Hello. My name is Jessica, and I’m addicted to sunglasses.
I’d like to think that a lot of you can relate to the above statement. It also doesn’t make it easier that I live in sunny Southern California, where I’m in my car a lot and whenever I drive, I have to have my shades on. Over the years, I’ve collected many, and I mean many sunglasses, mostly of the designer breed.
So, imagine my surprise when I saw Gentle Monster sunglasses for the first time in 2014. I was honestly like….are those Dior, Karen Walker, Tom Fords, or Oliver Peoples?! It turned out to be a brand new brand from South Korea that has since then taken over the fashion scene by a storm. And not only do that make amazing sunglasses, their retail stores are half product display platforms and half art gallery. They actually just opened their first U.S. store recently in New York. Also, see One Modern Couple‘s experiencing browsing/shopping at their South Korean store in Gangnam.
Gentle Monster’s pop-up space at Opening Ceremony. Photo: Courtesy of Gentle Monster
Anyhow, read on to see me experimenting with and reviewing 4 different pairs of Gentle Monster sunglasses. (Note: This is not a sponsored post; all opinions are mine. Also, my opinion about fit is obviously only for people with Asian features.) PS. CLICK ON PHOTOS TO GET “WHERE CAN I BUY THIS” INFO!
First up: Gentle Monster 56MM Round Sunglasses
This style is very quintessential Gentle Monster, in my opinion. They’re totally statement-looking, something that is instantly recognizable. The pattern is a light tortoise kind of print, which is SO chic and timeless.
One thing I will say about this pair is that they’re heavy, as many Gentle Monster pieces are. So if the nose piece doesn’t hug your nose bridge, they WILL slide. And unfortunately, that’s what this pair does on my face. So as beautiful and fashionable as they look on me, this one’s gotta go.
Secondly: Gentle Monster 56mm Retro Sunglasses
These mirrored sunglasses are SO in, and just instantly adds edginess to your ensemble. They’re also conducive to cutting off eye contac, if that’s something you want to avoid. So these are perfect when you’re traveling through airports and just want to be left alone. Hence a lot of celebrities opt for sunglasses like these.
For me, these have kind of the same problem as the 56mm Round sunglasses above – the nose piece doesn’t fit perfectly, and as a result, they tend to slide a bit. These aren’t as heavy as the first pair so they stay in place just a tad better. But in the end I couldn’t keep something that aren’t 100% comfortable. So they have to go too.
Third time is the charm: Gentle Monster 52mm Sunglasses
It’s funny. I can see the difference in the way I feel about this pair completely reflected in my smile. It’s a more confident and comfortable smile. And yes… these were THE ONE. They’re light, comfortable, hug my nose bridge like they are a match made in heaven. This pair has the understated but undeniable chicness like all the other pairs do, but they are the right size and weight for my face. I can already see myself wearing and over-wearing them.
Fourth/Lastly: Gentle Monster Sunglasses purchased on Poshmark
These guys are probably a slightly older model, and I can’t find them online anywhere, anymore. I have a link for you to see all the Gentle Monster sunglasses available on Poshmark (there are 15+ pairs available). In my opinion, sunglasses are one of the best things to buy used, especially when it comes to designer sunnies. Of course this is assuming you can find ones that are kept in great condition, and where sellers are willing to provide you with a lot of descriptions. Poshmark happens to be such a place!
If you go to the link I provided, you will see that this pair is actually in the line up of sunglasses being on sale. The reason is again, the fit.
So, what do you think?
Leave me a comment about which pair you’ve tried on, and which pair you’re itching to try! Lastly, I will leave you with the impeccable and ridiculously luxurious packaging that Gentle Monster provides for each and every pair of their sunglasses. I am simply speechless.
