"A pair of luxe-y sunglasses will finish any fashion look", says our style director Louise Hilsz. She started her career in fashion in 2003, working at Sunglass Bar with founder Sherry Bell. A luxury eyewear destination in Auckland's Vulcan Lane, where you will find the latest collections from top fashion designers. Bell started her career in optometry and when traveling to Italy on buying trips she loved the way the Italians referred to sunglass stores as sunglass bar’s which she then adopted when she started her own business in 1996.
Fast forward to 2021, and Hilsz, still a stylist consultant at Sunglass Bar, and as you can see, she knows how to wear a frame very well. Editor Trudi Brewer asked these experts how to find your perfect pair of glasses to wear this summer.

Gucci 0900 002, $825. Gucci 0962 005, $495. Gucci 0817 004, $695. Gucci 0783 001, $695.

Should you be guided by your face shape when buying new glasses? Square vs round, rectangular, etc?

Sherry Bell (SB): Be guided by your style and the look you want to create. When looking for options, consider your entire face and how they look, not just the glasses when they are on.

Louise Hilsz (LH): I think you should be concerned about the proportions of the eyewear on your face rather than the shape. Make sure the glasses are not too wide or too narrow.

Where should they sit on your face above brows on brows? On the bridge of the nose?

SB: This is a personal preference and depends on the style of the glasses you are wearing. An oversized frame will cover your brow, and a small midsize should sit lower and expose your brow.

LH: The style of glasses will determine this. Don't be afraid of playing around with where you want your glasses to sit to get it right with each pair you buy.

Bottega Veneta 1012 003, $645. Bottega Veneta 1030 001, $545. Bottega Veneta 1035 004, $695. Bottega Veneta 1030 002, $545.

Should you get your glasses fitted or serviced?

SB: Always have your glasses fitted before you leave the store and refitted as needed. Regularly have the hinge screws checked and tightened, which saves problems in the future.

LH: Always check the fit; subtle tweaks will make the difference to how these sit on your face. Have them refitted as time goes on, especially if they feel loose on your face when you wear them which can be caused from wearing them up on your head.

What trends do you see for this summer?

SB: We have seen the teardrop aviator go in favour of the squarer navigator. Gold is back, and bold colours are outselling black and tortoiseshell for the first time in years.

LH: Large shields are going nowhere, and more are coming through this season, the bigger the better.

Rick Owens Mask, $945. Gucci 0667 002, $895. Rick Owens Shielding, $945. Gucci 0667 001, $895.

Tips for buying sunglasses online without trying them on?

SB: Make contact with the online seller/store and ask for their help and advice if needed. They should be able to supply images and fit the information you need.

LH: Be confident with your purchase.

What brand are you most excited by and why?

SB: Can't choose just one - Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, and new Dior.

LH: Marc Jacobs. He has certainly got his mojo back. Lady Gaga was recently spotted wearing an oversized purple shield from his FW21 collection. I can't wait to get a hold of a pair.