Luxist

Jennifer Rade: Selma Blair was just wearing these. This is like a reissue of the original Nina Ricci glasses that Jackie O wore [pictured]. They're literally sold out everywhere, only ILORI has them.

Luxist: How do you see trends for sunglasses change? Is it the same way clothing trends evolve?

JR: Well, the way they really evolve is through technology. And new materials. For example, with Gold & Wood, the whole entire frame is made of wood, all the way, so there's technological advances. They're able to emboss more designs in plastic, and designers are really keeping in line with their actual runway show.

L [picking up a pair of denim glasses]: This is denim?

JR: Yeah, that's denim. It's amazing. I feel like designers are not just like "oh let me license my name and send it off;" they're realizing that sunglasses are a big extension of their brand philosophy and aesthetic. Shape wise, it's hard to say something's a "trend," because you might say the Jackie O is a trend, but Jackie O would be like "I was wearing that 40 years ago."

L: And you really could have worn those at any time in between.

JR: Right. I think sometimes things have a resurgence, but that's the joy of sunglasses, I mean, you buy a good pair and you could save them for twenty years. It's like buying jewelry. To me, they're an investment. They're like, the only thing you can get that has form and function. You don't have one bra, why would you have just one pair of sunglasses? And in a way, it's the easiest way to buy into some of these brands that are really, really pricey -- you can get a pair of sunglasses for $200 to $300. Or less. And you know, they're never gonna make you look fat, you're never gonna grow out of them ... I'm not the kind of person who likes just form. I like function. 15/07/09