We bet you didn't even know you dreamed of eyeglasses, but this will help you catch up. Lorgnettes were all the rage in the 19th century, Roosevelt made pince-nez Presidential, and that guy in Los Feliz with the monocle is a sight to behold. Nevertheless, over-the-ear eyeglass still haven't had their golden age centuries after they were invented. Nader Zadi's Custom Eyes, in New York's Upper East Side, could put a change to that.

If Saville Row is where you get your suits, Custom Eyes is where you go for vintage and bespoke glasses. For the classicist Custom Eyes has rimless and semi-rimless antique frames and components in white and yellow gold, some of them 200 years old, and full frames from the early 19th century. Should you insist on the unique, after selecting your frame and bridge preferences Zadi will take your measurements and handcraft a set of eyewear -- even the lenses are ground and shaped by hand -- that would make both Ben Franklin and Jackie O. jealous.

Before it comes to all that, you need to make an appointment -- you know how the highest fashion rolls, darling. However, he will come to your office, hotel, or West Wing if that's how you roll. And if you really want to play the period game, Zadi will be happy to design a lorgnette or a set of opera glasses. We can't say they will make Strindberg's The Stronger any more comprehensible, but you'll look dashing and timeless while you try to figure it out.

Those new aviator shades Brad Pitt's been sporting lately are by his favorite designer Tom Ford, naturally. The decadent designer's Pablo model is actually two pairs of sunglasses in one. One set of lenses fits right into the metal frame and the other set sits in plastic inserts. The Pablo is an evolution of an earlier Ford design as worn by Daniel Craig; these are much better proportioned and actually a fine fit for both men and women. The sunglass history buffs at Eyegoodies, where the Pablo can be purchased for $450 a pair, note the influence of an old (1970's) Ted Lapidus aviator with the plastic inserts in, and the Porsche Design Aviators from the 1980's with the plastic inserts out. The Pablo comes in three colors: gold / light havana (pictured above), gunmetal / dark havana, and gold /black.

[via JustLuxe]

Daniel Craig's aviator sunglasses designed by Tom Ford for last year's Quantum of Solace (above) are among a collection of James Bond items in Christie's London's Vintage Film Posters and Entertainment Memorabilia auction on Nov. 24. The shades, estimated at £1,000 - £1,500, are among the more modern 007 mementos in the sale, along with a poker table chair and barstool graced by Mr. Craig's derriere in 2006's Casino Royale, estimated at £1,000 - £1,500. On the vintage front there are some key items from 1974's The Man With the Golden Gun, such as a two-piece black silk evening suit made for Roger Moore for the film, offered at £3,000 - £5,000. Also from that film are the arch villain Scaramanga's custom triggers for the golden gun itself, made in the form of cufflinks which he used to assemble the lethal weapon, estimated at £2,000 - £3,000. On offer as well are a pair of black leather of Salvatore Ferragamo dress shoes worn by Moore in 1977's The Spy Who Loved Me, signed on the inside in gold ink along with a jocular note from the actor, for £800 - £1,200.

[via Duncan Quinn]

High end online optical boutique Eyegoodies has come out with limited edition customized Persol sunglasses modeled on the ones Steve McQueen wore in 1968's classic The Thomas Crown Affair. The super stylish shades are made using Persol's 714 folding model, the one favored by McQueen recently re-introduced by the famed Italian eyewear firm and shown in our Essential Summer Style feature. To make the Thomas Crown edition (above), Eyegoodies' Frank Scious removes the lenses and replaces them with top quality French optical lenses manufactured by Essilor, custom tinted to the perfect shade of blue like the ones made specially for McQueen to wear in the movie. Scious also offers the bespoke blue lenses for another classic Persol style worn by the King of Cool, No. 649. The Thomas Crown edition shades cost $389 - not bad considering a similar pair from Mcqueen's personal collection was auctioned off in 2006 for $70,000.

Persol Eyewear has long been associated with Hollywood's leading men. A pair of Steve McQueen's Persol sunglasses, which he wore in "The Thomas Crown Affair," were sold for $60,000 in 2006. They've also been spotted on Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig, George Clooney, Adrien Brody and Brad Pitt, but lately, women are getting in on the Persol action, too.

Julia Roberts (pictured), Angelina Jolie, Hilary Swank, Beyonce, Heidi Klum and Elle Macpherson have all recently donned Persol shades, and we can tell you exactly which ones. Julia is wearing #2873, and so can you -- the ladies' styles are in the $300 - $400 range.

Check out the gallery for the models spotted on our favorite celebs -- maybe you'll see the perfect pair for yourself. The sunglasses are available from ILORI, just tell them the style number (included).

Sports OPTYX by gruen, a stylish new high-tech, high-performance eyewear line born from a collaborative effort between PrescripSun™ by Carl Zeiss and Nike Vision Lens Technology, was just launched at the U.S. Open. The new line will be vailable exclusively at OPTYX by gruen, the high-end eyewear boutique founded by industry legend John Gruen with branches in New York City, the Hamptons and Greenwich, CT, whose celeb clientele includes Martin Scorsese, Kate Moss, Lauren Hutton, Dustin Hoffman, Madonna, Alec Baldwin, Steven Spielberg and Elton John.

Nike Max Optics delivers precise vision at all angles regardless of the curvature of the lens, while Nike Max Tints enhance critical visual details, providing the ideal amount of light and the optimal range of color for all sports. In order to guarantee maximum performance, athletes must have a clear view in all directions; the Nike Max Optics' patented performance designs have been crafted to allow the clearest view over the widest angle, granting precise peripheral vision, customized for major types of sporting activities, including golf, cycling, running, skiing and rowing.

Theirry Lasry and Thakoon have both helped to immortalize this year's glorious summer of Shakespeare in the Park with limited edition collections of sunglasses for Soho sunglasses boutique ILORI.

The Thierry Lasry styles, above, are all aviator-based and called "Agavy" after The Bacchae's leading character Agave (all Thierry Lasry design names end in "y"). Only twelve of each color has been made -- and yes, they are numbered -- and they retail for $365.00. Not a bad price for a numbered collectible!

Below in the gallery, check out the Twefth Night styles, designed by Thakoon and named "Viola" for Anne Hathaway's character. The hexagonal, feminine Viola shades retail for $320.00, and only twelve of each color was made.

Of course, now that the summer of Shakespeare is over, your only hope is to call ILORI's exclusive treasure trove in Soho and beg. It'll be worth it to snag a pair of these sunglasses which support and celebrate free theater in Central Park!

OPTYX by gruen, the newest expansion of grueneyes offering a high-end, carefully curated collection of designer eyewear, scored a hit with selections for its Hamptons locations this summer. Each season, OPTYX by gruen sends a team to travel from New York to Paris, Milan and Tokyo to seek out the latest fashion trends in sunglasses. For the Hamptons this summer, where OPTYX by gruen is one of the sponsors of the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge, they selected several key styles for the area's jetset including a timeless, oversized frame from Chanel's Collection Perle calling to mind Jackie O; Oliver Peoples' Harlot Storm frames, bringing together an iconic silhouette with a bold, modern print; and the Cartier Santos Sport Platinum for men, a classic aviator shape with leather and wood detailing. Steven Spielberg scoped out the Hamptons offerings recently, joining the ranks of the boutique's other celeb clientele incouding Martin Scorsese, Kate Moss, Lauren Hutton, Dustin Hoffman, Madonna, Alec Baldwin, and Elton John at their locations in New York City and Greenwich, CT.

Of course you've those expensive Italian sunglasses for water skiing afternoons in Vis. But what do you cover your eyes with during a round of links in Scottsdale when it's essential to detect all of the greens on the green? For those land-lubbing sports Tag Heuer eyewear has created its Intensive HD lenses.

The vermillion-hued shades are photochromic and go from translucent in mild light to a mirrored, "silver flash" reflective when things get bright. They're the first lenses to be able shift from semi-transparent to fully mirrored, as well as maintain all of the dimensional detail you need when putting or pigeon shooting. And that means all you'll need is two minutes in the sun to channel your inner Erik Estrada -- or Angelina Jolie.

The polycarbonate protect against UV-A and UV-B, will be available in Zenith, Club, and 27° frame styles, and are priced from $310 to $420.

Welcome to the first in a new series of exclusive photo features showcasing seasonal style essentials inspired by classic icons of elegance, sport and design, photographed with the most beautiful and coveted cars on the road. The emphasis is on luxury of course, but of the timeless variety as opposed to mere extravagance.

In our recent Classicist column on the 2010 Jaguar XK convertible coming out this August, we remarked on the sleek new cat's stylistic heritage dating back to 1948's XK120, as driven by the likes of Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable, as well as later models like the D-Type (or XK-SS) made famous by the great Steve McQueen. The first in our new series of exclusive shoots is inspired by them and stars the XK in homage to these stylish icons, both man and automotive (read all about the new XK here).

In particular, the influence of Gable (with his XK120 in 1954, top right) and McQueen (with his XK-SS, center right) can be seen in the summery style essentials we've assembled for this shoot. For the pastoral setting we drew on another classic Jaguar reference, an image of writer Truman Capote in a Jaguar XK-E, the model most closely aligned with the new XK, in the Hamptons in 1965 (bottom right).

In the spirit of summer we've chosen a classic combination of navy and white, popular as fashionable resort wear for a nearly a century and still going strong in the right circles. While navy blazers of the type shown here originated as part of English cricket club scenery and other elegant sporting occasions such as the Henley Royal Regatta, without gold buttons it needn't be unnecessarily nautical or costume-y.

The jacket shown here, in tropical weight wool with soft shoulders by the dashing Italian house of Etro, references its sporting antecedents with grosgrain tipping on the lapels, pockets and cuffs; however, since it is finished in the same color as the jacket the effect is a subtle one, while the slim cut updates the look with Italian flair. A cream linen camp shirt by Paul Stuart and white linen pants by Polo Ralph Lauren round out the rest of the ensemble.

As an alternative on cooler days or evenings - which we've certainly had plenty of this summer - we've also included a variation of the navy blazer by Brooks Brothers made of butter-soft goat suede with spiffy sporting details including a throat latch, stand-up collar, action back and pure Irish linen lining, which calls to mind the jacket worn by Gable above.

While a polka dot foulard silk scarf by the venerable British clothier Turnbull & Asser (shirtmaker to the Prince of Wales) provides not only another classic touch and added dose of sprezzatura, it also protects against the elements while piloting the XK with the top down at serious speeds. A hefty dose of McQueen meanwhile can be seen in the rakish cap, sunglasses and watch. For the feet and the road, a pair of pebble-sold leather driving moccasins by Tod's keep the haute Italian vibe going.

The checked linen driving cap - this model is made by Brooks Brothers - of the type favored by McQueen has no brim to collide with a car's headrest, and is infinitely more elegant than a baseball cap. Also on view: iconic Italian Persol sunglasses, in particular the model made famous by McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair. Starring in this feature are a foldable version of McQueen's faves, as well as a couple of other killer Persol models; all are available at Ilori. Also included is a pair of shades by Paul Smith. The watch is a classic and vintage stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II, available at Tourneau, of a similar design to the Rolex Submariner model favored by McQueen (and which recently fetched a record price at auction). Read on for details of the rest of the accessories after the jump.

We recently caught up with stylist to the stars Jennifer Rade (right), who's worked with Angelina Jolie, Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian and Pink, to name a few -- not to mention Dave Matthews, Usher and Marilyn Manson! How's that for versatility?

We met with Jennifer at ILORI (she's ILORI's Brand Ambassador), Soho's treasure trove of sunglasses ("ilori" is an African word for "secret treasure") to talk about what makes shades so fabulous -- "they're never gonna make you look fat" -- and how she chooses which ones to put on the stars.

Luxist: So, you started in hip hop. Why do you think sunglasses are such an iconic part of that scene?

Jennifer Rade: Because it's a way to give yourself instant attitude. You cover your eyes, it's very mysterious. You have a conversation and people don't know if you're looking at them, or if you're sleeping -- or if you're rolling your eyes. It's an incredible way to disguise your emotional life.

Luxist: Is that why you think sunglasses are so strongly associated with celebrity?

Click through the gallery to read ...

Zooey Deschanel has been putting her pretty blue eyes and quirky style to good use lately. She's been collaborating with Oliver Peoples to make a fabulously chic collection of sunglasses with a very unusual feature!

The adorable, kitchy 1950's-esque shades (see gallery below) actually display Zooey's kiss print if you fog them with your breath.

Or, I assume, any other way you'd fog up your sunglasses.

Crazy, right? I had to have it demonstrated for me at sunglasses treasure trove ILORI in Soho before I believed it.

Check out the gallery to see Zooey's very own lip print, and some of the "Zooey Deschanel" sunglasses color options -- appropriately quirky, of course.

The sunglasses run from $325 to $375, and are available from the ILORI store near you!

I can recall my dad purchasing David Yurman pieces for my mom for special occasions throughout the years. I always appreciated the mix of metals, tasteful use of precious stones, and simple elegance never realizing his line expanded past women's jewelry into watches, fragrance, and now, sunglasses. Yurman's Eyewear Collection continues his timeless expressions into designs for both men and women adding an extra oomph to regular shades using 18K gold, sterling silver, tortoise, citrine and black onyx accents.

Debuted in 2008, David Yurman's Eyewear Collection incorporates classic cable, buckles and stones into the women's line while the men's sunglasses feature Zeiss lenses in custom colors and coatings. The prices range from $325 to $695 with high-end signature options available in solid gold with pavè diamond accents for quite a bit more. Peruse the gallery below to choose your unique shades for the summer.

This week legendary Italian eyewear brand Persol, a bastion of Dolce Vita style, is debuting its iconic INCOGNITO design exhibition in the U.S. at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. The invitation-only opening night celebration will feature a performance by Lou Reed.

Running from June 24 - 28, INCOGNITO by Persol is an interactive exhibition that was designed to "bring to life the emotions and richness" of a heritage born nearly 90 years ago in Turin, Italy and which today remains an icon of Italian design and craftsmanship.

Persol made its big screen debut in 1961 worn by Marcello Mastroianni in Divorce Italian Style, and its U.S. film debut in 1968 worn by Steve McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair (right). Two of the most stylish stars in the history of cinema, they catapulted the brand onto the international scene.

Other stars who have worn Persols over the years include Jack Nicholson, Richard Gere, Paul Newman, Roberto Rossellini, Cindy Crawford, Nicolas Cage, Pierce Brosnan, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Christian Slater, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Heath Ledger, Al Pacino, George Clooney, Adrien Brody and Daniel Craig, who sported two different styles in Casino Royale.

The tradition, quality, style and design that drive Persol's brand philosophy are embodied in the INCOGNITO exhibition, which involves all the senses. Along a path of images, sounds, colors, and technology, visitors can experience the world of Persol: the quality of the workmanship and materials, the uniqueness of design in the products and collections, the technological evolution and Persol's exclusive patents, as well as the magic and allure of the silver screen idols who made them famous.

A shopper I am, but a detective I am not. I gave up, and Henrick pointed out the telling clue on the mannequin head: glasses. We were standing at the Berlin home of ic! Berlin the trendy high-end German glasses manufacturer. (I see Berlin, get it?) A further clue that I'd missed was a sheet of stamped metal propped in the window, as the company manufactures its incredibly lightweight glasses without screws. (Screwless-spring-hinge-insert-system, says the company's quirky literature -- as best as I can piece it together from it, the whole enterprise got started in 1996.) ic Berlin! regularly wins design awards for its hand-crafted eyewear, which are all made in the city, and run in the $400-$600 price range.

Just a few blocks down Henrik led me to another store whose product I was able to figure out immediately: Mykita. In 2003, there was apparently a great schism between the five founders of ic! Berlin, and two, Philipp Haffmans and Harald Gottschling went on to found Mykita, which also hand-creates lightweight glasses without screws. Find either company's screwless specs at their East Berlin locations, through fine opticians or, in the case of Mykita at a second retail store just opened in Vienna.