Smart Glasses: Over Fashion

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, a new contender has emerged for the title of the ultimate It-accessory: smart glasses. Once the domain of tech enthusiasts, these high-tech spectacles are now gracing the faces of celebrities and fashion insiders, blurring the lines between utility and style.

From Eyewear to Spyware

The history of eyeglasses is a long and storied one, from ancient Roman water-filled bowls to the polished quartz reading stones of the 13th century. Fast forward to the 18th century, and Benjamin Franklin introduced bifocals. By the 1990s, supermodels like Kate Moss and Christy Turlington were sporting chic tortoiseshell frames, cementing eyewear as a fashion staple.

However, it was in 2012 that the spectacle truly entered the modern era. Diane Von Furstenberg walked her Spring 2013 runway with Sergey Brin wearing Google Glass, a futuristic frame with a built-in camera. Despite the hype, Google Glass was discontinued by 2015, earning wearers the unflattering nickname "Glassholes." The technology was ahead of its time, but the design was lacking.

The It-Girl and Her It-Glasses

Enter Meta, who learned from Google's missteps. In 2021, Meta partnered with Ray-Ban to launch Ray-Ban Stories, smart glasses that looked like classic sunglasses but packed cameras, microphones, and speakers. The collaboration was a hit, and Meta has since expanded its lineup, even enlisting the help of Kylie Jenner, the ultimate It-girl, to promote its latest models.

Kylie's sold-out Meta smart glasses, priced at 9, have become a must-have accessory, spotted on influencers and celebrities alike. The allure of owning a piece of the It-girl lifestyle is a powerful marketing tool, as fashion historian Liana Satenstein describes: "Sure, we don’t have access to their star power, but we can purchase these affordable items to emulate a sliver of these people we adore."

Eyes Wide Shut

Despite their popularity, smart glasses have raised concerns about privacy. Stories of people being filmed without consent and the content being shared on social media have sparked debates about surveillance capitalism. Meta's own contractors in Kenya have revealed that they review footage captured by the glasses, including intimate moments.

Yet, the fashion world seems undeterred. The glasses have become a symbol of tech-savvy chic, with even Mark Zuckerberg undergoing a style transformation to appeal to fashion-conscious consumers. As he famously said, "In the future, if you don’t have glasses that have AI, you’re probably going to be at a significant cognitive disadvantage."

Whether they're the latest It-bag or a privacy nightmare, smart glasses are undeniably making their mark on fashion. As with any trend, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Are smart glasses the new luxury accessory?

Meta smart glasses vs Ray-Ban: which is better?

Kylie Jenner Meta glasses review

Smart glasses fashion trend 2026

Luxury eyewear technology trends

What are the best smart glasses for fashion?

How do Meta smart glasses work?

Are smart glasses worth it?

Can smart glasses replace traditional eyewear?

What is the price of Meta smart glasses?

Where can I buy smart glasses?

Are smart glasses safe for eyes?