The Enduring Appeal of Prada’s Spring 2019 Sunglasses

Within many of the pre-Raf Simons Prada runway shows, the elusive sunglasses are some of the greatest hits. Often little hidden gems. But in the case of spring 2019, even more so.

Models walked the runway in deliciously odd combinations of boyish-meets-’60s-doll ensembles topped off with deliriously stunning madcap headbands covered in a collage of sequins, studs and other finishing touches. Each model wore a super short, ultra cropped haircut, a la Mia Farrow or Edie Sedgwick. And there they were! A little more than midway through the collection, the gloriously freaky sunglasses had arrived.

Part Peggy Guggenheim butterfly sunglasses, part Y2K shield ski redux and all things Miuccia Prada, the Prada spring 2019 sunglasses were arguably some of the designer’s best work in optical accessories. The wide, circular nose bridge created a beautifully off-kilter proportion, and the angular lenses brought something completely alien to the shape.

Spherical dots lined the lower rims of the frames, delivering that subversive injection of ’60s mod that Mrs. Prada handles so well. The colors were also phenomenal–deep purple lenses and acid green frames, classic black with faded ombre lenses and scarlet red dots. A sunflower yellow version (without the dots) and acid green frames. A beige option with contrasting black dots. These sunglasses were not produced en masse nearly as much as Prada’s non-runway eyewear, and are pretty tricky to track down secondhand. But we can confirm there are a few pairs floating around–especially in Europe.

The side view of the Prada spring 2019 sunglasses show just how covetable a pair of strange glasses can be. They can sweep you off your feet–control you; hide you; really set the stage for everything else you wear. It can become a game of power, in which case, sometimes it’s okay to let the sunglasses wear you. Sunglasses might just be the only piece in one’s closet in which that very concept is actually not only okay; but totally warranted, or maybe even desired. It all depends on who you want to be.