Big sunglasses have officially stopped being a fleeting summer accessory and settled in as the year-round defining statement. Since Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Balenciaga debut sent giant bug-eye frames down the runway, the exaggerated silhouette has only gained momentum, showing up again at Prada, Celine and Valentino as designers lean into a bigger-is-better mentality. It’s a sharp turn from the barely-there eyewear of recent seasons, and one that feels far more fun. 

The Fashion Quarterly office has become something of a bug-eye stronghold, with more than a few of our editors spotted wearing theirs indoors at NZFW, dark lenses and all, because when the accessory is this good, there’s really no reason to wait for sunshine. 

What makes it so appealing is its refusal to be subtle. These are not sunglasses you forget you’re wearing, they’re face-framing, mood-shifting and dramatic enough to turn even your most basic outfit into something with a bit more presence. Best of all, this isn’t a trend with an expiry date. The style dates back to 1960s mod fashion, giving it real vintage credibility, and with Balenciaga and Celine both backing it, it’s clearly not going anywhere anytime soon. So if you’ve been eyeing a pair that felt a little too much, this is your sign. Go bigger.