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First, it was Gigi Hadid who went sharp and skinny. Then Bella, Hailey, Kendall, Gaga, Rihanna and even Kim Kardashian who jumped on the razor cats-eye sunglass bandwagon.
Before long, the $119 Last Lolita sunglass style created by Adam Selman for affordable Australian brand Le Specs had beaten designer brands to the ‘most wanted’ shade moniker, despite costing a quarter of their price tags. By the time Summer 2017 arrived, big statement sunglasses were officially out and – as Kim K claims husband Kanye had preached to her – thin eyewear was suddenly in.
GALLERY: Gigi Hadid owns The Last Lolita style in several shades
Now, riding the momentum of his previous collection, Selman has reimagined his old tricks by throwing rebellious colour and frames in the 2018 sunglass mix for his second Adam Selman x Le Specs collection. And like history repeating Gigi and Gaga were again the first to be snapped publicly in styles from the new range.
“I never imagined the first collection with LeSpecs would see this kind of success, I was thrilled,” Selman told GRAZIA Australia. “We just did something we thought was cool, interesting, and unique to the market. I think we are continuing to do that [with this new collection].
“It’s not just about trends to me, it’s about making an interesting product with a point of view that completes a ‘look’ and instantly conveys an attitude.
“I love colour and it has always been something that I embrace – hot pink, banana yellow, red, blush, mirrored cobalt blue and green,” he says of the bold hues in the four-style new offering, which is available online now.
“I do think black looks great with everything and instantly gives an attitude, so I tried to balance the bold colours with the black to make sure there was a little something for everyone.”
Adam Selman x Le Specs, The Breaker (Black with Silver Mirror), $119. SHOP NOW
What does Selman think of changing sunglasses fashion trends and the impact his last collection had on them?
“I am not one to focus too much on trends,” he told GRAZIA. “I just like to offer something unique. I do think that a sporty and active vibe is happening right now, especially in eyewear. It’s very much the mood I am in, and am seeing it all over the place so I wouldn’t be surprised to see that continue.”
GALLERY: The sunglasses first appeared on the Adam Selman AW18 runway
Selman is not the only big-name designer or artist the Australian sunglasses brand has collaborated with over recent times. New York-based Australian jewellery star Jordan Askill and Bondi-based street brand Double Rainbouu have both teamed up with Le Specs to create capsule collections in recent months. British designers Henry Holland and Han Chong (Self-Portrait) have collaborated in the past too.
“Eyewear is having a ‘bold moment’ right now where bright colours and details feel new and exciting, and I see this taking us through summer into 2019,” says Le Specs creative director Hamish Tame. “I also think that after so many years of flat profile sunglasses that we’ll see a shift towards wraparound sunglasses over the coming seasons.”
