Fashion trends will inevitably repeat themselves, and eyeglasses trends are indeed part of the equation. Oversized frames, Lennon-inspired, boxy Cubic forms and Aviator are some of the hot buzzwords in sunglass-eria this summer, but if one word sums up all things sunglasses for 2009, here it is for you: Retro. A surprising number of brands are releasing retro frames for 2009, with most pieces harking back to the 60s and 70s (and even as early as the '40s and '50s). There's even an '80s influence surfacing that is particularly hot right now. All hail the sunglasses of 2009. Everything is bigger, bolder and, well, retro. Again.


Gucci 1827 Sunglasses
Celebrities have always been a fan of oversized sunglasses - specifically Gucci oversized sunglasses. Take a peek at any celebrity gossip magazine, and one would think Gucci is the only sunglass label available to them. Admittedly, there is something mysterious and alluring about this over-the-top style. They are the epitome of glamor in eyewear and can make a mere mortal on the street feel like a celebrity. With the Gucci 1827, Gucci's logo details are subtle by design so that the frame itself defines the look rather than the logo, allowing the design of the frame to complement features of the wearer and contribute to their overall style. This will be the number one hottest accessory this summer. Chic in every way, the new Gucci 1827 Sunglasses are the way to make a bold fashion statement. Expect to pay over $750 for that bold statement.


DSquared2 sunglasses
DSquared2 has made the discerning transition into the rising eyewear industry. Designers Dean and Dan Caten have teamed up with Marcolin Group to produce DSquared2 Sunglasses. The eyewear collection was released with a lavish star-studded bash held at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival, giving the product instant celeb street cred. The line is innovative enough, with inspiration that comes from the '70s hip-hop culture. Think oversize frames. Ultraglam. The ad campaign, shot by Steven Meisel, has Linda Evangelista back with Naomi Campbell in full supermodel glory. Keep your ear to the ground as the sunglasses are expected to hit shelves in June. With supermodels Naomi and Linda for spokesmodels, DSquared sunglasses are destined for success.


Tom Ford Jack Sunglasses
The sighting image of a sunglassed Joaquin Phoenix on David Letterman nattering on about his new hip-hop career may have not been the most dreamy media outlet for Tom Ford Sunglasses. But, if you managed to get over Phoenix's extra poundage and the facial hair, the Jack Sunglasses he was sporting are indeed an excellent pair of shades. Tom Ford's "Jack" glasses are a nice fusion of retro chic with contemporary styling and functionality. Ford dubbed his '70s-inspired shades Farrah and Ryan, Whitney (his loyal assistant) and Buckley and, of course, Jack. Taking inspiration from classic sunglasses styles, the Tom Ford Jack Sunglasses is a step further in the evolution of fashion eyewear by being both sophisticated and slightly retro. Beautiful.


Dita Eyewear
Dita Eyewear is a great under-the-radar label, and this summer sees the launch of the signature Dita 2009 Spring/Summer “lever” collection. Dita, which is owned and operated by Jeff Solorio and John Juniper, utilizes modern materials and shapes with a penchant for '70s design to distinguish themselves from the masses. For the new “lever” collection, the frames are predominately plastic with metal highlights, with colors ranging from Black & Black Swirl and Dark Tortoise & Burnt Brown to Honey Tortoise & Burnt Brown and Dark Grey Swirl with Antique Plated Titanium. The Dita frames are hand-made in Japan and use only the highest quality materials: titanium, 18K gold, white gold and the finest Japanese zyl acetates. Dita's quality and attention to detail to each frame is unmatched. Or, to use their own words: Simply holding a pair of Dita's may seduce you for life.


Super Sunglasses
And in the affordable corner, Super Sunglasses continues to rock the retro sunglasses industry with their high-quality models. Available in a huge array of colors and shapes, Super's wacky originality manages to hold a strong presence on both runways and the street, and it isn't showing signs of fading anytime soon. Super sunglasses are manufactured in Italy and fitted with Zeiss lenses, and the new Spring/Summer 2009 collection, is a standout, focusing in on '80s era glasses. Sunglasses are showing off rims in all colors of the rainbow. From yellow (which some are touting as the new tortoise shell) to red and purple — the options are limitless. This is indeed a fun look that I would reserve for those in the 25 and under demographic. Super sunglasses range from $135 to 250.