Isetan Channel, a channel launched by Isetan Shinjuku to help with fashion worries, will be introducing the Eyewear Concierge service (Isetan Shinjuku Main Building, 1st floor, Women's Accessories/Eyewear) in detail. This eighth episode will help you choose sunglasses, a must-have for the coming season when the sun gets stronger.



"Sunglasses make you look great, and with the UV rays expected to get significantly stronger in March, I definitely want to get a pair. But maybe because I don't usually wear glasses, they feel like a daunting prospect. Please recommend some designs that even beginners can wear easily!" If that happens to you, ask the "Eyewear Concierge" service available on the first floor of the Isetan Shinjuku Main Building in the Women's Accessories/Eyewear section. They'll help you find the perfect sunglasses for you.



Sunglasses (¥35,200/EYEVAN), T-shirt (¥31,900), Cardigan (¥68,200) / All by AKIRA NAKA. Accessories are for reference only.
For those new to sunglasses, we recommend trying the simple Boston-style design, with temples (arms) extending from the top of the lenses. Positioning the temples below the eyebrows creates a balanced look. If your favorite sunglasses have temples that extend from the center of the lenses, try choosing larger lenses that cover your entire eye. This design is a hot trend this season and can also make your face look smaller. We recommend brown, which blends well with Japanese skin tones. If you have bangs, the key is to create a loose look by sweeping them to the side or reducing the volume.


Sunglasses (¥37,400/Eque.M), Shirt (¥20,900/TICCA), Earrings (¥33,660/Sienna Rose), Ring on Right Ring Finger (¥34,100), Ring on Left Ring Finger (¥48,400) / All EM
For those with a sleek, triangular face, we recommend delicate sunglasses with round frames. The sharp features and cool aura of the titanium frame combine to create a handsome look. Another plus is that they pair well with silver accessories, and the lightweight sunglasses themselves mean they won't hurt your ears even when worn for long periods of time. Even if you're hesitant to wear colored lenses, light brown lenses are a natural fit for Japanese people, so give them a try.



Sunglasses (¥53,900/GUCCI), dress (¥36,300/GANNI), ring on right ring finger (¥38,500), ring on left ring finger (¥60,500) / all by Kaoru; ring on right index finger is for reference only.

This season, many fashion houses have released large-framed sunglasses, and a wide variety is available at Isetan Shinjuku. The model in the photo is wearing Gucci sunglasses with the brand name emblazoned in rhinestones on the side. The large size makes your face look smaller, and their bold presence makes them perfect for a casual T-shirt and jeans look.


Now, let's take a closer look at the "IU Air Concierge" service, which will help you find your perfect pair.

What is "IU Air Concierge"?
We spoke to a store stylist for more details.

Q: First, how do I make a reservation?
A: If you're booking online, open the Isetan Mitsukoshi app and select your desired date and time. You'll then be redirected to a screen with information about your stylist. Confirm the date, time, and meeting location, and fill out a pre-booking questionnaire about the number of sunglasses you own and your usual fashion style, etc., to confirm your reservation. If you're calling, please decide on your desired date and time and contact the reservation desk (03-3352-1111 *Hours: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM). If you want to take your time, we recommend visiting during the relatively quiet weekday afternoon hours.

Q: Next, please tell me the process of the service.
A: I ask what kind of occasion you would like to wear the sunglasses for, then I look at your facial contours and your outfit for the day and suggest a design that would suit you. Since recommending too many pairs can be overwhelming, I predict your preferences and recommend about five pairs of sunglasses from about three brands. The process generally takes about 30 to an hour. Also, explaining the concept of the sunglasses and the theme of the season will help customers be more likely to like them and make a purchase, so I explain the background of those brands as well. Comfort and fit are also very important, so I have you try them on and make adjustments on the spot to make them comfortable and stress-free.

Q: What sunglasses are popular this season?
A: This isn't just limited to this season, but sunglasses with thin lenses have been popular since around last year. Dark lenses don't offer clear vision and are a bit bold, so not many people choose them. Larger silhouettes are popular because they're expected to make the face appear smaller. The width of the bridge also affects this, so try them on and see for yourself.

Q: If someone is asking about sunglasses for travel, what kind of sunglasses would you recommend?
A: Sunglasses always have a visible light transmittance rating on the tag, which indicates the percentage of UV rays they block. For example, "13 percent" means they only let through 13 percent of the light. Darker lenses are generally between 13 and 15 percent. UV rays entering the eyes can have a negative effect on the skin, so we recommend dark lenses for those planning to go to a resort overseas and lighter lenses for those planning to go to the beach in Japan, depending on the customer's preference. For those looking for sunglasses for both vacation and everyday wear, we recommend sunglasses with a gradient color, which gradually lightens from top to bottom.


*All prices in this article include tax.



--Staff--
Photographs: Tetsuya Maehara
Hair: KUJIRA (AVGVST)
Makeup: Mariko Suzuki
Stylist: Mai Sakai
Model: Nodoka Tsutsui (FMG)
Text: Anna Kobayashi
Edit: Sayuri Sekine, Iori Ihara (FASHION HEADLINE)