Tribute to David Hockney, eyewear trend, June 2026

Trends

Tribute to Hockney

Round theory

Words Alessandra Albarello

22/06/2026

David Hockney’s favourite glasses were decidedly round. A shape perfectly suited to defining the eccentric personality of the artist behind unforgettable masterpieces

Among David Hockney’s favourite glasses was model 0736 by Cutler and Gross , naturally round in shape and now housed in the British company’s archive. Inspired by the original, the 1396 acetate optical frame – also available as a sunglass style – forms a perfect circle, continuing to pay tribute to the late artist, his eccentric style and his unique talent for using colour to convey a sense of joie de vivre through timeless masterpieces. Only the treatment of the frame thickness has changed, while the paddle temples remain those designed by Graham Cutler in 1984.

Also round, but featuring contrasting colour accents that graphically interrupt the curved line of the rims and define the bridge, Pierre Eyewear’s Habib model in acetate draws inspiration from the 1970s. Colour takes centre stage even more in Caroline Abram’s Raika model, where it appears in vivid fluorescent shades, expressed through bold colour pairings and unexpected hues, the result of the brand’s ongoing pursuit of new chromatic and luminous harmonies. Raika is in fact part of the Rêverie collection, where colour becomes an elusive structural element: an experiment, light, a simulacrum, emphasising fluid forms. Just like in a dream.

Cutler and Gross, 1396 model

Pierre Eyewear, Habib model

Caroline Abram, Raika model

Prada Eyewear, Shadowplay PR D08SU model

Celine, Disc CL40345I/F model

Kenzo, Lucky Me KZ40217U model

Prada Eyewear offers its own variation on the theme with the oversized Shadowplay PR D08SU acetate model, where everything is rounded and softened: rims, temples, profiles. The effect is soft, sculptural and compact, assertive yet never rigid, thanks in part to the subtle lens tints.

Equally oversized, strikingly round and inspired by the Seventies are Celine’s sunglasses, aptly named Disc CL 40345I/F. Crafted in acetate, they are offered in a Havana version with light green lenses.

From Celine’s generous proportions we move, without compromise, to smaller-scale models that are no less rich in personality, such as Vava’s iconic WL0056 model (as seen in the opening image), also produced in a limited edition featuring double rims in six different colours. Available in just 50 pieces per colour, it is made from 100% recyclable Mazzucchelli bio-acetate, with Avional hinges and Barberini glass lenses.

Kenzo’s eccentric unisex Lucky Me KZ40217U model certainly does not go unnoticed either. Crafted in metal, it features an original system of double coloured lenses that can be opened or closed by rotating them sideways.

A way to celebrate individuality and joie de vivre every day, with irony, fun and without taking oneself too seriously. Just as David Hockney taught us.