Miles Davis (born 26 May 1926, died 28 September 1991) was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, celebrated for constantly reinventing jazz and shaping movements from bebop and cool jazz to fusion. A trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, Davis launched the careers of countless legends while releasing era-defining albums such as Kind of Blue and Bitches Brew. His restless creativity and uncompromising individuality made him not just a musical pioneer, but a cultural icon whose impact extended far beyond sound.

Off stage, Miles Davis’ personal style was as bold and experimental as his music. He was known for sharp tailoring, sculptural silhouettes, leather, metallic fabrics, and an unapologetic use of colour; from deep reds to electric hues. His grooming was equally distinctive, often pairing sleek hairstyles with an air of defiant elegance that challenged conventions and set him apart from his peers.

Eyewear played an integral role in Davis’ visual identity, becoming part of his artistic armour rather than a mere accessory. Whether worn for light sensitivity, vision needs, or pure expression, glasses and sunglasses were central to his image.

In late 2022, Garrett Leight California Optical released a collaboration paying tribute to him, introducing the “New Miles” sunglasses; a design inspired by one of his iconic frames. The result was confident and magnetic, evoking the atmosphere of a golden jazz club, with seamless transitions from front to temple, oversized pins as striking accents, and softened edges that balance strength with refinement.

While the Garrett Leight collaboration offers a literal homage, Miles Davis’ eyewear legacy stretches across decades and can be reimagined today through Pretavoir’s contemporary collection.

At the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island on 5 July 1969, Davis performed in red acetate shield sunglasses. This look can be echoed with the Tom Ford Fernanda TF1069 83Z in pink magenta, or with the classic black Ray-Ban Jackie Ohh RB4101 601 (also available in other colour variants) for a more versatile interpretation.

At L’Olympia Concert Hall in Paris in July 1973, he appeared in oversized bi-coloured mask sunglasses that perfectly captured the late-sixties and early-seventies spirit. For a modern take, Celine Bold 3 Dots CL40092I 01A offers a sleek alternative, while DITA Subdrop DTS429 02 suits those drawn to a more daring aesthetic.

Later, at the Zénith concert hall in Paris on 4 November 1986, Miles Davis was photographed by Frederic Reglain wearing curved, studded mask-style sunglasses; widely recognised as the Porsche Design P’8479 shield. Introduced in 1979, the P’8479 became one of the most iconic sunglasses designs of the modern era, embraced by cultural figures from Madonna and Yoko Ono to Carine Roitfeld. Defined by its futuristic curvature and distinctive stud detailing, the silhouette remains instantly recognisable today. For a contemporary, trend-driven interpretation of this legendary style, the Versace VE2140 1002/87 captures the same studded confidence and bold presence.

One of his final performances took place at the JVC Jazz Festival in Paris on 6 July 1991, where he wore side-shield sunglasses, also known as glacier-style sunglasses. Originally designed for extreme environments, these frames feature leather, rubber, or metal mesh panels to block peripheral light. Saint Laurent SL M137 Amelia 001 (also available in Asian fit) delivers a bold contemporary take on this silhouette, while DITA Souliner One DTS127 03 in grey acetate offers a subtler, more understated option, albeit the squared shape.

Miles Davis’ influence on music, fashion, and creative culture remains immeasurable; a testament to fearless self-expression and innovation.

At Pretavoir, we celebrate that legacy by offering a comprehensive glossary of celebrity eyewear, the most up-to-date designer collections, and enduring style inspiration drawn from icons who saw the world differently.

Au Revoir,
PRET A VOIR