In René Clair’s 1964 film Les Félins, wealthy American heiress Barbara Hill, played by Lola Albright, is frequently seen in wraparound sunglasses. The French Riviera provides the film’s captivating backdrop – the perfect setting for a plot full of intrigue, with stars including Alain Delon and Jane Fonda. Fast-forward to the 1970s, and it’s Elizabeth Taylor who makes a style statement with the same silhouette, spotted wearing them during a stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Hollywood with Richard Burton. That photo became – and remains – an enduring symbol of Riviera glamour. The sunglasses in question? The timeless Continental (in the opening photo), a unisex model first launched by Renauld in 1963 and reissued ever since in a range of colours, premium materials and special editions – continuing the legacy of an iconic, one-of-a-kind accessory.

But let’s rewind Clair’s film for a moment to focus on the real star: the Riviera itself. Regardless of where it lies on the map, the Riviera has a unique charm – a symbol of leisure, freedom, luxury, a touch of rebellion, and effortless elegance. And when the French Riviera is involved, Vichy checks are never far behind. At Celine, they become a focal point on the front of the CL40194U model – a sophisticated black-and-white design with solid-colour temples, detailed with the signature Triomphe logo.
From France, we head to another Riviera – Spain’s – and more specifically, Ibiza. Etnia Barcelona pays homage to the island with its limited-edition Ibiza Vol.5 collection, including the Ibiza 09 model. It features bold stripes that channel the island’s artistic spirit and boundless joie de vivre. Uplifting, sun-drenched colour duos like white/green, white/red, white/blue, and white/yellow sit alongside timeless black-and-white and block colours.

Then there’s Emilio Pucci – a brand synonymous with jet-set sophistication – whose collections are a continual love letter to glamorous Riviera escapes, including Portofino, the setting for its Spring/Summer 2025 runway show. The EP0234 model tells its own story of travel and exclusivity: with oval rims, a vintage-inspired silhouette, and the brand’s signature Iride print, which takes on an almost enamelled look thanks to a puffy acetate construction.
By contrast, Piana by Ultra Limited is all about tactile expression – layered colourways and overlapping patterns that evoke the richness of woven textiles, brought to life through low-profile lenses and bold, sculptural temples.
Riviera style also gives you licence to be daring – even with classic patterns. Take Burberry’s BE4450U cat-eye frame, where the all-over check motif boldly declares its status in a single, confident glance.
Marni, on the other hand, plays with geometric minimalism and expressive detail in the Zokoa frame. Crafted from acetate with generously wide temples, its standout feature is a playful, unexpected interlacing of navy and black checks – a modern twist on a classic motif.
The Riviera is waiting…