All the President’s Sunglasses

3 weeks ago 28

Sunglasses have become a suit of armor for public figures, especially U.S. politicians. President Joe Biden never goes anywhere without his aviators, while Vice President Kamala Harris‘ go-to is her round, oversized Mykita Lahti shades.

Former U.S. presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush all wore them, although Donald Trump chooses to eschew them, looking the cameras — and the U.S. public — straight in the eye.

Wearing them — or not — says a lot about a person. Glasses can signal personal style and cool — and they can intimidate, too.

“Image-wise, sunglasses send out a multitude of messages,” said Sunita Kumar Nair, author of “CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion.” She added that while they can signal style and the sophistication, “it’s not essential for a president to wear them.”

As the 2024 presidential race goes full steam ahead, here WWD recaps some top eyewear moments at the White House.



Vice President Kamala Harris speaks with the press before departing on Air Force 2 at Detroit Metro Airport in Detroit, MI on Thursday, August 8, 2024.

(Photo by Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris. The Washington Post via Getty Im

Who: Kamala Harris

Style of choice: Mykita Lahti

What does it mean: If there’s one image that encapsulates Harris’ online presence, it’s the viral video of her from 2020 in which she declares, “We did it, Joe!”

In the video she’s wearing sunglasses from German brand Mykita. “She chose a very politically correct brand. It’s worn by trendy people such as Cate Blanchett or Jason Statham, handcrafted modern design with advanced technology. Good choice, good philosophy and good style,” said Dominique Gaulme, who coauthored “Power and Style: A World History of Politics and Dress” with her husband François.

Former President and current Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump raises his fist as he leaves the stage during a campaign event on Saturday, August 3, 2024 in Atlanta, GA.

Donald Trump in his trademark navy suit and long red tie. The Washington Post via Getty Images

Who: Donald Trump

Style of choice: None

What does it mean: The former president and current Republican presidential nominee has a signature look, and it’s not changing anytime soon. It’s clear he will not let anything come between his Oompa Loompa tan and orange-tinged hair. 

“I feel there is a relatability factor. Trump, who may not be instantly likable or popular with his rhetoric, could deliver more of his personality by choosing not to wear sunglasses,” said François Gaulme.

  U.S. President Joe Biden during a welcome ceremony on day one of the 50th G7 summit at Borgo Egnazia on June 13, 2024 in Fasano, Italy. The G7 summit in Puglia, hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the seventh held in Italy, gathers leaders from the seven member states, the EU Council, and the EU Commission. Discussions will focus on topics including Africa, climate change, development, the Middle East, Ukraine, migration, Indo-Pacific economic security, and artificial intelligence. (Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)

U.S. President Joe Biden. Getty Images

Who: Joe Biden

Style of choice: Ray-Ban 3025

What does it mean: President Joe Biden’s aviators are a nod to his military days and are a constant in his life. When he joined Instagram in 2014, it wasn’t with a selfie, but a close-up of his aviators. But since dropping out of the 2024 race, they’ve become a topic of some mockery.

Dominique Gaulme added that it might be time for a change of style: “Unfortunately, Joe Biden seems to hide his old and tired eyes with his spectacles, not to show how lost he feels. President [Emmanuel] Macron offered him a nice pair of Vuarnets, a famous French brand, when he paid a state visit to Paris.”

US Democratic presidential candidate Illinois Senator Barack Obama prepares to board a plane at Dulles International Aiport in Chantilly, Virginia,  April 15, 2008. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP) (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Barack Obama wearing his Ray-Ban 3217. AFP via Getty Images

Who: Barack Obama

Style of choice: Ray-Ban 3217

What does it mean: The former U.S. president is the image of cool with his action hero Ray-Ban 3217s. They’re classically American, but with a twist — just like the suits he wore in office with two-button jackets instead of three.

  US President Bill Clinton wears sunglasses and has his hair blown as he starts the Memorial Day weekend attending a Atlantic Ocean seaside environmental announcement on the Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland 26 May 2000. The President called for new protections for America's beaches, coasts and ocean resources.     (ELECTRONIC IMAGE)   AFP Photo by Paul J. RICHARDS (Photo credit should read PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP via Getty Images)

Bill Clinton. AFP via Getty Images

Who: Bill Clinton

Style of choice: All American 

What does it mean: U.S. presidents love their Ray-Bans, and Clinton’s pair is the hippest of the bunch with their circular lenses and gray frames.

He wore them when he accepted the Charlemagne Prize in 2000 for his work on European unification. “His sunglasses reveal his slightly [more] hippie student side,” said Nair.

The old adage is “real eyes, realize” and for Clinton, his sunglasses have the word “America” engraved on the side. What could be more patriotic than that?

US President George W. Bush wears the sunglasses of US Coast Guard Ensign Steven Matthew Volk (unseen) during graduation ceremonies 23 May 2007 at the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. The President delivered remarks to the class and personally delivered each graduate their commissions and degrees. (Photo by PAUL J. RICHARDS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP via Getty Images)

George W. Bush wearing his Ray-Ban Wayfarer. AFP via Getty Images

Who: George W. Bush

Style of choice: Ray-Ban Wayfarer

What does it mean: The Wayfarer is a midcentury classic and for a long time, Bush was the image of America. “He looks resolute and efficient. He is the no-nonsense president. The man of action who doesn’t care for frivolity,” said Dominique Gaulme. 

 President Kennedy seems to be enjoying himself as he watches the 32nd All Star game in D.C. Stadium here.

John F. Kennedy wearing his Saratoga sunglasses. Bettmann Archive

Who: John F. Kennedy

Style of choice: American Optical Eyewear’s Saratoga

What does it mean: Kennedy routinely wore his sunglasses when he was off duty and spending time with his friends. On the job, he never hid behind dark lenses. 

“I do remember reading this anecdote about President Kennedy, who asked Jackie to take off her sunglasses the day he was assassinated, and they were traveling in a motorcade with the top down, the purpose of the trip was to meet the people of Dallas, Texas,” said Nair.

Kennedy supposedly told his wife to “take them off, Jackie, the people need to see your eyes.”

“The old adage that the eyes are the gateway to the soul must have been one that President Kennedy felt important,” added Nair.

President Lyndon B. Johnson relaxes in his pool with his grandson Lyn and the First Family's new dog, Yuki. (Photo by © CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

Lyndon B. Johnson in his pool with his grandson Lyn. Corbis via Getty Images

Who: Lyndon B. Johnson

Style of choice: Multiple

What does it mean: The 36th POTUS was an avid eyewear collector. He left 53 pairs of eyeglasses at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in Texas. He had frames in every color, from clear ones to yellows and greens.

“Lyndon Johnson couldn’t do without his spectacles. Even in a pool with his dog and a baby girl,” said Dominique Gaulme.

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