Cinema’s Most Iconic 2000s Eyewear Moments 

“These power lesbians, they seem to have everything. Great shoes, killer eyewear, and the secrets of invisible makeup.“, this is how Carrie Bradshaw describes a group of gay women in season 2 (1999) of Sex and the City. Twenty-years later, there seems to be a revival happening in fashion: thin rimless glasses. Once an icon of the 2000s, this style of eyewear is now finding its way into the contemporary fashion world, becoming a crucial component of any outfit.

To most, glasses are an absolute necessity. But for a long time, they were considered as undesirable and nerdy. Ugly Betty, Velma Dinkley, Mia Thermopolis, Laney Boggs are just some that come to mind. One can recall scenes where these optical glasses worn by outsiders are taken off [or, in Mia’s case, snapped] before revealing their makeover, showing that they were indeed hot all along [think Andrea Sach’s cottage-core to Chanel-glamour].

Then, in the early 2000s, eyewear became the must-have accessory. Like Andrea, they too underwent a makeover, going from the big, thick-horn-rimmed frames of the 90s to the thinner, frameless, more appealing design. They soon became an eyewear style that exudes style and sexiness, making it’s way into the handbags of every it-girl. Now, we’re seeing yet another resurgence of the notorious eyewear style, with Bella Hadid [hers even accompanied her on the Fendi AW2022 runway] and Emma Chamberlain being the poster girls for 2000s fashion.

Even in film, slick 2000s rimless eyewear have dominated the screens, becoming the ultimate fashion statement. Below, we unpack cinema’s most iconic y2k eyewear moments. Screenshots at the ready, these are some for your moodboards.

Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems

Hear me out. Yes, Uncut Gems isn’t a 00s film – but it kind of is. It came out in 2019 but took place in 2012, which was the last big shot of lightweight, nearly non-existent jewellery-like eyewear. Adam as Howard wearing an iconic Cartier-piece on his nose, while fucking up is life, has to be my favourite Sandler look of all time.

Katherine Moennig in The L Word

Even though Bette is the actual eyewear-star in The L Word, wearing those black “power-lesbian” framed glasses, today’s spotlight is dedicated to Shane. I cannot get enough of Shane McCutcheon, looking hotter than ever in her frameless eyewear.

Ryan Phillippe in Cruel Intentions

The dark drama Cruel Intention is based on the 1782 novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses”, and the twisted love affair that it follows isn’t the only thrilling part. Its fashion moments, especially scenes with Sebastian Valmont wearing Oliver Peoples eyewear, have to be the most thrilling of all.