At Polaroid, we understand the power of an icon. From our classic men’s aviators to women’s sunglasses like Pall Mall , our sunglasses capture unique moments in the history of style. Celia Birtwell is a British designer who definitely deserves our interest again this season. Her latest collection for John Lewis reminds us all that the best designers have the power to cross eras.

Monica, one of out top designers, gets into the spirit of Wicked
Our new 2010 Polaroid sunglasses collection covers a lot of ground. From classic aviators and sports sunglasses styles to more cutting-edge looks, variety is definitely a theme. And, for all those fashionistas out there, there’s Wicked. The bright pink is perfect for this season’s eighties-retro look and the shape is incredibly flattering for all kinds of faces and hairstyles.
They look a treat on Monica. What do you think?

Eighties fashion was pretty daring, and it's back.
Big sunglasses, bigger shoulder pads, skinny leggings, bold colours and heels to die for. It’s unanimous: the eighties are back. With a vengeance. If you’re already thinking about your spring wardrobe, then you’ll want to consider including a few retro-eighties pieces. Which ones are best? Don’t worry, Polaroid sunglasses has already done some of the legwork for you.
Tip 1. Start with a blazer. Go ahead and get one in a bright colour and don’t even think of taking out the shoulder pads. This one from Asos is just about perfect. Coral is a wonderful colour – and will work with black right now or with white when the summer finally arrives.
Tip 2. Get some clogs in your life. Big footwear is definitely cutting a path down the runway. Put those ballet flats at the back of your wardrobe and try on some high strappy clogs – like this pair from Topshop. They’ll give those shoulder pads the balance they need – and make your legs look longer.

Polaroid sunglasses - setting trends since the 1940s
While we’re waiting for the launch of the new Polaroid sunglasses collection, it seems only natural to review Polaroid’s amazing heritage. I saw these sunglasses on eBay and it reminded me that Polaroid has a rich past – both in the technical development of our lenses and also in fashion. Sunglasses with this kind of style say it all. St Tropez, warm winds and golden sands. They’re just so Brigette Bardot – and so much fun.
Enjoy them if you have a minute.

Betty Draper (January Jones) in a great pair of sunglasses.
Tonight marks the start of Mad Men series 3 on BBC 4. For those of us who have been waiting, 10:00 can’t come soon enough. When it’s done well, television has the power to take on a life of its own, influencing fashions and, in the case of Mad Men, reminding us what iconic style is all about. Watching this series isn’t just about following the plots – which trace the subtle turnings and back stabbings of an advertising agency when Madison Avenue was in its heyday. Those are fascinating in themselves. But what makes Mad Men so compelling is its unbeatable glamorous good looks. From leading man Don Draper’s perfect sixties kitchen to the wonderful cars, immaculate hotel rooms and the fabulously planned outfits, it all works seamlessly and perfectly together.
Vintage is making a come back. Again. And sunglasses are part of the trend. This time, it’s not just about finding beautiful, wearable pieces from the 50s, 60s, 70s or even the 80s. It’s also about finding the shapes and ideas that evoke an earlier era. Nostalgia definitely has a place in this autumn’s look-book.
I like what our friend Emilie Smith did with her Polaroid sunglasses. The monochrome vibe with a berét and beautifully detailed necklace creates a perfect balance between elaborate and simple. What makes the look vintage is the shape of the Jackie O sunglasses, it just says late sixties, coiffured hair and cool lines. This is the perfect trend for Polaroid. (more…)
Polaroid sunglasses have an amazing history. They’ve been around since the thirties when polarizing technology was first developed by Edwin Land. A huge part of their success was down to the invention of a synthetic polarizer that could effectively block light travelling in the horizontal plane. But, looking at some old ads, it’s easy to see that Polaroid had a unique style. One that made heads turn! (more…)
