Futuristic fashion has gone in and out of vogue throughout history, beginning in 1964 when Pierre Cardin created astronaut-like garments with unconventional materials. Today, while you may not see someone in a pearlescent spacesuit or all-silver outfit on the street, futurism does live on, albeit more subtly, in eyewear. Eyewear is the perfect way for timid but eager-to-experiment fashionistas to elevate their look without overhauling their entire wardrobe. Also, futurism in eyewear carries an inherently optimistic mindset – that there is a future to look forward to that is wildly different from the present. The concept offers a fresh perspective on a ubiquitous fashion accessory, creating contrast in an otherwise period-appropriate ensemble. Here are a few ahead-of-their-time examples to propel your personal style into the 22nd century:
Colored lenses
Tinted or colored lenses are a great way to add a sci-fi appeal to one’s outfit while maintaining that slight air of mystery that darker-tinted lenses are known for. These sunglasses from Eyebuydirect can come in shades like Safari’s clear melon tint for hazy afternoons, Deja Vu’s cassis purple, or Malibu’s clear blue tints for bright outdoor adventures. The futuristic Virtual Try-On tool allows you to try various fashion-forward styles using your computer or mobile device. Melon tints, ideal for foggy or overcast weather, will be ideal for winter conditions and go well with your puffer jacket. Meanwhile, purple and blue tints help reduce glare in bright environments, so pair these with a summer ensemble for minimized ocean reflections.
Metallic details
There’s nothing more quintessentially futuristic than metallic eyewear. Used in haute couture to distinguish daytime fashion from evening wear, these stunning silvers and glimmering golds create a celestial, atmospheric vibe that fits well with a futuristic theme. While many standard eyewear frames already feature metal rims, you can lean into the trend by wearing a more dramatic silhouette. Titanium Optix’s silver Butterfly shades have a lifted and exaggerated butterfly frame. Complete with molded nose pads for a truly avant-garde appearance, this celebrity-inspired pair can be the centerpiece of your outfit. To let it stand out, keep your top and bottom monochrome – stark white provides the perfect canvas for metallic sunglasses, while jewel tones like emerald green and deep purple give a nod to the ’60s looks from the Jetsons.
Geometric silhouettes
Futuristic accessories aren’t afraid to play with angles, lines, and unexpected curves, much like the artistic renditions of what we imagine the year 3000 to look like. Experimenting with shapes gives eyewear a distinct cyberpunk appeal as if they are an extension of actual eyes. French designer and eyewear brand Thierry Lasry sought to capture this in its latest collection of futuristic eyewear, combining geometric shapes and bold colors in specially hand-made creations. The Vendetty model comes in a rigid square shape with thick, rounded corners, mimicking the vibe of a cartoon robot. When wearing geometric eyewear, consider softening the rest of your look with a more flowy fabric to keep it from looking too stiff. But you can pair these sunglasses with a boxy bag to create cohesiveness.
Transparent frames
From acetate to clear vinyl and even mesh, transparent materials give off terrestrial energy that resembles an exoskeleton. This has translated well into eyewear, such as in Gentle Monster’s Gentle Jelly collection, inspired by the unique characteristics of jelly. The Gummy PC12 model features a sleek alien-like wrap-around silhouette, complete with eccentric candy details that add a retro touch to the futuristic style. The brand has always been future-forward, as seen in their 5G-inspired Coperni collaboration, and this new release continues that pattern. Transparent frames are particularly versatile, allowing you to maximize the rest of your outfit. Consider statement vinyl boots or a leather skirt to play up the “skin-like” aesthetic.
Being fashionable is inextricably tied to being “futuristic” – that is, to stay ahead of the hottest trends and avoid looking outdated. As with any fashion moment, styles will evolve as the years pass, so being two steps above the current trends will keep your eye wardrobe future-proof. With the right balance of modern eyewear and clothing, you can walk your way into a fashion future so bright that you’re going to need shades.
Images from Suprematistic by Yulia Reznikov for DSCENE – See the full story here.
