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Both are regarded as art forms and creative industries, and music and fashion have always been intertwined. For instance, music videos have become a source of fashion inspiration throughout the years. Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time,” released in 1998, influenced the signature Y2K look of crop tops and baggy pants. Meanwhile, the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe” cemented the girl group’s role in fashion and pop culture by popularizing platform shoes and bedazzled mini dresses.

Of course, it goes the other way around, with fashion being an avenue to expand the artist’s expression of their personal and musical style in video form. Beyond customized and archival clothes from designers, music video fashion includes sunglasses, serving a stylistic purpose beyond being functional eyewear. That said, here are some fashionably iconic music videos from the recent decade, all of which feature the coolest sunglasses.

“Let Me Love You” - Ariana Grande

[PLEASE EMBED VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WL672bjJgM]

Ariana Grande has recently made an iconic return to the pop scene with the release single “yes, and?” from her newest studio album “Eternal Sunshine.” A few years back, the artist began making her mark in the genres of pop music and contemporary R&B through her 2016 album, “Dangerous Woman.”

Arguably, one of her most iconic videos from this era was “Let Me Love You,” which featured her collaboration with legendary rapper Lil Wayne. To complete the slow, sultry vibes of the song, lyrics, and video itself, Ari donned a pair of vintage round sunglasses from Chanel. While the exact style may be difficult to find, the singer has shared that this chic pair that helped characterize her personal and musical transformation was sourced from AMORE, a Japanese boutique that curates vintage luxury pieces.

“Watermelon Sugar” - Harry Styles

[PLEASE EMBED VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E07s5ZYygMg]

In the process of venturing into a solo career post-One Direction, Harry Styles has also become widely recognized for his sense of style. True enough, the music video for his chart-topping hit “Watermelon Sugar” showcases the English singer’s ‘70s-inspired fashion through various tinted sunglasses, including a pair of black acetate frames with brown lenses from Gucci.

Interestingly, Styles has continued working with Gucci over the years, even collaborating with creative director Alessandro Michele for a capsule collection capturing his fun, eclectic style inspired by the ‘60s and ‘70s — yet again proving a testament to the intersection between music and fashion.

“Snooze” - SZA

[PLEASE EMBED VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDY_XyxBu8A]
Continuing the success of her debut album “Ctrl,” SZA’s sophomore album “S.O.S.” was a definitive hit, especially with the standout single “Snooze.” In this track’s music video, the R&B singer made waves not only for featuring stars like Justin Bieber and Young Mazino as her love interests but also for the appealing visuals and costume design.
The outdoor-oriented Oakley sunglassescomplete SZA’s sporty look for her scene with Bieber, where she was seated on a moving tractor. The brown, oversized Oakley frames accessorized her red deconstructed long-sleeve top from Vetements and Demonia boots. Fans can find similar brown lens details and larger frames from the brand’s other styles, including the thin-rimmed Square Wire in tungsten and the sleek Sliver XL in matte brown tortoise.

“This Hell” - Rina Sawayama

[PLEASE EMBED VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekauErew4Bs]

Named by Teen Vogue as one of 2022’s music videos with the best style, “This Hell” demonstrates Rina Sawayama’s commitment to embodying the campy, daring vibe of the country-pop fusion track.

Besides appearing in a corseted bridal attire and a silver, sparkly ensemble, among Sawayama’s most memorable looks was a Western-inspired latex bodysuit, complete with a bejeweled cowboy hat and a pair of oversized shades from Gucci. The British-Japanese singer proved that reflective, bug-eyed sunglasses will always make for a fashion statement.

Overall, sunglasses are more than just versatile accessories — they're wardrobe staples that can help singers visually communicate their musical persona and lyrical message in a unique way.