Artists and Eyewear Collabs: A Match Made in Heaven

Musicians are known for using fashion to promote creative self-expression, much like how their work reflects different aspects of their personhood. As a matter of fact, fashion and music have a strong cultural link since both of these art forms can influence one another. This is evidenced by the distinctive fashion aesthetics musicians helped make popular, such as the logo mania that was popular among R&B artists or the hippie fashion of the 60s, which complemented the rise of folk rock.

In addition to apparel, the influence of musicians also extends to accessories like eyewear, which is often regarded as one of the best things to complement personal style and appeal. With this, it is unsurprising that some of the most highly regarded artists have collaborated alongside some of the best brands on the market to release their own eyewear collection. Here, we have listed some of the most notable collaborations you should know about.

Elton John Eyewear

Elton John is a renowned artist acclaimed by critics and fellow musicians, especially for his work during the 70s, which has since cemented his status as one of the best in the industry. Besides his musical prowess, though, John is also known for his eccentric fashion sense, defined by his colorful glasses. Wearing bold eyewear is his staple, to the point where he became one of those celebrities who look completely different with glasses. With his penchant for oversized frames and dramatic flair, it is no surprise that his own eyewear line features striking designs that celebrate confidence and self-expression.

Elton John Eyewear was designed by the singer and was created in collaboration with Sam’s Club and Walmart. The collection includes 60 prescription, non-prescription, reader, and sunglass options—all of which are embossed with a signature “E” as a nod to the industry veteran.

L.A.M.B. and Gx Eyewear

Recognized for her love for fashion and design, it was no surprise that Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani launched her own line of eyewear. L.A.M.B. first launched in 2003 as a two-week design project that eventually grew to a renowned lifestyle brand featuring clothes, perfumes, and other accessories from Stefani. But in 2016, she collaborated with optical design house Tura to release two new eyewear lines.

L.A.M.B. eyewear is the luxurious end of Stefani’s designs, and these feature key elements that combine Old Hollywood glamor with modern street influences. The other eyewear line created by Stefani is called Gx. It is marketed as affordably priced but fashion-forward accessories that embody the singer’s blend of sophistication with elements of punk and rock. Stefani’s eyewear lines are a certified success, with Tura announcing that they recently renewed their exclusive eyewear license to prolong their partnership.

Jentle Home

Jennie Kim is one of the illustrious members of the South Korean girl group BLACKPINK. The group has consistently made waves with their music since their debut in 2016, leading them to sell out some of the biggest stadiums across the globe and headline festivals like Coachella, which featured a lot of electronic music in 2023. Individually, the members are known as ambassadors for some of the biggest luxury brands on the market, but Jennie is recognized for her partnership with South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster.

The Jentle Home collection spotlights the singer-rapper’s talents in fashion and includes trendy designs for oversized glasses, spectacles, detachable fashion chains, and other accessories designed by Jennie herself. The collection is also a unique creative avenue for Jennie since the collection’s release in 2020 had a doll theme that was kept consistent across the campaign. Her success with Gentle Monster prompted a second collaboration, Jentle Garden, released in 2022.

Burna Boy x Gaultier

Nigerian artist Burna Boy is one of the rising stars of his generation, showcasing a particular talent over great pop melodies that made him the first African musician to sell out stadiums in the UK and US. Besides his creative pursuits in music, Burna Boy has also been recognized for his fashion-forwardness, making waves with his 2023 Met Gala look and other appearances in public.

This did not go unnoticed by fashion brands, so his first official fashion collaboration with French luxury house Jean Paul Gaultier created buzz online. The collection features two eyewear models designed by Burna Boy, alongside three re-issued styles he personally chose from Gaultier’s 1990s archives. This only highlighted his acute fashion sense and love for design, which was supported by the brand’s reputation.

Ashley

I’ve been a part of the dance music scene for nearly a decade and with Exron for more than half of that time. My first event was Diplo’s Mad Decent but these days you’ll find me at Club Space or the Brooklyn Mirage. Some of my top artists are G Jones, Tipper, Of The Trees, and CharlestheFirst. My favorite genres are techno, experimental bass, and ambient but I’ll get down to anything with a beat!

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