Steve McQueen. Audrey Hepburn. Hunter S. Thompson. So many of history’s badasses have a penchant for, and association with, a particular pair of iconic sunglasses. It’s universally accepted that donning shades instantly ups one’s cool factor by several points. We go out of our way to find eyewear that reminds us of our favorite movie and rock stars, athletes, and even business owners. But have you ever stopped to think about why we’re so drawn to people wearing sunglasses?
Facial symmetry definitely has something to do with it. A study conducted by Nottingham Trent University (NTU) found that we perceive sunglasses wearers as more attractive due to our desire for things to match, to line up, to cohere. Dark sunglasses help to hide facial asymmetries and “imperfections” and highlight its more flattering elements.
Beyond just aesthetic reasons, there are also psychological elements at play.
The eyes have often been referred to as the “windows to the soul”. Pulling the shades down on those windows (or rather, putting them on) can add an air of mystery, makes one a little harder to read, a little more mysterious. It beckons people to seek
“The eyes are such a tremendous source of information and vulnerability for the human being,” says Vanessa Brown, senior lecturer at NTU. Somewhere down in our lizard brain, we desire to know more about things that we don’t understand. Cool and detached can definitely be an alluring quality in a person.
On the flip side, fashion, including eyewear, is a wonderful way to express oneself. Your choice in sunglasses is a great way to let people know the kind of person you are. Does he value classic style and tradition? Does she have a flair for the avant-garde and cutting edge? Obviously, fashion isn’t a substitute for having a personality, but it’s a great extension of who you are and can be a great conversation starter.
Whether you’re looking to leave people asking questions or broadcast your personality to the world, we guarantee that Philippe V has a pair of sunglasses for you.
