Oh yes, throughout The White Lotus, sunglasses are a stylish constant. This is for reasons both obvious—it’s sunny in Thailand—and not: sunglasses cover someone’s eyes and face, obscuring reactions and expressions. It’s the ultimate narrative accessory for a group filled with hidden agendas.
Costume designer Alex Bovaird tells Vogue that she took great care in selecting the particular pairs, considering the unique style—and motives—of each character. Take Chelsea’s literal rose-colored glasses, or Jaclyn’s pair from a L.A. designer known for the scarcity of their products and high prices. “I love doing sunglasses as I feel like the accessories are such a huge part of The White Lotus look,” she says. “I select a tray of favorites for them based on their looks, their character, and their face shape.” And since this is a moneyed cohort, most of them wear designer—except for Victoria Ratliff’s sunglasses, which Bovaird had custom made.
Below, a sunglasses brand breakdown of The White Lotus characters. After all: who has better shades than shady people?
While on Gary’s yacht, Chloe wears a pair of Khaite sunglasses for Oliver People’s. It’s no surprise that the former fashion model—who also has on Jacquemus at this moment—has a finger on the fashion pulse, wearing the very it-girl brand of Khaite. And while Chelsea’s eyewear leans soft and romantic, Chloe’s is edgy and serious.“Chloe’s glasses on the yacht help her look more Bond girl slash Bond villain. She’s chic, mysterious, jagged, strong, sharp, in control,” says Bouvaird. Meanwhile, while lounging by the pool, she puts on a pair of gold-rimmed Matsudas.
Chelsea has an offbeat, bohemian style—and her sunglasses reflect that: there’s a leopard print pair from Jacquemus, as well as dainty white cat-eyed sunglasses from Valentino. (A girl who wears her eclectic heart on her sleeve doesn’t want to hide behind big, black face-shielding glasses.) She also has a distinct pair of Penny Layne-esque Oliver Peoples shades with pink lenses—literal rose-colored glasses. “Chelsea’s pink lenses help her see the rosy outlook,” says Bovaird.
In Episode 1, Rick arrives at the White Lotus with a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses hanging from his button down shirt. Released in 1952, the Wayfarer remains one of the most popular sunglasses in history—which is an apropos for a man like Rick, who prefers to blend in with the crowd as he gets up to no good. “Walton [Goggins]’s are very dark and you can’t see his eyes when they are on so it keeps you guessing,” Bovaird says
Jacyln frequently wears Jacques Marie Mage—a Los Angeles-based sunglasses brand that only does limited production runs. Buy a pair, and you’ll be one of the few people that has them. (If you can—Jacques Marie Mage glasses can cost upward of $800; some pairs are even over $2000. ) This expensive, insider reputation is undoubtedly part of the allure for superficial LA actress Jaclyn. “Jaclyn has five pairs of sunglasses because her stylist packed her with the designer cool-girl collection of no doubt,” says Bovaird. Other brands she favors? Garett Leigh, which is also based in LA, and Krewe, which is also worn by Laurie.
In the first few episodes, Laurie wears sunglasses from Krewe. They’re a luxury brand—but not as recognizable as Kate’s Louis Vuitton pair or expensive as Jaclyn’s Jacques Marie Mages. “They’re supposed to look interchangeable,” Bovaird says of the trio of women. “But Laurie is the one who’s maybe trying to keep up with the girls.” Laurie also wears glasses by LGR, a favorite of Piper Ratliff.
Kate wears sunglasses from Louis Vuitton with a subtle, but still noticeable, “LV” logo on the side. She does not want to admit it, but deep down, she wants people to know she’s got money.
Saxon wears shield sunglasses that Roger Federer designed for Oliver Peoples. Despite possessing not even one iota of his athletic prowess, he looks like wears them on the golf course and tennis court at the country club with the utmost seriousness.
Piper wears L.G.R. sunglasses, whose designs are inspired by African safari style and made in Italy. Such a worldly aesthetic no doubt attracts the wanna-be bohemian Piper, who likens herself as an enlightened citizen of the world. Whether or not she actually is…well, that’s up for debate.
Timothy wears Zegna sunglasses that are befitting of a Southern gentleman—despite his recent ungentlemanly behavior. “Timothy’s are classy and masculine without being flashy,” Bouvaird says of his shades.
Belinda wears a pair of giant, face-covering Oliver Peoples sunglasses—a protective shield that suggests she’s not to be messed with. “Belinda’s are cool and stylish because she doesn’t want to feel like Cinderella,” says Bouvaird.
Below, shop a White Lotus approved selection of sunglasses.
