Cool Hunting

Many of us here at CH are sensitive types who wear sunglasses year-round. Arguably, come fall, as the sun sits a bit lower in the sky and leaves fall from the trees, wearing something to protect your eyes is even more important than in summer.

Of course, summer or fall, the age-old problem is finding a pair that not only looks good, but looks good on you. Rather than the usual face-shape corollary, we decided to consult someone who's familiar with the many different faces out there. We asked portrait artist Chad Robertson, whose paintings (right) capture the "moment between moment gestures," and used his advice to put together an alternative fitting guide.

Above left: Paul Smith 386 ($300)
"A larger oval face is needed to support these sunglasses. At the least a nose with a long bridge so the lenses don't make you look like a barn owl."

Above right: Colab Claw Money Gazelles ($250):
"Some one with short hair and high cheek bones would look great in these. I imagine them being worn by a lady posing on the set of a Duran Duran or Robert Palmer video shoot."

Above left: Colab eBoy Dreckig ($210)
"A round face would be best for these sunglasses. I like the exposed pins which give it more of an industrial look. I could picture someone like Yoko Ono, who by the way loves white, in these shades."

Above right: Mosely Tribes Kapelle ($220)
"These skinnies always look good on long lanky faces, facial hair might help too. Definitely need a long nose bridge to help keep these in place up over the eyes."

Above left: Paul Smith 385 ($300)
"These give off a serious Jackie O vibe of classic, chic beauty. A square more angular face would complement the roundness of the glasses. I think a pill box hat would go nice..."

Above right: Mosely Tribes Pilot ($220)
A chrome frame with polarized lenses, "these are a sleek alternative to your everyday aviator glasses. You definitely need a square jawed, rugged face and short cropped hair is a plus."

Above left: Oliver Peoples Prentice ($285)
Also with polarized lenses, "a retro look, I see a longer, skinnier face sporting these. A thin face will accentuate the side flares of the glasses."

Above right: Oakley Nanowire 3.0 ($200)
"Because of the lack of a frame one would need a good size square head to make these work. Most likely on some guy speeding around town on a motorcycle, these would also complement a helmet well."

Left: Oakley Speechless ($200)
"A thin countenance will allow these glasses to properly wrap around the entire face. In my opinion, the glasses will dominate your look, but it's sort of the point with these.

See more of Robertson's portraits here and be sure to check out his most recent works at "Moonrakers" a group show of contemporary portraitures running until 3 September 2007 at OK OK Gallery in Seattle.

With contributions by Tim Yu