See Louis Vuitton Millionaires Sunglasses — 20 Years Later
Two decades after their initial debut, the Louis Vuitton Millionaires — an elevated take on aviators — stage a comeback. The slick pair is unmistakably elegant, yet there’s a sense of playfulness, too. Aged gold metal strips frame the easily-identified aviator silhouette, complete with Monogram symbols and enamelled S-lock hinges. Upon release, however, these shades did more than block the sun. An instant success, the Millionaire Sunglasses laid the foundation for Pharrell Williams to take his current post as Creative Director of Louis Vuitton.
Allow us a quick glance in the rearview: back in 2004, Marc Jacobs (then-director of Louis Vuitton) tapped Pharrell Williams and Nigo to design a flashy pair of shades; their team-up produced the original Louis Vuitton Millionaires Sunglasses. Synthesizing classic design with the daring philosophy that defined mid-aughts streetwear, the sunglasses quickly became a favourite. The Maison remembers the launch fondly, saying the pair “made waves among the overlapping worlds of music and fashion.”
In the two decades since, the Millionaires have rolled with the ebbs and flows of fashion, bringing numerous interpretations to the market. During his debut, the late Virgil Abloh gave us a cheeky pair of bright red Millionaires, complete with recessed lenses and gold accents. With Pharrell Williams steering the ship, it was only natural to launch a new, updated take on the aviators — and there’s two styles to celebrate.
The 1.0 Millionaires set out to capture all the gilded glory of the original, albeit with a modern, tongue-in-cheek twist. Reincarnations include a chocolate tortoise variant, complete with a turquoise-blue hinge and gold accents, as well as a simple monochrome black with aged gold. The 3.0 Millionaires, meanwhile, cover the ’04 shades in a futuristic flair. Composed of lightweight carbon fibre — a substance more familiar with autos than fashion — the 3.0s put a rugged spin on their sleek black frames. Shoppers can choose between a full, monochrome-black look or lenses, or a pop of “chromotherapy-inclined” orange.
While twenty years is no short time, 2004 is still fairly recent, given the century-spanning history of the Maison. As they celebrate their 20th anniversary, the Millionaires Sunglasses remind us that Louis Vuitton continues to evolve, developing its legacy with every release. The modern Maison is firmly rooted in contemporary movements, yet steeped in rich design heritage. Looking ahead to Fall-Winter, we can’t wait to see what’s next.
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