THE PERFECT SUNGLASSES

Three pairs of sunglasses are displayed on a reflective surface: two pairs with sleek black frames and dark lenses, and one pair with a pink frame and lighter lenses.

THE PERFECT SUNGLASSESGet loud and shade-y with Sausage Lord

Tired of the glaring sun in your eyes? In this episode, we’re searching for the perfect sunglasses. From functionality, wearability to the design, our guest Annie Brooks — aka @sausagelord — guides us through her riotous world of statement eyewear.

By Justin Kendall

7 April 2024 · 5 min read

Annie Brooks, as she’s said herself, wouldn’t be caught dead looking “regular.” You probably know her through her online alias @sausagelord, and if her maximalist style and maximalist personality have popped up on your Insta feed, you’ll know that one item is key to her vibe — sunglasses.

Big ones, small ones, bedazzled ones, Y2K ones, retro ones, bug-like ones, gnarly melted ones, ones that could have been worn by a medieval plague doctor on a day off — Brooks likes to experiment. The self-proclaimed “Eurotrash superstar” has gained a huge following with her hyper-accessorised looks and IDGAF attitude, and she’s got the eccentric eyewear to go with. These days, she and her bleach-blond fringe, Spongebob Squarepants hat, and spike-studded Uggs are based between London and Paris.

If there’s one thing Brooks knows, it’s that sunglasses aren’t just for eye protection, nor should they be confined to the summer months. On the contrary, they’re a style essential for all seasons. In the world of @sausagelord, more is more. Time to bring out the shades — and lots of them.

What makes the perfect pair of sunglasses?

For me, there are three factors to consider: design, functionality, and wearability. Design is always the priority; I like to look for unique and weird frames. The quirkier the better for me!

Functionality and wearability come a close second — they don’t always go hand in hand with design, so whenever I find a pair that does both, that’s a huge win.

When you’re buying a new pair of sunglasses, what do you look for first?

A unique design! Maybe something that I haven’t seen on anyone before. I always look for colours that go with the majority of my wardrobe too (i.e. red, black, silver). Also, if I’m getting expensive sunglasses, I always ask myself, “Are there any shapes I should avoid because they’ll soon be outdated?” I want to be able to wear them for years.

Do you prefer a lighter or heavier structure when it comes to sunglasses?

I always prefer a lighter structure. When I’m wearing sunglasses, it tends to be for long periods of time. If they’re too heavy, they’ll leave marks, remove my makeup, and also hurt my nose and ears. It’s my biggest annoyance.

How important is the brand when shopping for sunglasses?

Not that important — I never look at the brand first when buying sunnies. Having said that, if you can go for a designer pair, I’d always say do it. They’re higher quality, more durable, set the trends when it comes to design, and they’ll hold their value better. Plus, UV protection will keep your eyes safe.

If you were a pair of sunglasses, what shape would you be and why?

I’d be a silly unconventional shape like melting sunglasses, or maybe Jeremy Scott’s iconic pair that’s designed to look like two hands.

What is an absolute classic shape that looks great on every face shape and skin tone?

⁠Oval sunglasses are a universal classic, I think.

FIND YOUR SHADES

“ Design is always the priority; I like to look for unique and weird frames. ”

- Sausage Lord

PINK AND BOLD

When are statement sunnies a solid investment?

For me, a pair of sunglasses that gains any type of attention — without becoming an Instagram microtrend, of course — is a good investment.

When buying a loud, colourful pair, what should you think about so you actually wear them?

Think about how many outfits you can pair with them off the top of your head. That way you should get a better idea of how much use you’ll actually get from them. As well as the look, you should also really factor in comfort — although sometimes I don’t!

READY FOR THE NOISE?

“ I will only invest in a really expensive pair of sunglasses if I know a million people aren’t going to be rocking them. ”

- Sausage Lord

EXTRA EXTRA LARGE

What statement are you making when you sport a chunky pair of shades?

My statement is: “Look at me! Look at my outfit! Look at the effort I’ve put in to please you guys!”

How do you decide on more expensive designer sunglasses?

I will only invest in a really expensive pair of sunglasses if I know a million people aren’t going to be rocking them in two weeks. Also, I’ll think about whether I’ll wear them for years to come, even if my style changes. They’ve got to be both versatile and unique.

Oversized frames — trend or mainstay?

Oversized frames will always be a mainstay for me. In my world, they’ll never go out of fashion — they’re so versatile.

LEVEL UP YOUR SUNNIES

“ Extra extra large is in, baby — FINALLY!! ”

- Sausage Lord

RACY REALNESS

What’s your advice for rocking a loud, statement pair?

Do it with confidence. You can wear whatever you want, so long as you’re wearing it confidently.

Does the outfit have to match the shades? Do you ever build a fit around them?

Yes, sometimes I’ll build a fit around sunglasses. But that doesn’t mean I make it make sense. Most of the time, I love juxtaposing things that don’t really work together, and making it work.

What’s a key sunglasses trend you think is entering the fashion arena?

I think oversized, 2010s-era sunglasses. We’ve just come from an era of everything being micro and super sleek. But now extra extra large is in, baby — FINALLY!!

SPEED ROUND

Metal or acetate?

Acetate

Statement or classic?

Statement

Neutral or fun frames?

Fun

Tinted or coloured lenses?

Coloured

Oversized bug eyes or 90s Prada secretary?

Oversized bug

Aviator or cat-eye?