It’s time to leave 2020 in the rearview mirror and look to the year ahead. 

2021 is full of new hope and possibilities for all aspects of life, including the world of eyewear. 

Once again, retro stylings are promising to come out on top. There will also be more demand for frames that complement our newfound love of the outdoors and our new reality of working from home.

CLASSICS RE-INVENTED

The new year is about re-inventing the classics, says Beverley Suliteanu, vice-president of product development at WestGroupe.   

“With the focus on lightweight structures, thin metal profiles will continue to trend although we will be seeing a move towards chunkier, more substantive acetate designs,” she says. “Even though neutral colours, as well as metallic gold and rose gold will continue to trend, new pops of colour will emerge for mood-boosting purchases.”

For women, try KLiiK’s K-683 in black bronze, brown gold, mauve rose or blush silver.

Another eye-catching option is the F-3665 from FYSH available in navy gold, marble grey gold, amethyst rose gold or nude gold. 

And finally, for men, the E-9212 from Evatik will complement any business or casual look in variations of gunmetal including black, blue or grey.

VINTAGE STYLINGS

“The trends for sunglasses in 2021 is all about personal expression, from vintage styles of the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s to the modified classics that have taken on a modern twist,” says Arnaud Falce, Serengeti’s creative director at Bollé Brands.

Serengeti Raffaele and Leonora are sticking with the round-shape trends in crystal and tortoise, while the new Serengeti Driving Heritage Collection restyles iconic designs, creating retro-vintage sunglasses. 

The Boron, Geary, Amboy and Danby complete this collection in top colour selections for the new year featuring translucence, crystals, tortoise and gold.

TIMELESS LOOKS 

Make a true fashion statement with GL6944 from Alternative Eyewear’s Glacee collection.

The chunky acetate frames for women are available in light purple, brown/green gradient or blue/green.

“Screen time vs ‘on the scene’ time will dictate the look of the day. Comfort and quality that looks timeless is my prediction for 2021,” says Alternative/Plan “B” Eyewear brand manager Anna Ibay.

And for men, Alternative’s Staag collection offers the unforgettable Sanford with its double bar profile and striking colour options available in gold/Havana, bronze/blue and bronze/black. 

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

Safilo is teaming up with Under Armour to deliver exciting frame options for men like the super sporty UA 5001/G, offered in matte black with a pitch grey tip and matte transparent with an olive/barley tip.

“As people are spending more time outside than ever before, comfortable sports-active aviators, navigators and shields that complement athleisure looks during outdoor activities have been great performers for fall/winter 2020 and will continue into 2021 with an emphasis on interesting shapes, colours and materials,” predicts Safilo SVP Eric Blanchette.

For something a little more classic, but still ready for action, try the UA 5007/G available now in matte light gold with solid java tip, matte dark ruthenium with black tip or matte ruthenium with royal blue tip.

HIT THE STREETS 

“Major trends sticking around include crystal-coloured zyls, thin and light metals, ‘70s-inspired geometrics in plastic and metal and further developments in eco and/or sustainable materials,” says Centennial’s director of product development Linda Mulford-Hum.

And now in 2021, FILA is bursting onto the scene with a new collection of trendy streetwear that offers Italian elegance for the active spirits among us. 

The VF9915 is made of lightweight, hypoallergenic stainless steel and is a progressive-friendly semi-rimless frame that features a sporty bi-colour laminate temple. 

And the VF9972 is a crossover frame made primarily of stainless steel, but giving the impression of a vintage plastic with TR90 rims.

HELLO SUNSHINE 

You might be dreaming of warmer days, so let’s start thinking about sunglasses. 

“Rectangular shapes are universally appealing and flattering, but we’ll likely see an increase in the variety of colours to bring about some visual interest and mood-lifting properties,” predicts Maui Jim associate brand manager Jill Wood. 

Hitting this trend head on is the chunky acetate styling of the Little Bell, which comes in raspberry, light espresso or grey with lens options including Maui rose, bronze and neutral grey.  

Maui Jim is also offering a hot take on a retro classic, the angular cat eye. 

Anyone can rock this refined, fun look with the Puakenikeni, available in rose gold, gold or gunmetal as well as the Lotus in raspberry, chocolate or black.