Hip-hop and glasses may not seem like two words that naturally go together. But think again: hip-hop has had a major influence on eyewear and continues to play a huge role in the glasses collections of major fashion houses, designs which subsequently find their way onto the high street.
Below, we take a look at some of the most iconic hip-hop eyewear looks around right now – and how you can get the style yourself.
Kanye West’s Square-Shaped Specs
Kanye West is as well known for leading the fashion pack as he is for his music, and so when he started being spotted wearing glasses back in 2012, the world took notice. Kanye’s eyewear style perfectly supports his hip-hop credentials: his most-worn pair incorporates a chunky square-shaped frame in brown, fusing urban edginess with an old-school vibe – a trademark of Kanye’s aesthetic and his music.
Get the Look
If you want to recreate Kanye’s look yourself, it’s important to remember that square-shaped glasses look best on those with round and oval-shaped faces. In general, the shape of the frame should contrast with your face shape. However, those with angular faces can still make Kanye’s style work. Choose round frames with a nod to angularity, such as those incorporating prominent temple tips, or go for a Clubmaster style, which has frames that fuse round and square shapes.
Pair these glasses with an old-school blazer and scarf to nail Kanye’s style – and don’t forget to add a super slick pair of sneakers.
Jay-Z’s Own Brand Eyewear
King of hip-hop Jay-Z wears an ever-changing selection of prescription glasses – although the style he’s most commonly seen wearing features large black rectangular frames. It’s easy to find the perfect specs, though, when you own a fashion brand that produces its own designer range of eyewear.
Get the Look
Slightly oversized black rectangular frames work well for most people with round or oval faces, although it’s important not to choose a pair that overwhelm your face. If black is a little too harsh against your skin tone, opt for tortoiseshell, which can generally be worn successfully by most people.
When it comes to the clothes to pair your specs with to get Jay-Z’s look, the key thing is the accessories: by which we mean the chunkiest gold chains you can find. Whether you’re rocking sportswear or a full suit and tie combo, you need maximum bling to emulate Jay-Z’s style.
Gucci Mane’s Namesake Style
American rapper and record executive Gucci Mane is also one of the pioneers of the hip-hop subgenre of trap – his debut album, Trap House, was released in 2005. As well as his high-level hip-hop credentials, Gucci Mane is also noted for his style sense. As his name suggests, the fashion house Gucci is his go-to sartorial choice, and he’s regularly seen sporting the latest eyewear designs from the House’s collection. Most recently, Gucci Mane has been snapped wearing an oversized pair of round glasses with metal frames, instantly pushing this style to the top of summer 2023’s must-have accessories.
Get the Look
Bright colors and interesting accessories are the keys to getting Gucci Mane’s look. First of all, opt for a pair of oversized glasses with thin gold metal frames. For those with round face shapes, try an aviator style of frame, which should work better than a completely circular option.
Wear your Gucci Mane-inspired spectacles with a brightly colored jacket or pants and plenty of standout accessories. Think multiple neck chains, including strings of pearls and pendants, stacks of charm bracelets, and oversized rings in mismatching metals and styles.
Hip-Hop’s Most Iconic Sunglasses
A killer pair of shades is a key part of every hip-hop star’s wardrobe worth their salt. Here are some of the most iconic sunglasses we’ve seen to date in the world of hip-hop.
Millionaire by Louis Vuitton
In 2004 the creative director of Louis Vuitton asked Pharrell and Nigo (founders of Bape) to create a new collection of sunglasses. The pair, two of the most influential figures in hip-hop streetwear at the time, came up with a range that included the now iconic Millionaires, which incorporated an Aviator-style frame and a price tag of $1,200. The Millionaire has become legendary and is still worn by the likes of Kanye West and Rihanna.
The Shutter Shade
Popularized by Kanye West in 2007, the so-called shutter shades, featuring horizontal bars across the lenses, soon became a staple element of hip-hop wear. Although the style had been popular back in the 1980s, West gave these shades a new lease of life, and they stormed the mainstream for the following years.
Round Logo Sunglasses by Chanel
Although originally forming part of the House’s Spring 1993 runway collection, Pharrell Williams brought these distinctive round shades, featuring lettering around the lenses, back to fashion prominence again in 2019 when he wore a pair featuring the words “Pharrell Chanel.” Following this, they were soon gracing the faces of a slew of hip-hop stars and have now gained icon status in the hip-hop fashion world.
Hip-Hop and Glasses: The Takeaway
Hip-hop and fashion have always been interconnected worlds, each informing the other and – often – influencing wider mainstream culture. From hip-hop megastars wearing a retro-chic pair of prescription spectacles to hip-hop royalty collaborating with fashion houses to create iconic collections of shades, eyewear is influenced by – and exerts an influence on – hip-hop fashion in the same way that grills and gold chains do.
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