SHADES OF PLAY

Manish Arora does sunglass kitsch.

What's the true mark of an emerging designer's success?

Their own sunglasses line.

In America, Chris Benz, Juicy Couture, and Derek Lam have recently launched new shades, while across the Australian ocean,  Ksubi and Karen Walker have conquered the beach with their crazy glasses.

Now an English prodigy throws his UV rays in the ring: Manish Arora.

The over-the-top designer whose glittery concoctions stun runways in London and Paris has finally made shades for his fans.  They run from $200 - $300, and come studded with giant hearts - a luxe throw-back to '80s Madonna and the public pools of every former city kid.

But the shades are also quite practical:

As anyone who's seen a Manish fashion show knows, when an evening gown has more mirrors and beads than  a Bollywood costume trailer, you've got to have something to help shield your eyes.
FARAN KRENTCIL



This story was published on March 17, 2008.