Sun shades have develop into a swimsuit of armor for public figures, particularly U.S. politicians. President Joe Biden by no means goes anyplace with out his aviators, whereas Vice President Kamala Harris‘ go-to is her spherical, outsized Mykita Lahti shades.
Former U.S. presidents Barack Obama, Invoice Clinton and George W. Bush all wore them, though Donald Trump chooses to eschew them, wanting the cameras — and the U.S. public — straight within the eye.
Carrying them — or not — says quite a bit about an individual. Glasses can sign private type and funky — and so they can intimidate, too.
“Picture-wise, sun shades ship out a mess of messages,” stated Sunita Kumar Nair, writer of “CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Vogue.” She added that whereas they will sign type and the sophistication, “it’s not important for a president to put on them.”
Because the 2024 presidential race goes full steam forward, right here WWD recaps some prime eyewear moments on the White Home.
Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Washington Publish through Getty Im
Who: Kamala Harris
Fashion of alternative: Mykita Lahti
What does it imply: If there’s one picture that encapsulates Harris’ on-line presence, it’s the viral video of her from 2020 during which she declares, “We did it, Joe!”
Within the video she’s carrying sun shades from German model Mykita. “She selected a really politically appropriate model. It’s worn by stylish folks comparable to Cate Blanchett or Jason Statham, handcrafted fashionable design with superior expertise. Good selection, good philosophy and good type,” stated Dominique Gaulme, who coauthored “Energy and Fashion: A World Historical past of Politics and Costume” along with her husband François.
Donald Trump in his trademark navy swimsuit and lengthy pink tie.
The Washington Publish through Getty Photographs
Who: Donald Trump
Fashion of alternative: None
What does it imply: The previous president and present Republican presidential nominee has a signature look, and it’s not altering anytime quickly. It’s clear he is not going to let something come between his Oompa Loompa tan and orange-tinged hair.
“I really feel there’s a relatability issue. Trump, who will not be immediately likable or fashionable along with his rhetoric, may ship extra of his character by selecting to not put on sun shades,” stated François Gaulme.
U.S. President Joe Biden.
Getty Photographs
Who: Joe Biden
Fashion of alternative: Ray-Ban 3025
What does it imply: President Joe Biden’s aviators are a nod to his army days and are a continuing in his life. When he joined Instagram in 2014, it wasn’t with a selfie, however a close-up of his aviators. However since dropping out of the 2024 race, they’ve develop into a subject of some mockery.
Dominique Gaulme added that it is likely to be time for a change of fashion: “Sadly, Joe Biden appears to cover his outdated and drained eyes along with his spectacles, to not present how misplaced he feels. President [Emmanuel] Macron supplied him a pleasant pair of Vuarnets, a well-known French model, when he paid a state go to to Paris.”
Barack Obama carrying his Ray-Ban 3217.
AFP through Getty Photographs
Who: Barack Obama
Fashion of alternative: Ray-Ban 3217
What does it imply: The previous U.S. president is the picture of cool along with his motion hero Ray-Ban 3217s. They’re classically American, however with a twist — identical to the fits he wore in workplace with two-button jackets as an alternative of three.
Invoice Clinton.
AFP through Getty Photographs
Who: Invoice Clinton
Fashion of alternative: All American
What does it imply: U.S. presidents love their Ray-Bans, and Clinton’s pair is the hippest of the bunch with their round lenses and grey frames.
He wore them when he accepted the Charlemagne Prize in 2000 for his work on European unification. “His sun shades reveal his barely [more] hippie scholar aspect,” stated Nair.
The outdated adage is “actual eyes, understand” and for Clinton, his sun shades have the phrase “America” engraved on the aspect. What may very well be extra patriotic than that?
George W. Bush carrying his Ray-Ban Wayfarer.
AFP through Getty Photographs
Who: George W. Bush
Fashion of alternative: Ray-Ban Wayfarer
What does it imply: The Wayfarer is a midcentury basic and for a very long time, Bush was the picture of America. “He appears to be like resolute and environment friendly. He’s the no-nonsense president. The person of motion who doesn’t take care of frivolity,” stated Dominique Gaulme.
John F. Kennedy carrying his Saratoga sun shades.
Bettmann Archive
Who: John F. Kennedy
Fashion of alternative: American Optical Eyewear’s Saratoga
What does it imply: Kennedy routinely wore his sun shades when he was off obligation and spending time along with his buddies. On the job, he by no means hid behind darkish lenses.
“I do bear in mind studying this anecdote about President Kennedy, who requested Jackie to take off her sun shades the day he was assassinated, and so they have been touring in a motorcade with the highest down, the aim of the journey was to satisfy the folks of Dallas, Texas,” stated Nair.
Kennedy supposedly instructed his spouse to “take them off, Jackie, the folks must see your eyes.”
“The outdated adage that the eyes are the gateway to the soul will need to have been one which President Kennedy felt essential,” added Nair.
Lyndon B. Johnson in his pool along with his grandson Lyn.
Corbis through Getty Photographs
Who: Lyndon B. Johnson
Fashion of alternative: A number of
What does it imply: The thirty sixth POTUS was an avid eyewear collector. He left 53 pairs of eyeglasses on the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in Texas. He had frames in each shade, from clear ones to yellows and greens.
“Lyndon Johnson couldn’t do with out his spectacles. Even in a pool along with his canine and a child woman,” stated Dominique Gaulme.