Glasses were once considered little more than a necessary inconvenience: functional tools reserved for people who needed help with their vision. But over the past century, glasses have undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, glasses are not just a vision aid, but a bona fide fashion accessory. The last few years have even seen the rise of glasses with clear, non-prescription lenses, simply for the aesthetic. So, how did we get here?
Let’s take a look at how glasses became a fashion accessory…
The earliest glasses date back to the 13th century, rudimentary in design and worn mainly by scholars and the elderly. For centuries, glasses carried an air of intellectualism, but little else. Through the 19th and early 20th centuries, glasses were still largely stigmatised, seen to be a sign of ageing, and people often avoided wearing them in public if they could.
However, things began to shift in the mid-20th century. Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Buddy Holly wore glasses both on and off screen, challenging the idea that glasses couldn’t be glamorous or cool. The 1960s and '70s saw bolder, more fashionable frame designs, and suddenly, glasses were no longer just tolerated, they were admired.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and glasses are an integral part of personal style. Celebrities like Zoë Kravitz, Gigi Hadid, and even David Beckham have helped normalise (and glamorise!) the look. Social media has only accelerated this trend. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have turned fashion influencers into style authorities, often seen experimenting with oversized frames, coloured lenses, and vintage designs.
Step forward London Mole…
In the middle of this, London Mole appeared, breathing new life into the eyewear market. Launched in 2019, London Mole’s principle philosophy was that glasses should be a joy to own and be seen in. Although the company started out designing cool reading glasses, London Mole’s audience quickly grew to love the bold, fashion forward designs, and a following grew amongst people who didn’t actually need to wear glasses, they just wanted to.
The rise of clear lens fashion glasses
This is when London Mole saw a gap in the market and launched their collection of ‘Zeros’ - fashion glasses with zero lens strength. Created for people who want to wear glasses simply because they love the look of them, the rise of clear lens glasses speaks volumes about the evolution of eyewear as a fashion statement.
Glasses have gone from hidden necessity to statement piece. What was once something people used reluctantly is now worn with pride, and often, without a prescription. Whether you're in it for the fashion or the function, one thing is clear: glasses are here to stay.
