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Glass on Glasses

FROM THE ORIGINS OF GLASSES TO THE OFFICE SIREN, LENSES ARE A VERY POWERFUL FASHION STATEMENT

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While glasses were originally invented in the 13th century by Italian monk Salvino d'Armate. The 20th century was a turning point for the emergence of eyewear as an accessory. One can argue that while Hollywood entered its golden age, it also entered a Golden Glasses era. 


The Golden Age allowed movie stars to be viewed as trendsetters. Silent film star Harold Lloyd’s tortoise shell glasses were fully round horned which was considered groundbreaking for its time. The round horned glasses are sometimes called Harold Lloyd glasses. In 1929, Altina Schinasi was inspired by the lack of stylish eyeglasses for women. Altina designed the first prototypes of a more glamorous silhouette. Her original shape designs were cut away from the romantic and whimsical harlequin masks worn at ballroom dances at the time and it is from this mask that the cat eye shape got its first name ‘Harlequin’.” In the 1950s, the cat eye emerged in popularity. Cat eye wearers included Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. The film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s made these eyeglasses even more desirable.



As technology advanced, so did the development of fashionable frames. From Progressive lenses, which arrived in 1959, that transformed “eyeglass functionality to Photochromic lenses, which made its first appearance in the late 1960s. The 1960s were a pivotal era for glasses design due to the “the film and television industry [booming] with space-inspired stories due to the race to the moon between the US and the Soviet Union, which in turn influenced the fashion industry. Bold designs, boxy shapes, radical geometrics, and reflective and colorful lenses defined the ‘space age’.” 




While quiet luxury made a loud come back on the runway, in 2023, Miu Miu made this trend more visible by debuting the “oval eyewear style" in their AW23 collection at Paris Fashion Week.”


Podcaster, Youtuber, and Met Gala interviewer, Emma Chamberlain has been seen wearing these beloved frames. Emma Chamberlain was invited to Miu Miu’s Spring Summer 2024 show and said this about the brand: “It has proven to be the brand that sets trends for my generation. It’s particularly approachable for young women because it doesn’t take itself too seriously—it’s youthful and fun. Miu Miu is the trendsetter, so who wouldn’t want to be a Miu Miu girl?”


Chamberlain’s pairing of glasses and an elevated work-esque outfit, makes me think of Gisele Bündchen’s cameo in the Devil Wears Prada. Her black hued fitted shirt and tiny glasses are a timeless look and are essential touchpoints when examining the Office Siren aesthetic. 



The office siren aesthetic is characterized by Bayonetta glasses, fitted blouses, and pencil skirts. Modern runways that have featured looks that closely resemble the Office Siren include: 


Pinterest Trends report that the search “Office Siren” hit its peak the week of Feb 26th 2024 with 100 searches and the week of March 24th 2025 with 64 searches. 


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During the last three months, Office Siren has appeared somewhat in flux from April to May of this year. At the time this article was written, this aesthetic had 67 searches in a week. Up three from the week before (May 12th-May 17th,) 


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However, the search “Office Siren glasses” had up to 100 searches the week of March 24th 2025. However, it’s down one search from the week before (75 to 74 from May 12th to May 19th)


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While the Office Siren may produce false ideals about what to wear to work, it’s important to note that this trend could influence a shift in work culture.


Despite dress codes being implemented in many schools and in the workforce, glasses can allow frame wearers to showcase one’s self and make silent statements about nostalgia, just by wearing this accessory. Vogue has described this glasses phenomenon as “Geek Chic Renaissance”. 


Looking back, I remember having to wear a school uniform, but my spectacles gave me the opportunity to showcase my individuality and bold personality. I’ll never forget my first pair of glasses and the pattern of them. 


Whether they’re essential or an accessory, I  firmly believe glasses can be a fashion statement. They can help you see and allow others to truly see you.



BY EMILY GLASS

Imagery by Rebecca Doyle


Sources:

https://www.ajmorganeyewear.com/blogs/news/what-did-eyewear-look-like-in-the-1960s https://eyewearexpertsreddeer.ca/blog/the-evolution-of-eyewear-a-look-at-trends-through-the-decades/ https://www.whowhatwear.com/uk/fashion/miu-miu-oval-eyeglasses-trend https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-week/a45469969/emma-chamberlain-miu-miu-interview/ https://hungermag.com/editorial/gisele-bundchens-y2k-style-in-the-devil-wears-prada-is-this-summers-style-blueprint https://www.vox.com/culture/24074113/bayonetta-office-siren-tiny-reading-glasses-trend-tiktok-sexy-librarian https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2023-ready-to-wear/miu-miu/slideshow/collection#28 https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2024-ready-to-wear/tom-ford/slideshow/collection#23 https://wwd.com/fashion-news/shows-reviews/gallery/saint-laurent-fall-2024-ready-to-wear-collection-1236225244/saint-laurent-fall-2024-ready-to-wear-collection-47/







 
 
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