I love a good mystery. Especially when it comes to fashion and style. Who knows what will emerge as the “it” item for 2021? There are so many fashion trends that we will never see the likes of again, and it’s great to dive into the details and origins of style icons’ most iconic looks.
One of my favourite fashion mysteries revolves around the designer and actor Robert Pattinson. You may know him from the Twilight films or his numerous other film and music gigs. But beyond his entertainment career, Robert has been obsessed with fashion for years, and it shows in his unique, signature glasses.
When did he first sport them and where did he get the idea from? Nobody knows for sure, but it’s estimated that he has been sporting the glasses since the early 2000s. Since then, they’ve become an essential part of his look. Here are all the details you need to know about Robert Pattinson’s glasses, including their distinctive design, how cool they are and why they continue to be such an important part of his iconic fashion identity.
The Designer
The designer of these glasses is unknown as they have not officially been endorsed by any brand. But we can assume that they were designed by Robert Pattinson himself, given his intimate relationship with style and his clear attention to detail when it comes to fashion.
His signature glasses are fairly modern in design but still bear the faintest hints of the French classicism that he admires so much. The frame shape is a hybrid of the rectangular and the wraparound designs, and the lenses are definitely steampunk in style. But beyond the styling, the construction quality is incredible. Just look at how the whole thing is held together by metal clasps. It’s as if they were built to last a lifetime and then some!
The Model
Like any good fashion icon, Robert Pattinson doesn’t pull any punches in terms of the models he uses to promote his work. It seems that he has a soft spot for those who showcase their bodies in a series of provocative poses. The designer often uses anonymous, nameless models for his advertising campaigns and major fashion shows. But he has also worked with some of the greatest names in the business, including Natacha Pegg and Kate Moss.
Why Do They Look That Way?
It’s no secret that Robert Pattinson is a bit of a freak when it comes to fashion. He has had many one-of-a-kind looks that he has sported throughout the years. It would be fair to say that he has had a major impact on the way we look at fashion, style and eyewear today. Here are a few reasons why his glasses have become so iconic.
- They’re Made In Heaven
- They Have A Unique History
- They’re A Play On Words
- The Iconic Look
- They’re Practical
- They’re Classy
- They’re Durable
- They’re A Bit Ocular
Let’s take a closer look, shall we?
They’re Made In Heaven
It would be remiss of me not to start this list with something that is literally made in heaven. These glasses are definitely made to last a lifetime and then some. As previously discussed, Robert Pattinson is a bit of a fashion freak, and like any good fashion designer, he pays close attention to details. He sourced the finest French acetate for the exterior and has chosen to use a metal band for the nose piece. This material is highly resistant to breakage and allows for greater flexibility. It also ensures that the glasses will stay put during active sport or partying.
The designer has equipped these glasses with a metal frame and chosen to use a combination of steel and titanium as the basis of the frame. It’s important to note that both metals provide the frame with greater strength while also enhancing its classy look. And, as if this list of reasons wasn’t long enough, let’s not forget about the unique look that Robert Pattinson has brought to the table. It would be difficult for someone to pull off this hybrid of the rectangle and the wraparound design without drawing attention.
They Have A Unique History
Let’s continue our trip down memory lane with something a bit more concrete. These glasses have actually been around for a very long time, and they have been spotted on the faces of some of the most famous people in history. In fact, they were originally designed for Queen Victoria in the 19th century. It is believed that the designer Royal Vision initially created the prototype of these glasses for her. But it was Queen Victoria’s great-granddaughter, the current Queen Elizabeth, who first wore the glasses and showed an interest in them. It would not be the last time that the Royal Family would have a connection to these glasses. The next time we saw them would be on the face of Queen Victoria’s great-granddaughter, Queen Mary. After her, the glasses were passed down to King George, King George’s son, King George II, and eventually to Princess Alice, Queen Alice’s daughter. It was during this lineage that the curious crossed eyes piece became a feature. We’ll get to that in a bit.
They’re A Play On Words
Words play an important role in our vocabulary as humans. We use language to define our thoughts and feelings, and it’s no different with fashion. These glasses were first seen as “eyewear” but have actually been around long enough for those who knew the story to call them “pattinsonism”. This is because, for those who knew him well, Robert Pattinson has a habit of wearing his glasses on the wrong eye. For instance, the left eye glass would cover the right eye, or vice versa. So, if you’re speaking to him, you’ll always have to wait until he finishes his sentence before you engage with him. It would not be the first time that he has caused confusion by wearing the wrong glasses. He has been known to wear his Bausch & Kreuger sunglasses in the shape of an “M” on one side and an “S” on the other. So, if you see these two letters anywhere on his body, it means he is wearing his glasses on the wrong eye.
The Iconic Look
When we think of Robert Pattinson and his glasses, it’s usually the image of the designer in the unique and iconic look that we remember. We saw this first in the cinematic masterpiece, Twilight. In the film, we see Pattinson as Edward, the charming and aloof son of the renowned architect, William. In the first scene, we see Edward walking through a museum wearing a pair of sunglasses with a green tint. He stops and looks at a painting, and on closer inspection we see that the painting is reflected in the lenses. And just like that, we are hooked. In a moment of madness, we watch as he removes his sunglasses, and as they are a modern design with the iconic “P” logo embossed on the outside, we are presented with a masterpiece. When we think of Edward and his sunglasses, we think of the iconic look and the genius who designed them.
They’re Practical
While we’re on the subject of aesthetics, it’s worth pointing out that these glasses are incredibly practical. It’s not just that they’re stylish and have an interesting history. These glasses are also UVA/UVB filters as well as being functional. Nowadays, we take our eye care for granted, but in the past, people weren’t always so lucky. It was particularly difficult for those who lived a lot of time in the sun, like farmers or miners. It was not uncommon for them to damage their eyesight. So, while the design is somewhat unusual, it’s great that they serve a practical purpose. It saves the day if you’re ever in need of such a pair!
They’re Classy
We’ve established that these glasses are practical and stylish, which makes them fit for someone of any class. Given their long history, it’s no surprise that this is the case. It seems that those who enjoy the finest things in life often end up dressing the part. As classically elegant as these glasses are, they are also quite a practical choice. It would not be the first time that we’ve seen a famous person adopt a classy look for functional reasons. It’s all about classifying what is most essential, and these glasses serve as a reminder that fashion and function can coexist.