Over time, its essential elements have remained the same: the distinct browline, metal and acetate frame, and, above all, that unmistakable 1950s intellectual vibe. It has thus transcended eras, thoughts, styles, and ideals of different generations. What has changed, however, is the interpretation by various brands that have redefined its volume and shape. We are talking about a model that became iconic after being worn by Malcolm X, evolving into a symbol and thus conveying values that go beyond mere eyewear. The original was created in 1947 by Ray-Ban and later worn by Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s 1992 film Malcolm X. In its new Mega Clubmaster Liteforce Optical version, the iconic Clubmaster is modernized with XL temples, making it stronger and more impactful.

It's always the details that make the difference in the Limited Edition (only 400 pieces) of the unisex Alin model by Jacques Marie Mage (in the opening photo), which has just opened its first European JMM Gallery in Milan: the signature arrowhead monoblock hinge and the engraved temples with a unique arrowhead motif. Made of acetate and titanium, with squared rims, it is available in both sun and optical versions. Still inspired by Malcolm X, the Yukel model by Moscot  features dash rivets, a comfortable saddle nose bridge, silicon nose pads, and a 3-barrel hinge, to be chosen “whether you’re blazing trails, breaking rules, or changing games…” as the brand itself states. A classic that, however, plays a crucial role in personalizing any outfit. Montblanc also offers a sophisticated version of these emblematic glasses, drawing on its DNA, which inevitably brings to mind the legendary Meisterstück pen and the Snowcap symbol. Essential, in silver metal paired with black acetate, the MB0390O model has thin temples and polished profiles.

On the other hand, Etro’s Etroclub women’s sunglass model features sharp, bold lines, especially emphasizing the browline and large acetate temples. It is available in various colors, including a distinctive shade of green. Maui Jim’s interpretation remains in line with tradition, featuring the Holomua model, a Hawaiian word meaning improvement, progress. It’s part of the new Ekolu collection (three in Hawaiian), which retraces the origins of the eyewear brand born on the beaches of Lahaina in Hawaii, with the mission to protect eyes from harmful UV rays, which are particularly intense at those latitudes, while preserving the quality of colors. Mission accomplished thanks to PolarizedPlus2 technology, used in the SuperThin Glass lenses of the Holomua model.

Perfect for films set in the 1950s, this style of eyewear has often been used to characterize both positive and negative cinematic characters, giving them that air of apparent normality. Just think of Matt Damon in Suburbicon or the recent film 'The Alto Knights', where Robert De Niro wears a pair in his role as Franck Costello. Among these actors  is also Mark Strong, who in the Kingsman film franchise, playing Agent Merlin, wore the 0004 Kingsman optical frame made by Cutler and Gross in collaboration with Kingsman, a highly coveted piece to this day. And who better than the iconic British brand Cutler and Gross could reinterpret yet another evergreen icon?