Designer sunglasses are hot especially with the younger generation. Celebrities have also helped in causing this into fashion. There are so many famous designer companies that are into making designer sunglasses today. Christian Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Armani, Prada, Versace, Juicy Couture, D&G are the names of just a few of the well known makers of designer sunglasses today.
Men always have favored Ray ban sunglasses and these were also issued as part of their uniform in the air force. Police sunglasses are another brand that has fast become a top wanted piece in sunglasses. Top designer sunglasses can range in price from around $100 to over $400 depending on the style and the designer. So getting good designer sunglasses can cost a lot. Expect to spend over $200 on designer sunglasses.
As with other designer fashion ware products finding genuine designer sunglasses can also be difficult. There is a flood of cheap fake designer sunglasses that are available in the market. The internet has opened up more opportunities for fake designer sunglasses makers to hawk their products. Only after doing a purchase and receiving the supposed designer sunglasses.
Does one discover to their utter and sheer horror that they are fake. So if you want to spend top money on buying designer sunglasses, then find the right retailer. Go to a designer outlet or to an optician and purchase from them. This way you are assured that you are not falling for a fake deal. If you want to order online, then order from the designers companies own websites. Don’t order from resellers that you are not sure about.
When selecting designer sunglasses you must see which pair suits your face and also your personality. Also, the color choice is important; you must buy a pair that matches with the clothes you wear. However you may want to buy several designer sunglasses.
The choice in designer sunglasses is so wide and from the traditional to the wrap around. You can be sure that designers have thought of every type of sunglasses to suit their clientele. Plastic and curved lightweight glass has added to the variety of designer sunglasses. When selecting designer sunglasses you can be assured that you are going to get top quality. Just make sure you buy them from the right place.
Taking care of designer sunglasses is also important. They maybe top quality but don’t expect miracles from them. Carelessness can cause you to scratch or break even the best and strongest designer sunglasses.
Every year designers bring out a new line in sunglasses as they do with their fashion ware. So either you can stick with a traditional pair of sunglasses. This applies more to men. Women are willing to change their sunglasses as they are willing to change their fashion wear. Fashion designers know this and spend as much time on designing the next season’s sunglasses as they do on designing their other products.
Wearing designer sunglasses makes you feel good and a part of the fashion world even if you don’t carry a designer handbag or wear designer outfits.
There are now many different brands of designer sunglasses which have either evolved in their own right, such as Ray Ban or Oakley, or have been created as an accessory to the fashion house brands, such as Gucci and Versace etc. This article examines the backgrounds to these different designer brands, tracing back to their roots and finding out how they were first created and grew into the well-known high street fashion brands that we all desire to wear. Learn about Oakley, Rayban, Dolce and Gabbana, Diesel, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, and Versace.
1. Oakley Sunglasses
Oakley is mostly known for their quality sunglasses and ski goggles, and was founded by Jim Jannard in California,USA in 1975, where he developed motorbike hand grips, and then sold them at motocross events. He called them “The Oakley Grip”, and were very different to any other grips riders had been using. In the 1980’s he moved on to goggles and sunglasses, and is now a world leader in innovative design, creating new and exciting products.
UV and impact protection
Plutonite is used for all Oakley lenses. It is made of polycarbonate, making the lenses lightweight, offering superior comfort, clarity and protection against ultraviolet radiation and impact resistance. In fact, this impact resistant material blocks out 100% of all UVA, UVB and UVC radiation. The protection is formulated into the lens material, as opposed to a thin surface film that can become scratched, leaving dilated pupils exposed to ultraviolet leaks. Shielding has nothing to do with the darkness or colour of the lens, so even clear non-tinted Oakley lenses will still provide full UV protection.
The wrapped around, raked-back design of Oakley eyewear provides further protection by blocking UV from the periphery. The lens materials and frame geometries of Oakley sunglasses provide unsurpassed protection against high-velocity and high-mass impact.
Iridium lens coatings
This is a uniform filtering layer that optimizes contrast and minimizes glare, created by super-heated metallic oxides being fused to the lens at a molecular level, permanently bonding to the lens. Tuned to transmit from 9 to 92% of available light, the coatings are specifically formulated for optimal balance between reflection, transmission and absorption.
Polarization
Every single pair of Oakley polarized sunglasses achieves 99.9% efficiency in blocking polarized light waves. Harsh glare is caused by light waves bouncing off flat surfaces and water, and can be up to 10 times as bright as ambient light. With Oakley polarized lenses you’ll definitely keep the sun from impeding your vision.
Oakley’s polarization technology surpasses industry standards for clarity, performance and durability. Common techniques of incorporating polarization films into lenses by lamination (using adhesive to sandwich the film between lens layers) and drop forming (sandwiching then heating and pressing over contoured forms) can cause haziness and optical distortion. Oakley uses an injection-moulding process to infuse the lens material around the filter. This liquid fusion creates bonding at a molecular level, allowing the filter to achieve the highest possible level of performance.
Hydrophobic (repels water)
The hydrophobic lenses repel water, oil perspiration and dust. Liquids simply bead off the lens surface without streaking, and any liquids that do not slide off the lens by gravity can be more easily wiped away than with other makes of sunglasses, making cleaning your lenses a breeze.
Oleophobic (repels oils)
The oleophobic characteristics end the frustration experienced with oils, fingerprints and other smudges on conventional eyewear. These marks on your Oakley sunglasses will easily wipe away without residue, eliminating leftover haze and reducing the effort required to clean the lenses.
Anti-static
The anti-static properties mean that dust, dirt and other particles are not drawn to the lens via static electricity. Dirt and dust degrade optical clarity, prompt more frequent cleaning and increase the likelihood of scratching.
3-Point fit
Oakley sunglasses are engineered to maintain a comfortable, secure fit. The company’s patented “Three-Point Fit” ensures that each frame makes contact only at the bridge of the nose and behind the temples. This retains optics in perfect alignment and eliminates the discomfort of ordinary frames that hook the ears and mount with unbalanced pressure points. Some earstems are sheathed in “unobtainium”, an Oakley innovation that actually increases grip with perspiration.
Unobtainium
This is the name of Oakley’s hydrophilic (water-attracting) synthetic rubber that increases grip when wet, usually applied to the contact points of the sunglasses (nose and sides of the head). A very similar material was used in Oakley’s first product, the “Oakley grips”, used on motorcycle hand grips (mentioned earlier).
Frame composition
Engineering breakthroughs in structural materials allow Oakley to produce lightweight, high performance eyewear frames that maintain superior comfort and protection. The polymers used in “O Matter” frames (a nylon composite) are formulated for high durability, as well as controlled flexibility for improved safety during impact. To produce the ultra–strong, ultra-lightweight chassis of Oakley wire frames, five metallic compounds (including titanium) are fused into a single C-5 alloy. Both frame materials maintain resistance to ultraviolet radiation, humidity, thermal shock and chemical exposure.
X Metal
Oakley “X Metal” is a titanium alloy, and is the only 3-D sculpted, hypoallergenic, all-metal frame on earth. Its phenomenal strength-to-weight ratio maximizes comfort and durability. To maintain precise optical geometries, production pieces are analysed under real-time X-ray scanning and undergo five-axis machining in computerized systems that maintain 0.0005” tolerance.
2. Ray-Ban Sunglasses
Ray-Ban was founded in 1937 as a manufacturer of quality sunglasses. Ray-Ban introduced the two most imitated sunglasses in the world, the “Aviator” (issued free to the United States air force pilots) and the “Wayfarer”.
It all started in 1920 when lieutenant John MacCready returned from a balloon flight, complaining that the bright sun had permanently damaged his eyes. He asked Bausch & Lomb to develop a pair of sunglasses that would not only provide the necessary protection, but also look good. A few years later, in 1937, Bausch & Lomb produced the “Anti-Glare”, consisting of a lightweight gold-plated metal frame and green-tinted mineral glass lenses, which filtered out the ultraviolet rays. Pilots in the United States air force were issued these “Aviator” sunglasses free of charge. The aviator style soon became famous when, during World War 2, General Douglas MacArthur landed on the beaches in the Philippines. Photographers recorded the moment, and their pictures showed him wearing these aviator sunglasses – which then soon became popular all over America.
Ray-Bans have been used in various Hollywood films, starting with “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” in 1961, starring Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly. The “Blues Brothers”, starring Dan Akroyd and John Belushi showed them famously wearing their “Wayfarer” style Ray-Bans. We mustn’t forget, of course, Tom Cruise in the 1983 film “Risky Business”. In 2006, the Honda Formula One Racing team members all wore the Ray-Ban 4075 model during the racing season.
Ray-Ban is now owned by the Luxottica group, and their headquarters are in Italy. Ray-Ban sunglasses continue to be very popular with a large range of exciting styles.
3. Dolce and Gabbana Sunglasses
Dolce and Gabanna is a high-end fashion house, founded by Italian designers Domenico Dolce from Palermo, Sicily, and Stefano Gabanna from Milan, Italy. Dolce and Gabanna are very popular among the Hollywood stars, designing clothes for Kylie Minogue, Madonna and many others. Although the two men separated in 2005, the business remains unchanged and both Dolce and Gabanna continue to design together. They endeavour to create the best designs, rather than being concerned with starting trends, and just glancing through their collection you can see for yourself that the designs are absolutely stunning.
4. Diesel Sunglasses
The Diesel brand has been around since 1978, manufacturing jeans and casual clothing, along with accessories,including Diesel sunglasses. Diesel products can be purchased from around 10,000 shops and boutiques all over the world.
The Diesel company was founded by Renzo Rosso in 1978. He and his design team always wanted to lead their own path in fashion, being slightly different from the norm, and so Diesel has become a fashion leader, rather than a fashion follower. Their manufacturing methods and quality control guarantees an outstanding quality product, with an individual style that is refreshingly different from the usual trends. So, if you want to have that certain look of individuality and style, then Diesel sunglasses are well worth considering.
5. Gucci Sunglasses
Gucci is perhaps one of the worlds most prestigious and famous fashion brands. It was founded by Guccio Gucci in Florence, Italy in 1921. Gucci is the biggest selling Italian brand in the world and has about 425 stores around the world. They also hold the world record for the most expensive pair of jeans ever made – an amazing US $3,134, in Milan in 1998!
In 1938 Gucci expanded, and opened a boutique in Rome. Guccio Gucci himself designed many of the company’s most notable products, such as the bamboo-handled handbag in 1947, which is still manufactured today. Four of his sons helped in running the company and leading it forwards, and after their father’s death in 1953, Aldo Gucci was instrumental in opening the company’s first boutiques in London, Paris and New York.
Like many companies, the Gucci company has had its ups and downs over the years through family quarrels and poor business decisions, but despite this, Gucci remains one of the premier luxury goods brands in the world. Have a look at a few Gucci sunglasses and you will soon see that the designs embody that sense of luxury and extravagance. So, if you want to get noticed, there’s nothing quite like a pair of “Gucci’s” to give you that sense of feeling special and sophisticated. You’ll always be glad you invested in a pair of Gucci sunglasses!
6. Hugo Boss Sunglasses
Hugo Boss is a well known fashion brand extending worldwide, with a chain of shops in over 100 countries and an annual turnover of half a billion dollars.
Hugo Boss founded his clothing company in Germany, in 1923 near Stuttgart, where he is still based today. Despite bankruptcy in 1930, due to the difficult economic climate in Germany at that time, he set up a new business in 1931, and supplied the uniforms of the SS guards. Hugo Boss died in 1948, but his business carried on, and began making suits. In the late 50’s, 60’s and 70’s fashion began to really take off, and Hugo Boss suits soon became known for their fashionable quality.
Like many other fashion names, the company has diversified into fragrances and also, of course, the stunning Hugo Boss sunglasses. When others around you notice you’re wearing Hugo Boss sunglasses, they won’t fail to be impressed.
7. Prada Sunglasses
Prada was created in 1913 by Mario Prada in Milan, Italy. He designed handbags, shoes, suitcases etc, and the brand now signifies luxury and style. Miuccia Prada, Mario’s granddaughter, took over the company in 1978, and moved the Prada label forwards, designing a new look handbag – simple and sleek – and now Prada stands for elegant clean lines with luxurious fabrics and materials.
Accessories, such as Prada sunglasses, are also extremely high quality, again showing those elegant clean lines with attention to detail that give Prada sunglasses their subtle style and classy image. The Prada brand is renowned worldwide, and the distinct Prada triangular logo is instantly recognizable. As soon as you put on a pair of Prada sunglasses you soon realize you own something special.
8. Tommy Hilfiger Sunglasses
Tommy Hilfiger comes from a large family in New York state, America. While still at school, he started his career making jeans, in 1969. With no formal training, he started designing clothes that were different from the usual styles. He moved to New York city in 1979 to further his fashion career, and brought out his first collection in 1985. He has since won numerous awards, not only for designing clothes and accessories, but also for his work in helping young American teenagers, encouraging them to improve in their education, and promoting their physical well-being (through playing sports, etc).
Tommy Hilfiger sunglasses have a special style all of their own, with a distinguished trendy look that is refreshingly different – sure to get you noticed as someone with taste and an eye for style. In a word – stunning!
9. Versace Sunglasses
Gianni Versace was born in Reggio di Calabria, Italy. His mother was a dressmaker, so Gianni began to learn about clothing at an early age, helping his mother find precious stones and gold braid which could be embroidered onto the dresses. He studied architecture, and then moved to Milan when he was 25 to work in fashion design. He the 1970’s he started to become noticed through his fashionable knitwear, and he was asked to design some leather and suede collections. A few years later, he presented his first signature collection for ladies wear in Milan, closely followed by a menswear collection. Over the next years, his reputation soon grew to become one of the great icons of the fashion industry.
Unfortunately in 1997, as he was coming home from his usual morning walk along Ocean Drive where he lived in Miami, Florida, Gianni Versace was shot and killed outside his ocean-front house. He was murdered by a man called Andrew Cunanan, who committed suicide shortly afterwards using the same handgun that had been used on Versace. Gianni Versace was buried in Lake Como, Italy.
Versace remains one of the most talented and colourful designers of the 20th century, and the Versace brand is one of the worlds leading international fashion houses. The collection of Versace sunglasses shows his flare for design with elegant, sophisticated styles, carried on by Gianni’s sister, Donatella Versace, the new head of design of the Versace fashion house.
We all have at some time or the other taken digs at the socialites who flit in and out of parties wearing expensive designer togs and leaving behind a waft of the most heavenly perfume casting disdainful looks at mere mortals like us. How we wish we could also don designer stuff and walk about in a cloud of pricey perfumes!
I don`t know about the designer clothes, but good perfumes are something which all of us can afford in some form or the other. Not only do perfumes make you smell good but they also act as great mood up lifters. Perfumes come in many varieties of strength; so, before you splurge your hard-earned money, do recognize the various types of perfumes available in the market.
Perfumes get their fragrance from perfume oils which determine the strength of the perfume and its lasting power. Obviously, the higher the concentration of the perfume oil, the longer-lasting will the perfume be.
The after-shave has the lowest concentration of the perfume oil, containing about 0.5% – 2.0%, making it ideal for daily use by men to use as a salve after shaving. Then comes the eau-de-cologne with 3.0% – 5.0% of perfume oil concentration and is most commonly used after a bath during summer-time.
Both these categories are affordable for the average person and does leave a lingering fragrance even if the concentration of the perfume oil is less. Eau-de-toilette with its 5.0% – 8.0% concentration of oil is the most popular as it is obviously stronger than the eau de cologne and stays on much longer. The price, of course is much higher than the above two categories.
The next higher category is the eau de parfum which is at the second top rung of the perfume ladder containing within it a concentration of almost 8.0% – 15.0% of perfume oil. Perfumes now start becoming expensive from this category onwards and in fact, most of us can actually afford only an eau de parfum as our most expensive perfume. The fragrance is strong and the effect long-lasting. For most of us even this category of perfume is to be used carefully.
The top honors belong to `parfum` itself which is totally undiluted and contains the intense concentration of the perfume oil ranging between 15% – 30%. Even a drop of this `parfum` will be enough to leave you smelling heavenly. This is exorbitantly priced and frankly, not many of us can really afford this category of perfume unless it is a very, very special gift or indulgence.
Now, that we are set with the basic knowledge of the different categories of perfume, it is now time to select one judiciously. The important tip to bear in mind is that not all perfumes suit everyone; every individual has her own characteristic body chemistry which reacts differently to each individual perfume. So, the perfume which may smell good on someone else may just evaporate in thin air on your body.
Light floral scents suit some better than strong, intense ones and the opposite is also true. So, before purchasing perfume, always test it on the wrists and wait for sometime to allow the fragrance to develop fully before deciding on whether it suits you or not. Limit your perfume sampling to two or three fragrances at a time so as not to overwhelm the senses. Sniffing coffee beans in between each sampling will help you distinguish them better.
So, go right ahead and indulge in at least one good perfume to begin with and then you can build up your perfume wardrobe also!
Pearl jewelry has been for years, one of the most treasured and coveted personal items a person can have. Its simplicity and sheen truly makes it a unique jewel that marks the sign of good taste and wealth. When we think of a pearl, generally we think of a small white sphere. What we don’t think about is the many different types and colors of pearls available. Different types of pearls come in not only different colors, but also shapes, nacre, luster and with different surfaces. Knowing each type and their differences can help you gain an understanding of pearls and help you make the best choice in pearl jewelry that fits your specific needs and even your pocketbook.
The most common pearl most people are familiar with are Freshwater Pearls. Freshwater Pearls are exactly what they sound like. They come from mussels located in freshwater lakes and rivers. Today, China is the leading exporter of Freshwater Pearls, with the majority of pearl farming taking place about 300 miles outside of Shanghai. Recently, however, Chinese pearl farmers have switched their emphasis from the quantity of Freshwater Pearls to the quality. This ensures that the pearls exported are of the best conditions and beauty.
Freshwater Pearls range in size from 4mm to 11mm. The majority is of oval, button and coin shape. Unlike saltwater pearls, they are not quite a perfect circle. Colors range from white, cream, gold, peach, pink, and purple. Some may even have a rose and/or a green over tone to it. Freshwater Pearls tend not to have the same intense luster by comparison to Akoya Pearls, but still have an excellent sheen to them. This and the general oval shapes they come in, tends to make Freshwater pearl jewelry less expensive than other types, and thus making them very popular. Freshwater Pearls do have a thicker nacre, however, which makes them more durable against chipping and general wear and tear.
Akoya Pearls are considered to have the best luster of all the types of pearls. Saltwater pearls, these derive from the Akoya oyster, which is the smallest of the pearl oysters. Therefore, Akoya Pearls tend to be the smallest of pearls. Sizes range from 2mm to 10 mm, but on average, you will find an Akoya Pearl that is 6mm to 7mm. Harvested primarily in Japan and China today, cultured Akoya’s were actually introduced early in the 20th century.
Akoya pearls are closest to being a perfect sphere compared to other pearls. On average, they are 70% to 80% round or near-round. The rest tend to be baroque or semi-baroque. The surface of an Akoya ranges from a clean surface to lightly or moderately blemished, while the nacre can be thick, medium, or thin. Again, the thicker the nacre of the pearl, the more durable it will be. Akoya’s also range in a variety of natural colors including white, cream, some yellow, pink, and blue. Some may even have a rose or green overtone as well.
Tahitian Pearls were first introduced internationally quite recently in the mid-1970’s. Cultivated from black lipped oysters, it is important to know that a pearl is a Tahitian Pearl only if it is cultured in Polynesia. Black lipped oysters tend to be large, with some weighing as much as 10 pounds! So their pearls also can be abnormally large as well. However, on average, Tahitian Pearls are generally 9 to 10 mm and can span anywhere from 8 to 14mm. Tahitian Pearls generally appear black, which some are. However most are a deep grey or green color that appears to be black. Other colors also include blue, peacock, aubergine and pistachio. The luster of the pearl can be quite beautiful from the dark shades of colors present in Tahitian Pearls. The shape of the pearl is split between mostly round or near-round and baroque or semi-baroque. The last 20% of average pearls generally have an oval, button or drop shape to them. With the dark colors, Tahitian Pearls also tend to have a variety of surface types; with clean, lightly, moderately or heavily blemished. So depending on the surface, this will affect the quality and pricing of your Tahitian Pearl jewelry. These types also come with a thick nacre, making them strong against nicks and other wear and tear.
Lastly, we have South Sea Pearls. South Sea Pearls derive from anywhere on the coasts of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Generally, 60% of your South Sea Pearls will come from Australia. However, those that are more creamy or yellow are generally produced in Indonesia. Today, South Sea Pearls are considered to be the most cultivated type of pearl on the market.
Traditionally, South Sea Pearls are larger, ranging in size from 9mm to 18mm. On average, however, you will find a pearl about 13mm. The shape of it tends to be oval, button, or drop shaped 40 to 60% of the time. However, you can find a variety of baroque or round pearls as well. South Sea Pearl jewelry tends to be a little pricier because of its unique characteristics. The luster of the pearl tends to look more satiny and has a distinct shine to it. The surface of the pearl is also quite naturally good, with a range from clean to lightly blemished. In addition, South Sea Pearls come in colors that are not common in other types of pearls, which include gold, white, and silver. The golden hues are especially exquisite with the natural satin finish of the pearl. You can also find South Sea Pearls in blues, creams, with possible overtones of rose or green. The nacre of the pearl also tends to be much thicker than other types of pearls as well, making it quite durable.
All four of these pearls have their positives and differences. Knowing what makes each distinct and special will help you make a knowledgeable decision when selecting your own pearl jewelry. You can ask the right questions, make the right choices, and hopefully select an exquisite piece of authentic pearl jewelry that you will enjoy and care for, for years to come.
