity, power, and vision.
But why the surge in attention? According to the Global Eyewear Report 2025, the global sunglasses market grew by 12% year-over-year, with the “fashion luxury” segment rising by 18%. The message is clear: eyewear is no longer just about protection—it’s about self-expression.
The 2026 trend marries aesthetics with function, nostalgia with innovation. Designers are reviving iconic silhouettes, reimagining them in cutting-edge materials, bold colors, and couture details. Sunglasses in 2026 have become a manifesto of conscious, personalized fashion.
In this guide, we explore every shape and inspiration defining the new style—from the Bayonetta Cat Eye to the Pilot Double Bridge, through square, oval, and sporty frames, up to the timeless Havana.
Bayonetta Cat Eye: Bottega Veneta’s Iconic Femininity
Among the eyewear trends of 2026, the Bayonetta Cat-Eye stands out as a symbol of elegance and femininity. Drawing from the vintage looks of the 1950s and ’60s, its sleek, elongated design accentuates the eyes and defines the face with grace and character. Under Louise Trotter, Bottega Veneta reinterprets it with premium materials and bold color combinations.
Signature Features:
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Elongated, delicate shapes reminiscent of Hollywood icons;
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Couture details, from dramatic tips to sculptural frames;
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Soft or translucent colors, adding a contemporary, fresh twist.
This inherently feminine shape isn’t just a nod to the past—it’s a style statement for confident, witty, and sophisticated women. Perfect paired with minimalist ensembles or tailored suits, the Bayonetta Cat-Eye is the must-have eyewear trend from spring 2026, already seen on the Paris and Milan runways.
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Pilot Double Bridge: Gucci’s Genderless Appeal
The Pilot Double Bridge is another star of the upcoming season. Inspired by aviator glasses, Gucci positions it as a symbol of freedom and gender fluidity. Its double-bar front becomes a signature style, a manifesto of individuality and character.
Key Highlights:
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Square or rounded shapes, flattering every face;
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Mixed materials, combining satin metals with glossy acetate;
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Oversized proportions—bigger is better.
The aesthetic clearly references the ’70s, when rock icons and creative artists turned accessories into symbols of rebellion. Gucci’s Pilot Double Bridge perfectly embodies the freedom of expression defining the 2026 sunglasses trend.
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Low-Front Square Frames: Saint Laurent’s Decisive Elegance
Low-front square frames are one of 2026’s strongest trends. Saint Laurent presents them as emblems of decisive style and professional confidence, ideal for those who navigate life and work with authority and poise.
Defining Features:
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Glossy acetate frames, robust yet refined;
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Horizontal, geometric lines enhancing the gaze;
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Neutral or dark palettes, creating a timeless urban effect.
Wearing them communicates power and sophistication without excess. Among Spring 2026 trends, this silhouette remains a favorite for those seeking accessories that are both timeless and modern.
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Oval and Almond Shapes: DIOR and FENDI Redefine Sensuality
Soft, sensual, and refined, oval and almond shapes, including the Bayonetta Oval, redefine femininity. Dior and Fendi showcase them on the runway, balancing nostalgia with avant-garde innovation through sinuous curves and lightweight frames.
The Bayonetta Oval captivates with its elongated shape, softening features and lending an air of mystery. These frames recall ’90s celebrities, as Juilia Roberts and Brand Pitt, reimagined with high-tech materials and glossy or mirrored finishes.
Perfect for lovers of understated refinement and unique details, DIOR and FENDI’s interpretations confirm a return to natural elegance—an essential 2026 trend: harmonious lines, pure femininity, and a touch of futuristic glamour.
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Extra Extra Masks: Sport Meets Futurism in LOEWE, STELLA MCCARTNEY, and BULGARI
The Extra Extra Mask represents the fusion of sport and haute couture. LOEWE, STELLA MCCARTNEY, and BULGARI interpret it as a manifesto of contemporary luxury: dynamic, technological and sustainable.
Key Features:
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Oversized, enveloping frames with mirrored or tinted lenses;
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Futuristic, athleisure-inspired aesthetics;
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A bold, performance-meets-fashion statement.
Seen in Fall 2025 collections, these masks embody forward-thinking vision and creativity. Wearing an Extra Extra Mask signals a love for innovation—it’s for those unafraid to make a statement and bring runway energy to the streets. Among 2026 sunglasses trends, it’s the boldest, most theatrical option.
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Havana is Here: The Timeless Charm of Tortoiseshell
One certainty remains in 2026 eyewear trends: Havana is here to stay. The warm, natural tortoiseshell pattern continues to be one of the most beloved and versatile textures. Each maison interprets it in its own way, exploring honey, amber, chocolate, and even cooler tones.
Havana isn’t just a color—it’s a signature. In 2026, it becomes more sophisticated and creative thanks to:
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Abstract or geometric pattern designs;
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Bold lens pairings like olive green, deep blue, or smoky violet;
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Slim or bold frames to suit any personality.
Perfect from office hours to relaxed weekends, Havana embodies timeless elegance, adaptable to every face. It’s continuity in a changing world—the foundation on which to build any style.
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Conclusion
The eyewear trends of 2026 reveal a fashion world looking forward while honoring its roots. Each shape—from the Bayonetta Cat Eye to the Pilot Double Bridge, square frames, and futuristic masks—speaks a different language yet shares the same message: sunglasses in 2026 are no longer a mere accessory—they are a declaration of identity.
Whether you choose the elegance of Saint Laurent, the creativity of Gucci, or the softness of Fendi, remember: the eyes are the new business card. And with the right frames, the future of fashion is yours to see.