As thoughts turn to summer holiday preparations and wanderlust-inspired wardrobe updates, the influential Spring/Summer 2025 collections offer timely inspiration for the discerning traveller.
Last September’s Milan Fashion Week showcased an impressive array of men’s street-style innovations, from reimagined denim silhouettes to contemporary utility wear, providing a sophisticated template for holiday dressing.
However, it’s the realm of accessories—specifically eyewear—that has emerged as the essential element for elevating your vacation aesthetic. Whether you’re planning sun-soaked coastal retreats or cultured city breaks, the right pair can transform your holiday wardrobe from pedestrian to polished.
Beyond their practical purposes of vision correction and sun protection, the right pair of frames can transform an ensemble whilst perfectly framing one’s features. From the SS25 menswear collections emerge six distinct eyewear trends, each offering a fresh perspective on contemporary style.
Avant-Garde Performance Wear
The SS25 runways witnessed a fascinating fusion of high fashion and technological innovation, particularly evident in Vetements’ boundary-pushing collection of deconstructed classics. This forward-thinking approach manifested in performance eyewear that wouldn’t look out of place in a contemporary sci-fi narrative.
While Oakley remains a cornerstone of performance eyewear, with their Space Encoder making big waves last year, Dolce & Gabbana’s DG6181 sunglasses offer a luxury interpretation through their wraparound silhouette and refined silver accenting. When incorporating such bold pieces, consider their versatility—the key lies in selecting frames that transition seamlessly from casual to formal settings.
Circular Sophistication
The resurgence of preppy aesthetics dominated Milan Fashion Week, with powerhouses like Fendi, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana presenting refined neutral palettes across their knitwear and tailoring. Emporio Armani’s Look 11 particularly stood out, featuring round sunglasses that perfectly complemented a striped cotton jumpsuit and artisanal crossbody bag, epitomising modern preparatory style.
This circular frame motif resonated throughout men’s sunglasses collections by Casablanca and Mihara Yasuhiro, where the timeless silhouette enhanced the sophisticated simplicity of relaxed tailoring and contemporary shirting.
Reflective Reality
Mirrored lenses emerged as a dominant trend, with Prada’s collection leading the charge. Their innovative approach transformed traditional silhouettes through bold, reflective frames that projected dynamic scenes—from serene coastlines to vibrant concert crowds—challenging conventional perspectives on reality and illusion.
Versace’s VE2557 model offers an accessible entry point into this trend, balancing contemporary design with classical elements through its rectangular profile and minimalist framework. Available in sophisticated grey and brown tints, these frames deliver both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality through enhanced glare reduction.
Oversized Statements
The maximalist movement continues its momentum with oversized frames dominating several collections. Gucci’s presentation featured bold, geometric shapes that commanded attention, while Louis Vuitton explored vintage-inspired silhouettes reimagined for the contemporary wardrobe.
For those ready to embrace this dramatic trend, Gucci’s GG1366S offers an exemplary interpretation with its distinctive acetate frame and pronounced angles. The key to wearing oversized frames lies in balancing proportions—pair them with streamlined clothing to allow the eyewear to serve as the focal point of your ensemble.
Architectural Minimalism
In contrast to oversized designs, several designers embraced ultra-thin, architectural frames. Dior Men’s collection showcased sleek titanium constructions that emphasised clean lines and minimal branding, perfect for those who prefer understated sophistication.
These refined pieces found their ultimate expression in the Dior Society collection, where gossamer-thin metal frames create an almost floating effect. The trend extends to everyday wear through brands like RIMOWA Eyewear, whose lightweight titanium frames echo the precision engineering of their renowned luggage, offering a perfect blend of functionality and refined aesthetics, and hinting towards 2025’s wider trend of the minimalist wardrobe being king.
Sustainable Materials
Reflecting the industry’s growing commitment to sustainability, numerous designers presented frames crafted from recycled materials and bio-based alternatives. Tom Ford’s eco-conscious line demonstrated that environmental responsibility need not compromise luxury aesthetics. The collection features frames crafted from reclaimed ocean plastic and bio-acetate, with each piece accompanied by detailed transparency about its environmental impact.
This conscious approach to luxury eyewear is further exemplified by Stella McCartney’s latest collaboration with Ace & Tate, where innovative plant-based materials create sophisticated frames that maintain the durability expected from premium eyewear.
The Bottom Line
From classic circular frames to cutting-edge performance wear, mirrored lenses to sustainable innovations, the SS25 collections offer a comprehensive guide to elevating your eyewear game this year. These trends not only complement current fashion movements but also provide practical solutions for the style-conscious gentleman. Here’s to a great summer! And yes, we do realise it’s still winter…
