Sunglasses

Need to know

Silhouette

When they’re dodging the flash of paparazzi, stars like Naomi Campbell, Sarah Jessica Parker and Tom Cruise can rely on Silhouette sunglasses to protect them.
A-listers favour the brand’s high-tech titanium frames and polarised sun protection lenses, and so do astronauts! Yes, Silhouette literally makes sunglasses for the stars – the company worked with NASA’s senior optometric consultant to develop special lenses for space travel.
The company was founded in the swinging 60s by husband and wife team Anneliese and Arnold Schmied. Their aim was to create trendy eyewear for people to look better in, and see better with. This unity of cutting-edge technology and high style is something the company still strives for today.
Although initially Silhouette sunglasses were sold exclusively in Austria, Belgium and Denmark, by 1970 the brand had also conquered Southeast Asia. Today it is represented in roughly 100 countries and exports close to 3.4 million frames all over the world.
Always at the forefront of innovation, in 1996 Silhouette developed a screwless hinge that significantly lengthened the product life of frames as there were no screws to come loose. Coupled with the use of high-tech titanium – Silhouette frames became known for their durability. Just ask the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra, who now only officially wear Silhouette spectacles.