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The History Of Elton John’s Glasses: His Many Styles, And Why He Wears Them

Learn more about Elton John’s glasses, why he wears them and where you can get them. - by Rhys McKay
  • 14 Jul 2019
The History Of Elton John’s Glasses: His Many Styles, And Why He Wears Them
Getty

Most rock stars have a signature style that’s associated with them. For Slash, it’s that ridiculous (yet somehow awesome) top hat. For Joan Jett, it’s the leather getup and the black eyeliner. But perhaps no signature look is more inseparably tied to its legendary rock star than Elton John and his glasses. And hot on the heels of the release of the critically-acclaimed Rocketman, which tells the story of Elton’s life, those crazy glasses might just be back in style!

Let’s take a closer look at Elton John’s sunglasses, an overview of their history with the musician, and how you can get your hands on a pair!

RELATED: Top 10 best celebrity looks of 2018

Who Is Elton John?

Elton John, born Reginald Dwight, is one of the most popular musicians in history, with a dizzying array of records and awards that have earned him a place in the rock-and-roll history books.

Just a few of his accolades include 300 million lifetime records sold, seven consecutive chart-topping albums, the second best-selling single of all time (‘Candle in the Wind’), five Grammies, an Oscar, and a Tony award. Any single one of these achievements would be a lifetime goal for any aspiring musician!

Elton John on stage with white glasses and a yellow and black jumper
Getty

Elton John has also been well-known for his flamboyant personality, both onstage and off, as well as his pioneering support of the LGBT community and the battle against AIDS. He came out as bisexual in 1976, and then as gay in 1988.

What’s Special About Elton John’s Glasses?

Elton John’s sunglasses are as wild and diverse as his personality is, and they’re a fundamental part of his costume. Sometimes he goes out to a concert with big glasses with rococo inspirations or windshield wiper glasses. Other times, it’s Elton John’s star glasses or zoom glasses stealing the show. 

Elton John at a pride march
Getty

How Many Glasses Does Elton John Have?

It seems like he has a pair for every occasion and emotion – and this may not be far from the truth; Elton John’s glasses collection is said to consist of  “...a quarter of a million of pairs of glasses…”!

Why Does Elton John Wear Glasses?

Why did Elton start wearing glasses in the first place? The answer lies in another famous rock star from even earlier in history. Even though Elton had 20/20 vision, he said that he began wearing horn-rimmed glasses when he was 13 in honour of the 1950s rock ‘n’ roll icon, Buddy Holly.

A black and white photo of Buddy Holly snapping his fingers
Getty

The Many Bespectacled Looks Of Elton John 

Like his music and his incredible personality, Elton John’s glasses aren’t going out of style any time soon. Here are a few of his most iconic styles, as well as where you need to look if you want to find Elton John glasses for sale.

Shape Glasses

One of Elton John’s most famous styles and one of his most frequently-copied looks is his use of funny glasses with wacky shapes. His heart glasses and star glasses are the best-known styles and you’ll see them all over the world, whether you’re walking down Hollywood Boulevard or at your local Halloween costume party. The style has taken on a life of its own to the point that some people don’t even associate it with Elton John anymore!

You can find similar glasses on Quay for $AUD50.

Elton john wearing a pair of red glasses

Round Glasses

If you’re going for a more casual look that’s still suitable for day-to-day wear. Elton John’s round glasses are your best bet. Other musicians like Ozzy Osbourne and John Lennon also sported these fancy circle glasses. Round glasses in warm colours, such as yellow glasses, red glasses, and orange glasses, go very well with this look.

Get some classic circular glasses on Etsy for just $AUD29.91.

Elton John wearing small blue, circular glasses
Getty

Coloured Glasses

By far the easiest Elton John look to recreate, you can buy coloured specs everywhere. Green glasses, blue glasses, pink glasses and white glasses are some of the best colours to get, especially if you’re going for the fancy dress style that Elton John used with his ‘Rocket Man’ look.

Get the classic 'Rocket Man' sunglasses over at Parties Online for $AUD7.95.

Elton John performing at a concert live in Elton John
Getty

Pulling Off The Look

Style isn’t just about wearing a specific outfit – it’s about embodying the spirit of the outfit and being confident enough to make it work. Elton John’s sunglasses might have looked cool by themselves, but it was Elton John’s personality that really allowed him to shine. 

When you put on a pair of these crazy glasses, you’re celebrating your own personality just as much as you’re honouring Elton John’s stylistic choices. Hold your head high whenever you wear them, strut your stuff, and you’ll pull it off!

RELATED: How to choose the right sunglasses style for your face shape

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