John Lennon Glasses Styles: Get The Look
John Lennon’s glasses are an iconic fashion statement that will never fade. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, John Lennon, the frontman of the Beatles, was known for his distinctive round glasses, also known as “tea shades.” The glasses quickly became a symbol of counterculture and anti-establishment movements and cemented Lennon’s status as a fashion icon. Today, over five decades later, Lennon’s glasses continue to inspire fashion and pop culture, proving that some styles truly never fade.
The exact origins of the glasses are unclear, but they are thought to have been inspired by the small round glasses worn by early 20th-century intellectuals and artists. Lennon’s particular style of glasses was round with thin wire frames and small, tinted lenses. He was often seen wearing them in public appearances, on album covers, and in music videos.
The Impact & Popularity of John Lennon’s Glasses
Lennon’s glasses quickly became a symbol of the hippie movement, representing individuality, rebellion, and peace. They were essentially a way to express oneself without words. Despite Lennon’s untimely death in 1980, his sunglasses have continued to inspire fashion and pop culture. The glasses have been worn by countless celebrities, musicians, and fashion influencers, from Ozzy Osbourne and Elton John to Johnny Depp and Rihanna. This style of frames has also appeared in movies and TV shows, increasing the popularity of the eyewear style.
John Lennon Glasses: Get The Iconic Look
Today, variations of Lennon’s iconic glasses are still produced and sold by various fashion brands. They continue to be a popular choice for those who want to make a statement with their eyewear. The glasses have become a timeless fashion statement, and their popularity shows no signs of fading anytime soon. Let’s look at some reputable brands that have created frames similar to the iconic ones that Lennon wore back in the day. Side note: be sure to read until the end to find out what brand originally made Lennon's frames and continues to manufacture the same style to this day.
RAY-BAN
It is widely believed that Ray-Ban took inspiration for their round metal sunglasses from John Lennon's iconic glasses. They were introduced in the 1970s - roughly the same time that Lennon started wearing his signature frames. Although Ray-Ban has not confirmed this, the similarities between the two styles are undeniable. The Ray-Ban model also even has the distinctive nose bridge - just like Lennon's.
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GARRETT LEIGHT
Yellow lenses were one of John Lennon's favourite lens colours, and he wore them day-to-day and while performing. Yellow-tinted lenses have several benefits, such as filtering out blue light and enhancing contrast in low-light conditions. The Yellow lens was a fashion statement for Lennon. They added a pop of colour to his outfits and complimented his bold, individualistic style. Today, they provide a vintage-retro look, exactly the look you want to go for to achieve the Beatles star's style. Shop a similar style below from Californian based brand, Garrett Leight.
OLIVER PEOPLES
In 2019, a pair of John Lennon's iconic frames were auctioned in London for £137,500. Alan Herring, who had the glasses in his possession before selling them, had explained that he had acquired them after Lennon left them in the back of Ringo Starr's vehicle in 1968. The glasses were broken, and Lennon had insisted that Herring keep them, stating that they were strictly to maintain his look and that he would have others sent out. It would be extremely difficult to get your hands on this exact pair, so we have listed a very similar style from Oliver Peoples. This iconic and historic eyewear brand has high-quality craftsmanship, timeless designs, and strong attention to detail infused into their nature. You certainly can't go wrong with a pair of Oliver Peoples.
Shop Oliver Peoples Coleridge Sun OV1186S 5145/52 Gold/Green
As well as the similar auctioned pair, Oliver Peoples have another style that closely replicates another pair of John Lennon glasses. Check out the Weslie sunglasses below - the resemblance in the frame style is uncanny.
Shop Oliver Peoples Weslie Sun OV1282ST 5036/3C
SAVILE ROW - ALGHA WORKS PRODUCES THE ORIGINAL JOHN LENNON GLASSES
It is believed that Algha Works, which later became the Savile Row Eyewear company, created John Lennon's original round-frame glasses. The company was known for producing high-quality, handmade eyewear in London during the mid-20th century, and its frames were popular amongst musicians, actors, and other celebrities. Lennon's frames, which were made with thin, gold wire frames and round lenses, have become an iconic style to Savile Row Eyewear, and the eyewear company continues to produce frames inspired by the classic designs of the past, including the round glasses made famous by Lennon.
Shop Savile Row 18kt Bayswater Rhodium
Ultimately, John Lennon's glasses were more than just a pair of glasses - they are a cultural icon that has endured for over five decades. They represent individuality, rebellion, and peace, and their popularity continues to inspire fashion and pop culture. Next time you see someone wearing a pair of round glasses, or even when you look in the mirror, remember the impact of Lennon's iconic frames and the message they represent.
#PRETLoves John Lennon Glasses
Au revoir,
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