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The Most Iconic Versace Glasses of All Time: a Comprehensive Guide

Phoebe Jade

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Phoebe Jade

Updated: 28 March 2024 •  
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Versace — a name that’s synonymous with luxury and high fashion. Aside from its clothing line, Versace is also well known for its distinctively flamboyant glasses.
 
In this deep dive, we’ll look at Versace eyewear, its history, and its most iconic styles. Stick around until the end, and you might even find out how to get the Versace look on a budget.
 

A journey through time with Versace eyewear

In 1978, the world was introduced to Versace, the brainchild of Italian designer Gianni Versace. By having control over every step of the process — from conceptualizing to selling — Versace stood out as a unique independent label in a world of big brand conglomerates.
 
By the early ’80s, the brand had expanded its offerings to include jewelry and accessories, like eyeglasses and sunnies.
 
From its earliest designs, which were characterized by bold geometric shapes and vibrant colors, to the sleek, chic styles we see today, Versace has continuously pushed the boundaries of fashion and eyewear.
 
Over the years, the brand has experimented with various materials, from traditional acetate frames to more modern metals and plastics, and incorporated unique embellishments such as Swarovski crystals and Medusa logos.
 
As a result of its strong identity and innovation, Versace’s glasses have made a huge impact on both fashion and culture. The brand’s eyewear collection has become one of the world’s most popular and recognizable, with everyone from A-list celebrities to everyday fashionistas sporting their designs.
 

The most iconic Versace glasses of all time & who wore them

Versace eyewear has been at the center of numerous iconic style moments over the decades. Here are some of the most memorable.
 

The Notorious B.I.G.’s standout Versace 424

 
If you ask any hip-hop aficionado on what the most recognizable sunglasses to ever grace a music video are, they’ll probably say the Versace 424 frames that Biggie wore in the One More Chance music video.
 
Biggie wearing Versace glasses

A big fan of Versace, Notorious B.I.G. wore these Versace 424 frames in his One More Chance music video. Source: The Hiphop Insider

 
What makes them memorable are their temples formed by inverted pyramids that provide the link to the iconic Medusa. With its black and gold color palette, it’s a pair made for (hip-hop) royalty.
 

Prince’s versatile Versace sunglasses

 
Prince made plenty of fashion statements in his lifetime, many of which included glasses. For his Versace moment, he took a leaf out of Notorious B.I.G.’s book by wearing the same pair of Versace 424.
 
In his case, the musician wore the frames at numerous outings, from onstage during his Jam of the Year tour (1997-1998) to the New York Knicks-Chicago Bulls game in 1996. He also rocked them during an interview with Chris Rock in 1997.
 
prince wears the versace glasses 424 in a basketball game

Prince wore the Versace 424 sunglasses everywhere, from onstage for his tour to a basketball game to a televised interview. Source: Twitter

 

Madonna’s oversized Versace Palazzo VE4298

 
Moving on to another legend, Madonna became the face of Versace eyewear for its Spring/Summer 2015 collection.
 
In a black and white shot reminiscent of old Hollywood stars, the ‘Vogue’ singer wears three pairs of the oversized, round-framed Versace Palazzo VE4298 in black and white.
 
madonna wears versace glasses for the Spring Summer 2015 collection

As the face of Versace’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection, Madonna rocked not one but three pairs of the brand’s glasses. Source: Madonnarama

 
The design featured thick, round frames inspired by the ‘60s and the ever-recognizable Medusa logo on the temples.
 

Lady Gaga’s #StudsLadies Versace sunnies

 
In 2014, Versace went with Lady Gaga as the face of their #StudsLadies eyewear collection. The designs were described as loud, bold, and full of eccentric style — not unlike a certain Italian-American pop diva. In one of the campaign images, she wears a fierce pair with cat-eye frames embellished with gold studs in various shapes.
 
Lady Gaga wearing cat-eye Versace glasses

Lady Gaga is photographed wearing a pair of gold-studded cat-eye Versace sunglasses for the brand’s #StudsLadies eyewear collection. Source: Fashion Gone Rogue

 

JLo’s shield Versace sunnies

 
Jenny from the Block is a paparazzi darling and for good reason. While she has many showstopper red carpet looks, her street style doesn’t far fall behind with its effortlessly chic, casual cool vibe.
 
While out and about in Los Angeles, J.Lo was seen wearing a pair of shield sunglasses from Versace in orange tinted lenses. Paired with a cropped turtleneck and a Hermès Birkin bag, the ensemble personified sleek luxury.
 
Jlo wearing Versace glasses

Jennifer Lopez styled a pair of shield Versace sunglasses with a cropped turtleneck and a Hermès Birkin for a luxe off-duty look. Source: Harper’s Bazaar

 

Versace glasses don’t have to be the final word

If Versace glasses are a little (or a lot) out of your budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t channel some of these looks for yourself.
 
At Mouqy, we have glasses that are easier on the wallet and still easy on the eyes, Here, you can find a wide range of designs to cater to every aesthetic. And while the price point is lower, it doesn’t come at the cost of quality, as all frames are crafted from high-quality materials for optimum comfort and durability.
 
As a plus point, going the more budget-friendly route also means you have more to spend on extra pairs to mix and match for different occasions!
 
Give Mouqy glasses a try, and you might be surprised by how well they fit your style and budget. If you want to see whether the frames suit you, use the Mouqy virtual try-on tool to experiment with different styles from the comfort of home.
 
Now let’s get into some Versace-esque Mouqy glasses to help you look bougie on a budget.
 
The Deluxe cat eye frames in black with gold accents:

 
The Noble frames in rose gold with temple tips in tortoiseshell print:

 
The square Bravo frames in classic tortoiseshell print:

 
The square Giselle frames in maroon:

 

How to choose and style your Versace alternatives

Face shape and glasses style

 
From square to round to oval to heart-shaped, each face shape has unique features that can be enhanced or balanced by the right pair of specs. For example, if you have a square face with defined angles, round frames can soften your features and create a more balanced look.
 
On the other hand, if you have an oval face shape, rectangular frames can add structure and balance out your symmetrical features. So before you start your search for the perfect pair, take some time to determine your face shape in order to narrow down the shapes that will flatter you best.
 

Matching glasses to outfit styles

 
Choosing the right pair of glasses can make or break an outfit. A well-chosen pair can even elevate your outfit from basic to chic.
 
For example, if you’re wearing a dress with a vintage flair, you might want to opt for round frames with lightly tinted lenses. Alternatively, if you’re wearing a sporty outfit, you might choose a pair of rectangular frames with a bright pop of color.
 
Ultimately, your glasses should complement your outfit, not overshadow it.
 

UV protection

 
When picking out a fresh pair of shades, style and comfort are typically at the top of our minds. One factor that is often overlooked is UV protection, but it should also be prioritized if you want to keep your eyes healthy.
 
Overexposure to UV rays can cause your vision to deteriorate and even lead to macular degeneration. Therefore, it’d be prudent to opt for lenses that block out 100% of UV rays. On top of that, they’ll add an extra layer of defense against premature aging.
 

Incorporating Versace-like glasses into your personal style

 
If you’re ready to shake up your eyewear game and try something bold, Versace-like glasses will be right up your alley. These frames are all about making a statement and adding some edge to your look.
 
Once you’ve picked the right shape and color for you, it’s all about wearing them with confidence. Once you’re more comfortable, you can even experiment with outfits or makeup that play up your glasses, like a statement blazer or bold lipstick.
 

Versace eyewear: a game-changer

Versace eyewear has undoubtedly made its mark on fashion and pop culture. From its iconic Medusa logo to their bold shapes, Versace has consistently pushed the boundaries of what eyewear can look like. And thanks to the endorsement of numerous stars, their iconic status has been elevated to dizzying heights.
 
If this leaves you inspired to try out a new style, go for it! Don’t be afraid to embrace your uniqueness and stand out from the crowd. Who knows, you might just start a trend of your own.

Phoebe Jade

Written by:

Phoebe Jade

Phoebe is a registered nurse, licensed teacher and writer who's passionate about creating content that educates and inspires.

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