Looking for the goofiest pair of glasses to have graced the movie screen? We’ve got the details you need! If you’ve got a fancy dress party on the horizon and want to really make a splash with a standout costume, below are some characters to consider channelling.
Luna Lovegood: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
For some really out-there eyewear, look no further than the Spectrespecs worn by the character Luna Lovegood in the 2007 movie Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. These – ahem – eye-catching goggle-like glasses feature flared wing sections to the side and opaque lenses, each of a different colour. It gets weirder: the Spectrespecs are so-called because they allow the wearer to see Wrackspurts, otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Plus, they helped Luna to find Harry, even when he was wearing his invisibility cloak.
Where Can I Get a Pair of Spectrespecs?
Unless you’re lucky enough to get an invitation to Hogwarts, you’re likely to have trouble laying your hands on the real thing. However, if you have a fancy dress party coming up, replica pairs are available online. You could also have a go at making your own pair of Luna Lovegood-style eyewear. Again, a quick look online will bring up several websites where you can download, for free, templates to cut out.
The Ultimate Nerd Glasses: Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Worn by the titular character himself – played by Jon Heder – these full rim steel-framed specs are oversized aviator-style glasses with a prominent double bridge. They’ve become so synonymous with the iconic character that there are loads of Napoleon Dynamite costume kits available online that come with, of course, this distinctive eyewear.
The movie itself is set in the small town of Preston, Idaho, and follows the story of Napoleon, your quintessential uber-geek, who just wants to fit in. As an audience, we’re rooting for Napoleon, cringe-watching as he attempts – and largely fails – to navigate the many awkward social situations of teenagerhood.
The Geek-Chic Look
Napoleon Dynamite is one of many films that ushered in the geek-chic look. While the protagonist is an unlikely fashion icon, just a few small tweaks to his eyewear chops can create a surprisingly on-trend look. If you’re keen to embrace the style, try oversized aviator-shaped glasses with transparent frames for an updated, on-trend take on the geek-chic style. Clear frames are extremely hot right now and suit virtually all face shapes.
Rosie Levin: Monsters University (2013)
Rosie Levin is the president of the Eta Hiss Hiss sorority. She’s a grey-colored, rock-resembling monster with a distinctive forked tongue and oversized pair of extremely pointy cat’s eyeglasses. She’s also one of only two Eta Hiss Hiss characters who actually speak dialogue in the movie (voiced by Colleen Villard) – the rest of the crew just hiss! This sorority is distinguished by the emo-goth fashion sense of its members – and the group is also surprisingly skilled at a cappella singing!
Will Cat’s Eye Glasses Suit Me?
You may not want such an OTT pair of cat’s eyeglasses as Rosie Levin favors but are wondering whether the general style will suit you. While those with oval-shaped faces tend to look fabulous in cat’s eye shape frames, this style is actually very versatile, and it’s likely possible to find an option that’ll work for you, no matter what shape your face.
Ben Gates: National Treasure (2004)
Nicholas Cage, in his starring role as Ben Gates in this 2004 flick, discovers and wears a wacky ‘ocular device’ designed by Benjamin Franklin in order to read the map on the reverse of the Declaration of Independence. The metal multi-lens specs definitely rock a steam-punk vibe, and Gates uses them to understand the map’s clues.
When Were the First Glasses Actually Invented?
As far as we know, the first wearable glasses appeared in Italy in the thirteenth century. They comprised blown-glass lenses set into leather, wood, or animal horn frames and were worn perched on the nose or held in front of the face. These early glasses were mostly used by monks but became more widely worn as technology progressed.
Dr. Emmett Brown: Back to the Future Part II (1989)
In the second instalment to the smash hit original, Doc Brown can be seen wearing a pair of ‘futuristic’ silver-mirrored sunglasses in this movie of 1989. They’re made up of a single continuous lens and feature extra-wide armbars in a wraparound style. These sorts of visor-style shades were regularly seen in the futuristic blockbuster movies of the 1980s, such as Terminator and Robocop.
What is the Real Future of Glasses?
The glasses of the future are likely to incorporate a range of tech and be able to link to the wearer’s online accounts and platforms. They will also be highly personalized and feature many customizable elements to reflect the wearer’s needs and style. On the other end of the spectrum, a prototype set of specs was recently unveiled that’s designed to block out electronic screens, so the user can enjoy a digital detox.
Distinctive Glasses of the Movie World
When it comes to goofy glasses, the movie world offers rich pickings! If you’re looking for some eyewear inspiration for an upcoming fancy dress party or event, use the guide above to get started – whether you’re a Harry Potter fanatic or a Back to the Future aficionado, you’re sure to find the perfect pair of wacky specs!
