They used to be big and chunky, back in the late eighties. Madonna wore them in Desperately Seeking Susan. Plastic sunnies were the rage. Now, thanks to European fashion trends in eye-fashion, Big is Back.

Then thin wire frames a la Raybans of top Gun were in, and they came in again at the turn of the Millennium. While aviator styles are still hot, the larger Italian look revives the old movies, with appeal that is as sexy as Sophia Loren and as classy as Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast in Tiffanys in her big framed glasses and chignon.

Even in winter our eyes need to be protected from the suns harmful UV rays – giving you the perfect excuse to buy a new pair of sunglasses from winter collections. The wide arms are better for protecting the delicate skin at the sides of your eyes too, than thin wire frames.

Unlike their summer counter parts, winter sunglasses usually have lighter lens allowing you to see clearly on dull days while still reducing glare, and protecting eyes. Dolce & Gabbana’s new range features soft lenses offset with a light mirror finish, perfect for winter conditions.

Mark Collman, buyer for New Zealand’s largest eyewear distributor, says frame styles for the new season will continue the trend of large round and square shapes in black plastic. “Large and black will remain popular in New Zealand, however in Europe they are moving towards bright colours such as lime and white.”

Some of the hottest collections this winter will be from Versace and Police