From historical figures to modern-day celebrities, there are so many men and women around the world who are indistinguishable without their iconic eyeglasses. The evolution of eyeglass styles has been a continuously changing thing.
From the bold rock-n-roll styles of the 1950s and 1960s to the subtle yet statement-making frames of the turn of the century, there are so many beloved styles that have become linked with famous historical figures.
And there’s no doubt about it – the eyeglasses that you wear can quickly become a unique part of your identity, just like your favorite celebrity figures. Whether you’re a fan of the retro-inspired cat-eye shape or lean more towards translucent frames, the designer prescription eyeglasses that you wear day in and day out are both a necessary and stylish accessory.
If you’re interested in learning more about some of the most iconic famous individuals who rocked unique eyeglasses, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a quick list of some of our favorite famous figures and their statement-making eyeglasses to inspire you and feel confident as you rock your own. Keep reading to discover more.
Buddy Holly – Horn-Rimmed Square Glasses
We’ll start things out with one of the most iconic glasses-wearing celebrities known worldwide – Buddy Holly. One of the most famous musicians in the 1950’s, Buddy Holly made a name for himself with a hit single in 1957, “That’ll Be the Day,” and his statement-making horn-rimmed and tortoiseshell glasses.
Shop the Style – Designer Square Sunglasses:
- The Navigator Designer Square Eyeglasses in Tortoiseshell
- The Director Designer Rectangular Eyeglasses in Black
- The Scholar Designer Square Eyeglasses in Tortoiseshell
Steve Jobs – Round Glasses
Let’s move things up to the recent few decades with one of the founders of the modern-day powerhouse, Apple. A well-known household name nowadays, Steve Jobs was distinguished for working tirelessly to grow Apple into a thriving business, all while rocking an iconic pair of custom-made rimless round glasses.
Shop the Style – Designer Round Eyeglasses:
- The Horizon Designer Round Eyeglasses in Forest Green
- The Explorer Designer Round Eyeglasses in Yellow
- The Horizon Designer Round Eyeglasses in Tortoise Pattern
Eleanor Roosevelt – Multi-Toned Glasses
While she may be best known for being the longest-serving First Lady in the Oval Office, Eleanor Roosevelt was also a statement-making style icon in the world of prescription eyeglasses. She was famous for wearing bold cat-eye silhouettes and multi-toned glasses, a change from the typical neutral or tortoiseshell styles of the era.
Shop the Style – Designer Multi-Tone Eyeglasses:
- Meridian Designer Cat-Eye and Square Eyeglasses in Tortoise and Cocoa
- Meridian Designer Cat-Eye and Square Eyeglasses in Tortoise and Teal
- Meridian Designer Cat-Eye and Square Eyeglasses in Tortoise and Blue
Audrey Hepburn – Oversized Sunglasses
We’ll switch things up for just a moment to recognize one of the most iconic celebrity sunglasses styles of all time – Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Her oversized square sunglasses made a statement in an era of sleek, simple styles, setting the stage for other style icons to follow.
Shop the Style – Designer Oversized Sunglasses:
- The Ebony Sola Designer Square Sunglasses
- The Tortoise Sola Designer Square Sunglasses
- The Polarized Beacon Square Sunglasses in Midnight Blue
Teddy Roosevelt – Small Rounded Eyeglasses
When thinking about historical figures that are famous for their eyeglasses, President Teddy Roosevelt always comes to mind. Rarely seen without them, President Roosevelt wore a simple yet stylish Prince Nez prescription eyeglasses style for any occasion, often with a neutral tone or minimalist wire construction.
Shop the Style – Designer Round Eyeglasses:
- The Healer Designer Round Eyeglasses in Black
- The Horizon Designer Round Eyeglasses in Tortoise Pattern
- The Traveler Designer Round Eyeglasses in Black
Marilyn Monroe: How to Marry a Millionaire – Cat-Eye Glasses
Next up on our list of iconic eyeglass styles is Marilyn Monroe’s beloved character, Pola Debevoise, in How to Marry a Millionaire. While Marilyn didn’t wear eyeglasses in real life, her character in the movie wore a pair of stunning, statement-making cat-eye glasses that perfectly framed her face.
Shop the Style – Designer Cat-Eye Glasses:
- The Seeker Oval Designer Cat-Eye Glasses in Arctic Blue
- The Visionary Designer Cat-Eye Glasses in Red
- The Humanist Oval Designer Cat-Eye Glasses in Black
Bill Gates – Square Eyeglasses
As we near the end of our list of iconic celebrity eyeglasses, we’ll bring things back to the modern age with Microsoft founder, Bill Gates. Widely recognized for his exceptional skill in growing software businesses and his dedication to philanthropy. Bill Gates has become synonymous with his subtle yet statement-making square eyeglasses.
Shop the Style – Designer Square Eyeglasses:
- The Altruist Designer Square Eyeglasses in Black
- The Giver Designer Square Eyeglasses in Clear
- The Scholar Designer Square Eyeglasses in Tortoiseshell
The Beatles – Round Sunglasses
Let’s wrap things up with another style of iconic celebrity sunglasses – the eye-catching rounded frames of The Beatles. Famous for completely changing the music industry with their new style of rock-n-roll, The Beatles quickly became style icons around the world, with youthful hairstyles, bold clothing, and unexpected eyewear.
Shop the Style – Designer Round Sunglasses:
- The 1932 Lawrence Round Designer Sunglasses in Black
- The 1932 Terry Round Designer Sunglasses in Tortoise
- The 1932 Millburn Round Designer Sunglasses in Brown
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When thinking about the world of popular prescription eyeglasses, there’s no doubt that several iconic styles come to mind. More often than not, these memorable styles are similar to a beloved famous individual. Whether it’s our favorite celebrities or remarkable historical figures, numerous men and women are associated with rocking unique, iconic eyeglasses styles.