By Jillian Urcelay

 

As we pore through the 20/20 archives each month, it’s obvious that men’s eyewear has had the most drastic shift from function to fashion over the past 50 years. The traditional mindset that men don’t like to shop or accessorize has clearly gone out the window as a new generation of men prioritize their appearance and care about how they look. The male consumer has evolved over the past five decades, and men have found their own style influences, making their eyewear and sunwear a top priority.

As we (thankfully) let go of the antiquated idea that men rely on their wives, girlfriends, partners and mothers to shop for them, it’s refreshing to see men take a stand on their style. They enjoy finding that special frame that represents them, and many depend on multiple pairs of eyewear for their daily tasks, leaving them with various options to make a statement. The subdued metals, rimless designs and minimal styles of the past were designed for men who wanted to blend in. The shift has never been clearer that men’s eyewear has become a necessary fashion accessory for those who want to make a strong impact with their glasses.

Since this publication’s inception, 20/20 has been the leading voice for men’s eyewear. We continue to share an inside take on this category with a deep focus on the trends and technologies that encapsulate it. In 2008, our “Modern Man” initiative even won first place in MIN’s (Media Industry Newsletter) Integrated Marketing Awards, which assessed the finest in media and marketing. We covered it best back then and continue to highlight men transforming their wardrobe as they experiment with bold colors and constructions, interesting shapes and cutting-edge design. Witness this evolution through the pages of 20/20, as men’s eyewear has surged as a statement making force in fashion. ■