As I write, there is a hint of sunshine outside, heralded as ever by British wags on Twitter saying funny things like: "What's that ball of fire in the sky? We're all going to die." And since this column is pretty optimistic, I'm going to take a chance and discuss sunglasses. Now, the problem with sunglasses is two-fold. First, they break with alarming ease and regularity. Secondly, I?misplace them with alarming ease and regularity. In fact it's probably fair to say that it is me who has the problem. Careless and clumsy.
The temptation, therefore, has always been to buy cheap sunglasses – losing a ￡10 pair is neither heart- nor bank-breaking. But the thing about a ￡10 pair is that it does look like a ￡10 pair. And I'm not wholly convinced that it is offering an enormous amount of protection to my poor eyes. I?noticed this when I got my current Ray-Bans – classic black Wayfarers that I still wear today. Anyway, when I have these on I can't see my iPad screen through them (I am Nathan Barley. I?do realise that). That's how good the?lenses are. I have no informed idea how that relates to UV shielding, but it certainly makes me and my pupils feel safe.
Normally in this column I write about things that I have bought or am considering buying. On this occasion it's worth pointing out that I am not going to purchase an array of sunglasses. That would be wantonly extravagant – a sort of ocular Imelda Marcos. So I will simply suggest some pairs that I might go for if, and when, I lose my Wayfarers.
As I think I've mentioned previously, I would love to look like/be Steve McQueen. The closest I can probably get is by wearing his iconic Persol sunglasses. They are quite beautiful, and not only that, they are foldable. Which means they are less likely to break. Maybe.
If you're the kind of person who a) thinks that sunglasses don't suit them, b) can't be bothered to google "glasses+shape+ face+shape" and c) believes an unused overdraft is a sad overdraft, you may want to consider getting some bespoke ones made. For your eyes only. I was lucky enough to have some regular optical glasses designed for me by Tom Davies. I believe he will also turn his hand to sunglasses. Having someone scrutinise you up close and mutter things like "wide bridge" and "angular feature" is quite peculiar, but the results are terrific. I now have glasses that are tailored to my face. They even have my name on the inside of the arm. Which, you never know, may help them find their way back to me when I inevitably leave them on the bus.
Follow Rick on Twitter @rickedwards1
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