As we head into London Fashion Week, the high-street and runways alike are set to provide the world with an array of fresh style inspiration. In celebration of some of the most iconic trend-setters in the industry, new research commissioned by
Specsavers has crowned Johnny Depp as the ultimate fashion “eye-con”- even beating
Karl Lagerfeld.

The poll of 2,000 Brits by the high street audiology and optometry experts shows that it’s not just his multiple accolades and often eccentric characters that has made him so renowned – with his recognisable thick-rimmed glasses frames and tinted lenses, his memorable eyewear throughout his career has also played a key role.

In the poll, Lady Gaga, Victoria Beckham and Vivienne Westwood were amongst the top five rated fashion inspirations. Closely followed by media legend, Anna Wintour, alongside designers Pharrell Williams and Victoria Beckham also ranked highly as style inspirations thanks to their extravagant eyewear from the survey of 2,000 Brits.

It comes as no surprise that Brits found Anna Wintour’s eyewear so particularly memorable because she is very rarely seen without them (62%), while 57% identified Pharrell Williams’ eyewear as unforgettable because of the unique frame shape and style.

Iconic British designers, Tom Ford and Vivienne Westwood also made the top 10.

Speaking about the research the brand commissioned ahead of London Fashion Week, Bianca Swan, Style Editor at Specsavers, said: “Everyone on this list is an icon in their own right – but their image has no doubt been enhanced because of their glasses. Eyewear isn’t just an accessory, it’s a statement that allows individuals to showcase their own unique personality and style. It’s always great to see celebrities embracing glasses as part of their personal style and making glasses a popular fashion accessory. The connection between these icons and their glasses shows there’s been a shift in how people see eyewear. In a world where experimenting with self- expression can help us feel empowered, the purpose of glasses have become much more than to help us see better – they’re a celebration of style and individuality”

More generally, the poll showed that 54% of Brits now believe it is trendy to wear glasses – with almost two thirds (62%) saying wearing them can make a person look more stylish. With this in mind, it is unsurprising that a quarter of Brits who wear non-prescription glasses do so because they want to make a fashion statement. Further demonstrating the pull of celebrity style choices, of those who wear glasses, 23% even admitted to being inspired by a glasses-wearing celebrity when selecting their eyewear.

The polls results suggest a growing trend in eyewear fashion, particularly given that more than half of Brits (56%) think society’s general perception of people wearing glasses has become more positive over the last 10 years. This could largely be thanks to a more diverse range of eyewear styles, as 70% believe that the fashion industry has become more effective in allowing everyone to find a pair of glasses that matches their personal style.

Whether opting for a classic (35%), subtle (15%) or trendy (10%) eyewear style,
86% of those surveyed believe that everyone should feel confident in wearing glasses, no matter what the occasion may be.

Bianca Swan, Style Editor at Specsavers, added: “Looking at these fashion icons, it’s clear that glasses aren’t just practical; they’re a key part of personal style
and making a statement about who you are. Certain styles aren’t just memorable because they’re big and bold. Take Anna Wintour for example, her frames are classic, but memorable as they have become part of her iconic image and are instantly recognisable. It’s
important to remember that whatever glasses you do wear it’s a personal choice to you. As long as you feel comfortable and confident, that’s all that matters.”

TOP FASHION EYE-CONS ACCORDING TO BRITS:

1.
Johnny Depp

2.
Lady Gaga

3.
Jeff Goldblum

4.
Victoria Beckham

5.
Vivienne Westwood

6.
Tom Ford

7.
Anna Wintour

8.
Pharrell Williams

9.
Karl Lagerfeld

10.
Diane Keaton

11.
Zooey Deschanel

12.
Sarah Jessica Parker

13.
Cara Delevingne

14.
Iris Apfel

15.
Billie Porter

16.
Edward Enninful

17.
Law Roach