Well it's the start of the New Year and we are back in lockdown, but the BBC have done it again with with a fantastic thriller The Serpent. We love BBC thrillers in fact Retro Spectacle's eyewear was featured in a previous BBC thriller starring Richard Gere called MotherFatherSon.
The Serpent is based on a true story about the infamous French serial killer Charles Sobhraj, who preyed on western travellers whilst posing as a gem dealer in the 1970's Thailand. His Canadian girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc was an accomplice who helped drug his victims.
Vintage sunglasses are all over this drama with both co-stars Tahar Rahim playing Charles Sobhraj otherwise known as Alain and Jenna Coleman playing Marie-Andrée aka Monique, wearing a variety of really cool standout frames. Costume designers Rachel Walsh and Adam Howe really went to town, and the sunglasses play a key visual throughout the series.
In only the first few minutes a rather insignificant, yet noticeable moment for us was when Charles went through airport security and removed his sunglasses with both hands, good practice to look after your frames!
Headscarfs, basket bags and hippy jewellery were mainstream accessories in the 1970's along with some outstanding vintage sunglasses and glasses.
Oversized, square, aviators and coloured tints all trended in the 70's styles all of which are back with a vengeance. We have scoured our collection to bring you some of the most stylish vintage frames which are so topical and relevant to this gripping thriller.
Marie-Andrée Leclerc played by Jenna Coleman (BBC)
By far the most desirable 70's inspired frame is worn by Monique throughout the episodes. The acetate frame has been fitted with a yellow amber lens. It is very similar to Dunhill 6185 30 below. Manufactured in Austria in the 80s this stunning frame is unisex, incredibly lightweight and has a brown mottled finish. These high quality vintage glasses reflect the essence of the British luxury brand.
Yellow fashion tints are not just a trendy look but can also improve clarity and help to reduce eye strain from digital devices. Here is a selection of other yellow tinted frames. Yellow tinted sunglasses are not just for the ladies, the tint colour is unisex and looks fabulous on guys too.
So it doesn't get more 70s than Nina Ricci 45. Packed with Character this oversized square frame is incredibly stylish. To back up this claim it was seen on Jackie Onassis who made oversized sunglasses part of her signature.
Christian Dior 2493 in colour 30. This stunning vintage Christian Dior frame has been fitted with a yellow fashion tint lens, a real 70's style frame. Manufactured in Germany in the 1980's, the frame is made out of Optyl, a lightweight, hypoallergenic and durable material. This oversized square frame features the CD emblem on the temporal sides and has a warm amber and gold shimmer to it.
New old stock Luxottica 500 L7 vintage fashion glasses. The frame has been fitted with a yellow fashion tint and the glasses are very similar to that worn by Monique in the Netflix hit The Serpent. The yellow lenses increase clarity and reduce glare on screens. It also gives a real 70's style to this brown mottled square frame.
Elite Richard fashion glasses. The frame has been fitted with a yellow fashion tint and the glasses are very similar to that worn by Monique in the Netflix hit The Serpent. The yellow lenses increase clarity and reduce glare on screens. It also gives a real 70's style to this brown mottled square frame.
Another favourite Nina Ricci 1311 was hand made in France. The front features a hand painted gold trim and yellow lenses, which look even better in reality help to secure the 70's style.
Perfect for the guys wanting to try the yellow tint look Pietro gives a bold and masculine look to this "hippie" style. Team them with the Jheri Curl, Disco Hair or a Man Perm, you are guaranteed to nail that 70's style.
Charles Sobhraj played by Tahar Rahim (BBC)
Tahar Rahim who plays Alain wears classic Aviator sunglasses. The styles differ slightly but the core fundamentals remain the same. A cool, calm befriending serial killer with impeccable style .
Dunhill 6038 incredibly rare vintage sunglasses in colour 20. Manufactured in Japan in 1983, this super stylish frame features 18KT solid gold detail to the bridge and temporal side. The rest of the frame is titanium, making it lightweight, durable and strong. Grey graduated lenses have 100% UV protection. This classic Dunhill frame features the classic checkerboard to the bridge and temporal sides, along with the Dunhill emblem. These high quality vintage sunglasses reflect the essence of the British luxury brand which supplies exclusive menswear and accessories for the discerning gentleman. A unique frame with only one available.
L'AMY Dirk new old stock vintage sunglasses. The green graduated lenses offer 100% UV protection. Manufactured in the 80's these incredible sunglasses are high quality frames, designed to last. The angles used on the front of the frame add a nice touch to a typical aviator shape.
YSL vintage sunglasses, say no more. Sophisticated, stylish and sustainable, this gold and black rimmed aviator ticks all the boxes.
L'AMY Freeport vintage sunglasses. New old stock manufactured in France. The style of this frame is very similar to that worn by Tahar Rahim in the BBC's The Serpent which is currently aired on Netflix and BBC iPlayer. A stylish, durable frame designed to last.
Cazal 968 is full of character, a fabulous style and most famously worn by Al Pacino in Donnie Brasco. Made in Germany this Cazal sunglasses frame is a cult classic.
Don't forget we can custom any frame with tint's and prescription lenses can also be just as fun and stylish. Get your 70's vibe on at Retro Spectacle.
We have enjoyed this series so much we couldn't resist creating a playlist inspired by the series. Listen below.
A special thanks to Bronagh from Love Blood Creative for the inspiration.