Wayfarer, R.I.P.

Is the Persol 649 the official sunglass of spring '08?

September 12, 2007—The work of actually designing clothes deservedly gets most of the attention during fashion week, but, in terms of what people will actually be wearing, runway stylists can sometimes have as much impact. While fashion fans debate the relative merits of the fuchsia drop crotch pant or the rosette-laden suit, it appears that the Persol 649 has already been crowned the season's go-to sunglass style, thanks to its appearance on models in several collections, including Rag & Bone, Yigal Azrouël, and Obedient Sons. Inevitably, some are even calling the model the new Wayfarer ("too hipster-y," clucked one stylist). The Italian-made specs boast a timeless Euro panache that recalls a bygone era—and, as with any good pair of shades, they're aspirational. Natasha Royt, who styled Rag & Bone (left), says she envisioned "a Rat Pack-y guy from the sixties, driving a convertible with his babe, the wind in his hair." Sign us up.

Sufferers of ankle insecurity, meanwhile, aren't likely to get a respite anytime soon. Alongside menswear's continuing cropped-pant invasion, models for several labels, including Tony Melillo, Patrik Ervell, Trovata, and Band of Outsiders, sported trousers rolled up to mid-shin levels. "Wearing a rolled pant seems easier than wearing a cropped pant, which might feel too fashion-y," explains Tina Chai, who styled the Band of Outsiders collection. (Plus you can actually unroll them.)

Persol 649s, $154, available at sunglass boutiques nationwide; persol.com