8 Musicians Known for Their Iconic Eyewear

Music and fashion have often been intertwined, and over the years, some musicians have become almost as well known for their distinctive eyewear as they are for their music. From Lisa Loeb's tortoise shell glasses to Elton John's glittery pink shades, some musicians' eyewear can create pop culture hallmarks. Here are eight musicians who have made eyewear an integral and iconic part of their stage persona.

Stevie Wonder and Shades

Stevie Wonder is among the greatest musicians of all time, and he's also known for his iconic eyewear. He has been blind since birth and wears dark glasses to protect his eyes from excessive light. His eyewear has become a part of his signature look, as he often sports shades in various colors and styles. Over the years, Stevie Wonder has worn glasses that range from small, round Lennon-style glasses to large, rectangular frames. His eyewear has become a part of his look and a testament to his talent as a musician who can make audiences feel through sound alone. The Sfizio frames from Vint & York nicely emulate Stevie's common rectangular shades style.

Elton John's Pink Sunglasses

When it comes to iconic eyewear, few have made a bigger splash than Elton John. His flamboyant, over-the-top style includes some of the most memorable glasses ever worn by a musician. From his start in the 1970s, when he began sporting outrageous outfits, Elton John has taken advantage of statement-making eyewear. Possibly his most famous pair is the pink glitter sunglasses he wore in the 1975 film "Tommy." Elton John's bold eyewear has become synonymous with his music and personal brand. He claims to own over 250,000 pairs of glasses, and many of his styles can be recreated with Vint & York frames.

Lady Gaga and Oversized Glasses

Lady Gaga is known for her avant-garde music and her unique style. Gaga debuted her first album in 2008, and since then, she has been making headlines with her outlandish outfits and eccentric eyewear. One of Gaga's most famous eyewear moments was at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, where she wore a pair of sunglasses so large they covered half her face. Vint & York's oversized collection offers some similar styles. Gaga has since continued to push boundaries with her eyewear choices, donning everything from tortoise shell glasses to oversized frames in bright neon hues.

Buddy Holly's Classic Black Frames

Buddy Holly was one of the pioneers of rock and roll, and his iconic eyewear is still being imitated today. The late musician wore chunky black frames, which practically became their own genre. He was rarely seen without his glasses, and they became such an integral part of his image that they were included in his official logo. The Killa and Denali frames from Vint & York are excellent for reproducing Holly's legendary look.

John Lennon's Small Round Frames

John Lennon was not only a member of one of the most iconic bands in history, but he also had a style that was all his own. Lennon's eyewear has become legendary, as he was often seen wearing small, round frames that were both timeless and trendy. He wore his glasses everywhere, and his style was so influential that it continues to inspire modern retro eyewear trends. The Vint & York collection of round frames has a variety of options that closely match Lennon's iconic style.

Debbie Harry's Mirrored Sunglasses

Debbie Harry, the lead singer of Blondie, was a pioneer of the punk rock style in the 1970s. She often wore bright, bold colors and daring outfits, and her eyewear was no exception. Harry often donned mirrored sunglasses with round frames. Her eyewear was an integral part of her image, and it helped her become one of the most recognizable figures of the punk rock era. Round and aviator-style frames like those she wore can also be found in Vint & York's collections.

Roy Orbison and Thick Rims

Roy Orbison was another musician who wore his glasses everywhere he went. The late musician was known for his distinctive voice and emotional lyrics, but he's also remembered for his black, thick-rimmed glasses. Orbison wore his glasses for style and practical reasons, as he had severe myopia. Thick rims like Vint & York's Belle or Wylie frames are reminiscent of Orbison's iconic look.

Janis Joplin's Big Round Shades

Janis Joplin was a trailblazer in the music industry, and her unique fashion sense helped set her apart from other musicians. Her love of bohemian style was evident in everything she wore, including her eyewear. Joplin often wore oversized, round frames in bright colors, which became an iconic symbol of her free spirit and individuality. The Bellezza or Cupertino frames from Vint & York embody this style nicely.

Any Style, From Tortoise Shell Glasses to Cat-Eye Frames

Music and fashion have always been intertwined, and these musicians have proved that eyewear can be an essential accessory that defines a performer's image. From Bono's wraparound frames glasses to Elvis Costello's classy black frames, these musicians have incorporated eyewear into their onstage personas. These musicians have turned their eyewear choices into classic styles, influencing generations of fashion fans. Vint & York's extensive collection of frames helps carry that torch. Explore the site today to find glasses that can help you emulate your favorite classic musician.