2009 Lanvin Emerald Jeweled Sunglasses

Jeanne Lanvin is long gone, but her elegant legacy remains. For a fashion house that entered the French Couture scene in 1909, it has had remarkable staying power. These bijouterie-inspired shades were designed under the creative direction of Israeli designer Alber Elbaz who, according to the New York Times, “…pioneered the return of major jewelry on the runways.” While oversized pendants or stacks of bangles tend to serve as the common vehicles for jeweled adornment, a chic pair of glasses should not be discounted.

Featuring oversized black frames, these sunglasses are defined by a lavish collection of facet cut stones ranging from marquise-cut celadon green to round-cut chartreuse to brilliant emerald greens. The stones are set into heavy frames, emerging with brilliant color and texture as they catch the light around them. Thick arms connect half way down the eye frame before tapering towards the ears. The “Lanvin” signature is enameled in silver on the outside of the left arm.

Elbaz, whose fashion prowess turned a somewhat predictable house into a series of delights during his 15 years at Lanvin, delivers elegance with these clever, yet sophisticated sunglasses. [QUOTE FROM: Menkes, Suzy. New York Times Magazine, suppl. Style: WOMAN'S FASHION FALL 2008; New York (Fall 2008): 188,190.]

These jeweled frames from Lanvin are in excellent condition. Oversized black frames are embedded with facet-cut stones in a green monochromatic color scheme. Featured shapes include marquise-cut celadon green, round chartreuse, emerald-cut jade green and almost clear baguette-cut stones. Arms connect to eye frames centrally, tapering back towards the ear. Nose pads are molded into the frame. Signed “Lanvin” in silver enamel on the outside of the left arm. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.