Keep an eye on small sunglasses as the next fashion trend to hit the Gold Coast

Large sunglasses that cover half your face have reigned supreme in the eyewear game for some time now, but now we’re going small.

Model and stylist Emily Whitlock, wearing the new fashion trend, tiny sunnies. Picture: Jerad Williams

YOU probably wouldn’t expect Neo from The Matrix and Audrey Hepburn to fall in the same fashion category, but their connection has been in front of your eyes the whole time.

The tiny sunglasses donned by both figures are shining bright in the fashion world right now, with Gold Coast stylist and model Emily Whitlock saying it’s all a case of history repeating.

Don’t be surprised if you see these sunnies coming back into fashion, too.

“Fashion is forever changing and designers and stylists often look for inspiration from past trends to see what worked best — I know I do,” she said.

“The trend started in the 1940s, as a fashionable but not practical trend.

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“Plastic frames became more affordable after World War II and the less material needed, the cheaper they were to produce.

“With the vintage/retro look back in fashion, sunglasses are the perfect way to incorporate that style with a contemporary twist.”

Emily Whitlock said small sunglasses were born in the 1940s. Picture: Jerad Williams

Their rise to popularity can partly be attributed to Kim Kardashian, who in a viral clip recounted an interaction with husband Kanye West, who told her to stop wearing big sunnies.

Gold Coast sunglasses designer and owner of Valley Eyewear, Michael Crawley, said the Kardashian effect definitely played a role in the trend’s rise.

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And although Valley won’t be releasing its own range of small sunglasses, he doesn't think they’re an eyesore.

“I like it (the small sunglasses look) and I can appreciate it, but it think it’s just a fad that’s going to come and go really quickly,” he said.

Actress Margot Robbie in Gold Coast's Valley Eyewear sunglasses.

“It’s been happening in Europe for the last couple of years so eventually the lower priced brands jump on it and once the Jenners and Kardashians jump on it, everyone does.

“Our consumers would probably like it, but I don’t want to do what everyone else is doing.

“But I do like the look. I think it looks cool on people.”

Ms Whitlock said companies such as Eyecon, Sabo Skirt, Verge Girl and Princess Polly stocked the tiny shades.