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Shades of summer
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They are cool and colourful, tinted and trendy. Sunglasses are the most wanted accessories this season, what with the summer sun threatening to look you straight in the eye. Pick up a pair and beat the heat. KAFISH ALI reports on what's in and safe.
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WAY COOL: Take your pick from the Predators, Gatzbi or Baazigaars. — Photos: P.V. Sivakumar
SUNGLASSES ARE definitely the most sought accessories this summer, with people all over the city sporting various models. As with any other fashion accessory, different is `cool'.
In Mission Impossible 2, Tom Cruise reintroduced the Predators, which were long favoured since the movie Men In Black. The Matrix had Keanu Reeves sporting Gatzbi, the sleek looking high street shades. Travelling further back into time we see that Bobby Deol in his film Barsaat introduced the Ray Ban manufactured rounded shades, which were an instant crazeWith sunglasses companies catering to the demands of the old and young alike, there is such a plethora of shades to choose from. The fashion hungry Hyderabadi usually ends up buying a model that does not compliment his/her facial contours. Little attention is paid to the fact that sunglasses are the most effective for your eyes from harmful UV rays. Furthermore, customers are led astray by the over zealous sales people. When you are absolutely certain that you won't be enticed by the sweet-talking, check out the sale being held by Lawrence and Mayo in the twin cities. The sale began on March 1 at the Park Lane Secunderabad, Public Gardens and Malakpet branches, and will be on till April 30. Apart from the discount being offered, there is also an inviting give away scheme. For purchases between Rs.500 to Rs.1,000 you get a cap, and for purchases in the range of Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000, the take away is a groovy satchel and purchases above Rs. 2000 entitles you to a real smart T-shirt.
Rajan the store coordinator at the Banjara Hills branch of Lawrence and Mayo is of the view that the models preferred most by the youth are the Predators, the Amber, yellow and blue tinted range of glasses, also known as Gradal shades. Among the heavy weights, Ray Bans are the most sold; next in line are Killer loops also known as Whacked, followed by Gucci.
Despite the high prices, Rajan assures that a large number of people do buy these shades. Models such as Valentino, Polaroid, Cartino, Givenchy also find a berth in the sale. You have the greens and you want the screens, but which one is the best for your eyes? Here are a few tips to help you along.
* Check the label for 99 or 100 per cent UV protection since there are two types of UV rays, A and B.
* Look for sunglasses that are close fitting. These will prevent UV rays from filtering in.
* Don't be misguided by price -- higher priced sunglasses usually reflect fashion or durability, not UV protection.
* Dark-coloured sunglasses don't necessarily provide better protection. A chemical coating applied to the lens is responsible for UV protection, not the lens colour.
* UV-absorbing contact lenses should not be used as substitutes for sunglasses.
* Children are more prone to sun damage to the eyes because their lenses are clearer.
Nowadays more than the shape of the frame, the colour of the glasses is the yardsstick for measuring optimum coolness.
My future is so bright, I have to wear shades!
"I think that amber shades are loud, light shades of green are the best,'' says Vicky, a customer at the sale.
Neutral coloured lenses of grey or grey-green are the most versatile and also provide maximum comfort. Brown and coloured lenses are great for day driving, allowing for the best colour definition. Yellow and amber lenses work best for activities where depth perception is especially important. Such lenses also work well in low-light conditions. Go wild with fashion tints like light blue or pink, but don't expect them to work well for driving or sport use, because they can distort colour.
Anything that can be bought in a showroom can also be bought in the streets. Places like Koti, Sultan Bazaar, and the Old City are the main hub for second hand deals. Among these things we have sunglasses. Vendors can be seen milling around the pavements of Koti, trying to sell shades that are either imitations or stolen. The customers range from auto rickshaw drivers to people in fancy cars.
Hameed, one such dealer said, , "Saab log usually buy the bazigaar glasses (known as Aviators) which costs them somewhere around Rs. 75 to 125.'' When asked about his supplier, he said, "God is great, he supplies for his people.'' "These sunglasses cost a great amount in the shop, I get them for less than half the price,'' points out Ravi, a regular buyer. Quality is everything but not everyone can afford a decent pair of shades at the market price.
In the longer run, it is mentioned by ophthalmologists, that the habitual sunglasses-wearer can even keep cataract problems at bay.
Not to speak of all the dust and smoke that can be well shielded from smothering your eyes. So, choose a frame, pick the right colour, and make a cool fashion statement.
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