Shutter Shades

What it is

Shutter shades are a style of sunglasses defined by horizontal slats that replace traditional darkened lenses. These slats are an integral part of the frame and resemble window shutters or Venetian blinds. The eyewear comes in various styles and colours. Because the design relies on open spaces between slats, many models do not function effectively as sunglasses. They often fail to block substantial amounts of light or protect eyes from ultraviolet radiation, although some specific designs include UV resistant lenses.

History and origin

The first louvered sunglasses appeared during the 1950s. A modernized version emerged in the early 1980s, sometimes called Venetian blinders. This style gained visibility through music videos, including Simple Minds’ Glittering Prize in 1982 and Animotion’s Obsession in 1984. Professional wrestler Macho Man Randy Savage further popularized the look by wearing them in promos and before matches. In 2007, Shutter Shades, Inc. patented a design and trademarked the name. By 2015, a New York court ruled the term had become generic.

What it means

These shades function primarily as fashion statements rather than practical eye protection. Their association with 1980s pop culture and professional wrestling gives them a retro or theatrical appeal. Designer Alain Mikli created a custom version for Kanye West, linking the style to contemporary hip hop fashion. The legal battle over the trademark highlights how niche fashion items can enter common language. They represent a blend of novelty eyewear and cultural nostalgia.

Styling and care

Wearers choose from an assortment of colours and styles to match their outfit. Since many models lack effective light blocking capabilities, they are best suited for indoor use or cloudy conditions where glare is minimal. Stylists often pair them with bold, retro-inspired looks. The frames are typically made of plastic. Users should check if specific models include UV resistant lenses if sun protection is a priority, as many do not offer this feature.

In culture

The style is closely tied to 1980s music and entertainment. It appeared in prominent music videos by Simple Minds and Animotion. Macho Man Randy Savage made the shades a signature part of his wrestling persona. Decades later, Kanye West revived interest in the style through his music video for Stronger, wearing a custom design by Alain Mikli. This connection to high-profile artists and athletes cemented their place in pop culture history.

Questions people ask about Shutter Shades

Good reading and sources

• Shutter shades on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data