By July 13, 2023
Last Updated on August 9, 2023 by Dominique de Merteuil
In the first scene of ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, we are introduced to two main elements of the film: the impeccably dressed, in a long black Givenchy evening gown, Holly Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn, and the iconic Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses that are an integral part of her character. They are also the star of this post, sorry Audrey.
I have recently written an in-depth article about the fascinating history of eyewear. And since it turned out that many of you share my penchant for sunglasses, I thought to myself, what would be more befitting than devoting a separate piece to the iconic Oliver Goldsmith eyewear brand and their famous Manhattans? Fear not, as this post is not just about one style of sunglasses.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have been gifted with not one but three breathtaking designs from OG classic collection. The brand recognized how perfectly their retro eyewear would complement my vintage wardrobe.
To showcase the versatility of Oliver Goldsmith shades, I decided to embody three distinct personas, which was easier than you might think. After all, I’m a Gemini with multiple personalities, my husband can attest to that!
And no, before you ask, this is not a sponsored post but an appreciation of true craftsmanship and design that never goes out of style.
DISCLOSURE: I’m part of an affiliate program, and I get a commission when you purchase a product through the links in this post. That’s how I keep my website alive, for which I’m very grateful to you. Shopping via my affiliate links comes at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are mine, and I only recommend products I love.
Audrey Hepburn Sunglasses in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Audrey Hepburn’s style in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ is a major influence in today’s fashion world. Perhaps even more so now than when the film first came out. One accessory that stands out, in particular, is her trademark oversized sunglasses that have become a fashion statement, and an essential piece to any Hepburn-inspired outfit, be it vintage or contemporary.
Holly Golightly, played by Hepburn, was famous for her grace and elegance. Her oversized sunglasses were the ideal accessory to complement her stunning wardrobe, adding an element of intrigue to her look.
The Oliver Goldsmith Manhattan sunglasses the actress wore in the movie were created exclusively for her and became famously known as “Audrey Hepburn sunglasses.” The enduring popularity of both Hepburn’s style and the Breakfast at Tiffany’s film is emphasized by the fact that these sunglasses are still in production today.
On a side note, let’s hope that no one in Hollywood comes up with the incomprehensible idea of doing a re-make of this masterpiece. And if they do, they better feature the same glasses as in the original or they will have all of us fashion mavens to deal with! Can you imagine anyone else in the role of Holy Golightly though?
You Can Have Anything in Life if You Wear the Manhattan Sunglasses
To say that the right outfit can boost confidence and self-esteem would be a platitudinous remark, but did you know that the same can be accomplished with the right accessories? I would go even further by adding that wearing Manhattans can make anything in life possible. It certainly enabled me to transform into a famous movie character, at least for a day.
Without further ado, I present my interpretation of the Holly Golightly Look featuring Oliver Goldsmith Manhattans if the 1961 film was set in the 1940s. The beautifully decorated Zaremba Cafe in Warsaw provided the perfect backdrop for this photo shoot.
I don’t mean I would mind being rich and famous. That’s very much on my schedule, and some day I’ll try to get around to it; but if it happens, I’d like to have my ego tagging along. I want to still be me when I wake up one fine morning and have breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Holly Golightly
THE OUTFIT
Audrey Hepburn sunglasses in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
The star of this post, the famous Manhattan sunglasses.
There are very few post-1950s garments in my wardrobe. And since all my dresses come from the 1930s and the 1940s, I decided to stay true to my style.
The gown I chose for my Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ look is from the 1940s. The incredible necklace with matching clip-ons is from the 1950s.
You’re wrong. She is a phony. But on the other hand you’re right. She isn’t a phony because she’s a real phony. She believes all this crap she believes. You can’t talk her out of it.
O.J. Berman in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Audrey Hepburn sunglasses in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Oliver Goldsmith designed the Manhattan sunglasses in 1961 for Hepburn’s character, Holly Golightly.
Yes! The frames even feature the 1960 production date.
Shop Audrey Hepburn Sunglasses from Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Whether you’re dressing up for a fancy event, heading to work, or just taking a stroll outside, Audrey Hepburn sunglasses from Breakfast at Tiffany’s will never go out of style. Add a touch of classic Hollywood to your everyday life and let Audrey’s iconic style shine through!
These fabulous shades are the perfect finishing touch to any outfit – whether you’re strolling through the city or sipping coffee (at Tiffany’s?) at your favourite café.
The Breakfast at Tiffany’s look is synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and a rebellious spirit – making it an essential addition to any fashion-conscious individual’s collection. And remember, with these sunglasses, you’re not just acquiring a fashionable accessory – you’re embracing a piece of history.
Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses Review
If I were to describe the Oliver Goldsmith eyewear brand with one simple sentence it would be that it’s the master of retro vision that never goes out of style.
Oliver Goldsmith means eyewear and it’s the master of retro vision that never goes out of style.
Dominique de Merteuil
Oliver Goldsmith designed sunglasses for many of Audrey Hepburn’s movies including ‘Charade’, ‘Two for the Road’, ‘How to Steal a Million’ and most famously ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. If you have ever dreamed of embodying Audrey Hepburn’s effortless chic, then look no further than OG’s magnificent shades.
The cult YUHU sunglasses were made for Hepburn in 1966 for the ‘Two for the Road’ film, and this is the first time a re-edition of this style has been made.
And as much as I loved the white and black versions that Audrey wore in the film, I’m simply mad about the red!
AUDREY HEPBURN & HER OG SUNGLASSES
The picture on top is a screengrab from the ‘Charade’ film, and the two bottom ones are from one of my all-time favourites, ‘How to Still a Million.
Aren’t the OOPS sunglasses divine?!
With a wide range of designs and colours, there is a style to suit every face shape and personal taste. You will be spoiled for choice. Whether you prefer the classic Manhattan model worn by Audrey or the oversized Koko style which I’m utterly obsessed with, Oliver Goldsmith’s sunglasses will certainly make you feel like an Old Hollywood star.
But these sunglasses are not just a fashion statement – they are also a representation of the rich history and legacy of OG. Founded in 1926, the brand has been crafting innovative sunglasses for over 90 years.
Let’s not forget about the high-quality materials used in their production that ensure durability and longevity, so that you can enjoy your sunglasses for years to come. And as I always say, quality over quantity!
So, if you’re looking to treat yourself to some stunning eyewear this summer that will surely make heads turn, this brand is the one to go for.
The Cat Eye Sophia Sunglasses
On this very hot summer morning, strolling down the streets of Warsaw, I came across this retro photo booth that turned out to be the ideal background for showcasing the very sexy Sophia style, a tribute to the Italian movie star, Sophia Loren.
Vintage and retro sunglasses never go out of style. And since the OG brand brings back many iconic styles from the 1950s and 1960s, it makes an ideal choice for eyewear.
MY OUTFIT
For the Dolce Vita look, and to compliment the cat-eye Sophia sunglasses designed in 1958, I opted for my favourite 1940s DuBarry dress, a black 1940s belt, a Poporcelaine necklace and a late 1950s Koret wicker purse.
LA DOLCE VITA!
The Sophia sunglasses in black leopard frame.
Koko-The Best ‘Swinging Sixties’ Sunglasses from Oliver Goldsmith
Oh, Koko, where have you been all my vintage life?
THE CASUAL VINTAGE OUTFIT
I paired the fabulous round Koko sunglasses designed by Oliver Goldsmith in 1966, with a late 1940s skirt suit and navy purse, pair of 1950s nylon gloves, and an antique cameo.
As you can see, I’m not a vintage purist and love to mix together clothes and accessories from different eras.
The larger-than-life Koko sunglasses by Oliver Goldsmith are a timeless classic and a must-have for every vintage maven who appreciates high-quality eyewear. And even though their circular shape and paddle temples represent the fashion of the “swinging sixties”, the design embodies the glamour and excitement of the era, the Koko look spectacular with vintage, retro and contemporary outfits.
Like all of Oliver Goldsmith’s eyewear, the stylish Koko sunglasses are handmade in Italy with high-quality cotton acetate and include optical-grade sun lenses with superior UVA/UVB protection.
The Most Stylish Retro Sunglasses for the Beach & Beyond
After re-watching Sunset Boulevard, I was inspired to do another photo shoot featuring the Koko style, where I could channel my inner Gloria Swanson, but since this SPF100-loving Vintage Goth does not partake in sun-bathing or swimming, going to the beach was not an option for me.
Instead, I let my imagination run wild and created a fantasy world where I could envision how I would dress if I were to visit a swimming pool or the dreaded beach.
And how lucky am I to have a beauty and fashion photographer for a husband who made this fantasy a reality!
Photography by Gregory Michael King.
THE SUNSET BOULEVARD LOOK
I finally got to wear the 1960s-inspired Aubade swimming costume I received several seasons ago.
The look would be incomplete without my favourite, and yes, a very ostentatious spider necklace.
OLD HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR AT THE SWIMMING POOL
I’m nothing without my signature red lips, so in my fantasy at the swimming pool, a waterproof red lipstick does exist and it’s perfectly normal to swim wearing Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses.
I knew that eventually, I would make use of this original 1930s swimming cap that had been hiding in my drawer for the past 18 years.
SUNGLASSES FOR A NIGHT OUT
Well, you really look sharp wearin’ sunglasses after dark. Get on the bandwagon, join the parade. Come on down and get you some shades.
Dwight “Whitey” Pullen
I hope that you enjoyed reading my post as much as I did writing it and that you fell in love with the OG eyewear brand as much as I did!
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Mia
August 31, 2023You are an Icon!!!
Every picture is perfection and you look like you stepped out of a 1940s movie.
Dominique de Merteuil
August 31, 2023Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I do feel like a movie star in the Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses!
Carla
July 25, 2023The big glasses look very glamorous, but I also like the shape of Sophiaโs. I’m always drawn to accessories with leopard print so they are perfect for me. So classy and elegant.
Dominique de Merteuil
July 26, 2023Yes, the oversized Koko shades are very glamorous! I love leopard print on eyewear and shoes.
Sarah
July 13, 2023LOVE this post! The pictures are spectacular and I now want the Koko sunglasses!
Dominique de Merteuil
July 13, 2023Thank you!