Shutter Shades
Encyclopedia
Shutter Shades are a design of slatted sunglasses
commercially available since the 1980s, designed by Alain Mikli
.
Instead of having lenses, the design is characterized by its "shutter
" motif, which is part of the frame, and are marketed as suitable for both men and women
. The shades are available in an assortment of styles and colors. Depending on the design, Shutter Shades may not function as sunglasses; although some models contain UV resistant lenses, many do not, and only feature a series of horizontal plastic "shades," which neither provide protection for the eye from UV light nor prevent a substantial amount of light from entering the eye.
in 1982 and "Obsession"
by Animotion
in 1984. Alain Mikli
made a contemporary custom design for Kanye West
, again influenced by the fashion of the 1980s
. West popularized the glasses in the music video
for "Stronger
." In 2007, Shutter Shades Inc emerged, patented the current sleeker plastic design and coined and trademarked the term "Shutter Shades". Over the remainder of the year and the next, several celebrities publicly embraced the style of the shades, quickly establishing this new design of eyewear as a pop culture staple. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup
many fans were seen wearing shutter shades with the design of their respective flag pictured on the glasses.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses or sun glasses are a form of protective eyewear designed primarily to prevent bright sunlight and high-energy visible light from damaging or discomforting the eyes. They can sometimes also function as a visual aid, as variously termed spectacles or glasses exist, featuring lenses that...
commercially available since the 1980s, designed by Alain Mikli
Alain Mikli
Alain Mikli is a French designer of high-end handmade eyeglasses and accessories. Mikli's line features unique colors and shapes, and are a favorite among European celebrities and avant-garde Americans. Mikli claims his use of color is inspired by his Armenian-Lebanese heritage.In 1978, Mikli...
.
Instead of having lenses, the design is characterized by its "shutter
Window shutter
A window shutter is a solid and stable window covering usually consisting of a frame of vertical stiles and horizontal rails...
" motif, which is part of the frame, and are marketed as suitable for both men and women
Unisex
Unisex stands for the meaning that either gender or sex will be able to, but can also be another term for gender-blindness.The term was coined in the 1962 and was used fairly informally...
. The shades are available in an assortment of styles and colors. Depending on the design, Shutter Shades may not function as sunglasses; although some models contain UV resistant lenses, many do not, and only feature a series of horizontal plastic "shades," which neither provide protection for the eye from UV light nor prevent a substantial amount of light from entering the eye.
History
First available in the 1980s, nicknamed "Venetian Blinders," a then-popular design of louvered eyewear were featured in the music videos for "Glittering Prize" by Simple MindsSimple Minds
Simple Minds are a Scottish rock band who achieved worldwide popularity from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. The band produced a handful of critically acclaimed albums in the early 1980s and best known for their #1 US, Canada and Netherlands hit single "Don't You ", from the soundtrack of the...
in 1982 and "Obsession"
Obsession (song)
"Obsession" is a 1983 song covered in 1984 by the Synthpop-New Wave group Animotion. The song hit number six in the United States, and number five in the United Kingdom in early 1985, helped by a distinctive video that received heavy rotation on MTV....
by Animotion
Animotion
Animotion is a 1980s U.S. New Wave/synthpop band from Los Angeles, California best known for their songs "Obsession" , "Let Him Go", "I Engineer" and "Room to Move"...
in 1984. Alain Mikli
Alain Mikli
Alain Mikli is a French designer of high-end handmade eyeglasses and accessories. Mikli's line features unique colors and shapes, and are a favorite among European celebrities and avant-garde Americans. Mikli claims his use of color is inspired by his Armenian-Lebanese heritage.In 1978, Mikli...
made a contemporary custom design for Kanye West
Kanye West
Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
, again influenced by the fashion of the 1980s
1980s in fashion
In the 1970s, the silhouette of fashion tended to be characterized by close fitting clothes on top with wider, looser clothes on the bottom. This trend completely reversed itself in the early 1980s as both men and women began to wear looser shirts and tight, close-fitting trousers.Men wore power...
. West popularized the glasses in the music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
for "Stronger
Stronger (Kanye West song)
"Stronger" is a song by American hip hop artist Kanye West, released as the second single from his third studio album Graduation. It was produced by West and contains an extended outro co-produced with Mike Dean...
." In 2007, Shutter Shades Inc emerged, patented the current sleeker plastic design and coined and trademarked the term "Shutter Shades". Over the remainder of the year and the next, several celebrities publicly embraced the style of the shades, quickly establishing this new design of eyewear as a pop culture staple. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
many fans were seen wearing shutter shades with the design of their respective flag pictured on the glasses.