From formals to casuals, the late king partnered the frames, also known as horn rimmed glasses, with almost all his ensemble.[break] Most probably, due to its popularity during the time, he opted to stick with the Wayfarers shaped frames. Along with Shah, the eyewear trend can also be noticed on the then parliamentary members’ photos that hang on the walls of Mahendra Museum in Hanuman Dhoka Museum at Basantapur Durbar Square. The frames have also been preferred by political leader like Girija Prasad Koirala.
Often related to intellects, nerds or elderly group of people, this eyewear trend have made a comeback in the fashion scene with the resurgence of Ray ban Wayfarers. In July 2009, there were only a handful of young people in the Valley sporting these thick-rimmed specs.
However, a year down the line, there is a rise in number of young people sporting these frames and the growing popularity has made stores add them in their selling list, mainly the inexpensive version. Such stores include Chivas Emporium in New Road and Chhetrapati Opitcal Center in Chhetrapati.
In March, Chivas started selling the frames “because of the growing demand” according to a staff there. Such frames in different colors are priced at Rs 350 at Chhetrapati Optical Center but the ones at Chivas, which are little bigger in size, cost Rs 550.
“The frames are popular amongst the people with weak eyesight, but even people with normal eyesight are using normal lenses and wearing the frames,” states Mohammad Shakil of Chhetrapati Optical.
Taking style cue from a Korean movie, Ryan Rimal bought his thick-rimmed glass a month back. “It looked cool on the movie and I thought it would do the same on me,” shares the 12th grader.
Though Ryan does not have weak eyesight, he wears his oversized horn rims with transparent lenses. “I like the nerd-cool look,” he adds.
Its structured look is debonair and geeky at the same time. In 2008, the trend was one of the hottest in Korea’s fashion terrain. Members of Korean Boy bands like Big Bang also played their role in making the style cool.
Veteran Nepali pop singer Om Bikram Bista was spotted wearing the frames in Republica’s first anniversary summit on April 24. According to the stylish singer he has a dozen of different types of glasses with such frames. On asking why he prefers thick frames he said, “It’s the oldies style and I have always liked it.” Besides, sunglasses with such rims; he has also used such frames to make his power glasses.
Hollywood hunk Johnny Depp is one of the other people who is often seen with thick frames. The trend, nevertheless, isn’t only limited to men. Kiran Rao, Amir Khan’s better half, has been known for her geek thick glasses.
Trivia
- The term “horn-rimmed” is actually a reference to the fact that these glasses are traditionally made from horn or shell.
- Actor, comedian Harold Lloyd donned his plastic horn-rims in 1917 when he starred in the short comedy film Over the Fence. But the glasses contained no lens because of the reflection of the studio lights that would have resulted had glass been present.
- Currently, the defintion of horn-rimmed glasses has become more flexible. They are commonly referred to as a pair of dark, plastic eyeglasses with frames that range in thickness from about 1/16” to 1/4”.
- The glasses continued to be popular through the 1930s, and enjoyed a renaissance in the 1950s when musician Buddy Holly wore a series of large, bulky square pairs on tour and on his album covers.
- The glasses are often associated in mainstream culture with being “nerdy”, but are popular in emo, punk, indie, hipster, goth, and generally counter-culture fashion.
- Even after buying contact lenses, American Senator Barry Goldwater (1909-1998) continued wearing horn-rimmed
- eyeglasses without lenses because the public could not recognize him without the glasses.
- Lately Hollywood stars like Robert Downey Jr, Ashley Olsen, Hillary Duff and Joe Jonas of Jonas Brothers, were spotted wearing geek glasses.
Upcoming trend
Even though geek-chic glasses have made their way in the Valley’s fashion scene, the trend is just limited to basic black or candy colored ones.
Vintage pattern — tortoise shell — which was mostly donned by late Girija Prasad Koirla, has still remained the unexplored territory.
Besides, fresh approach is also been given to the frames for more urban and whimsy look. Printed and patterned frames are something to look out for; however, it is yet to hit the Nepali market.
In terms of shape, round is the next big thing but not those thin rimmed ones that resembles Beatles’ front man John Lennon’s glasses. It’s more about going geek with thick frames and bigger shape.
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