By World Licence 
Cate Blanchett wears Emmanuelle Khanh’s Portia sunglasses. Dave Bennett/Dave Bennett Collection/Getty Images
Sunglasses season is here, and who better to look to for inspiration than Cate Blanchett and Julia Roberts? Or what about Lady Gaga and Rihanna? Or Madonna? Actually, there’s no need to choose, because as soon as the sun comes out, all these stylish women opt for the same brand of sunglasses.
La marque s’appelle Emmanuelle Khanh et a été fondée en 1971 par le mannequin français devenu designer du même nom. Khanh souhaitait imposer les lunettes comme un accessoire de mode incontournable, aux côtés des chaussures et des sacs à main, grâce à des formes originales et des couleurs audacieuses. La marque a été relancée en 2012 et est aujourd’hui dirigée par Eva Gaumé, mais son objectif reste le même.
Lady Gaga wearing Emmanuelle Khanh in Venice.
Team Cobra / BACKGRID
“Emmanuelle Khanh’s legacy is particularly close to my heart,” Gaumé told W. “It’s above all about the French art of living, an affirmation, a connection to a tradition of strength, elegance, and assertive femininity.”
Marigold yellow, Barbie pink: these glasses aren’t for the faint-hearted. Even the most classic shades command attention with their oversized, geometric shapes. There are models in green snakeskin (yes, leather) and a vibrant red covered in short horsehair. These styles are outside the realm of understated luxury (you’d see them more often in And Just Like That… than Succession). But with a gold “EK” adorning each temple, the brand has a certain “if you know you know” prestige.
And celebrities know it. Blanchett is probably Emmanuelle Khanh’s biggest fan. She wore the Cloud sunglasses earlier this month in New York, then two different pairs in Venice last August. Roberts wore the Orphée sunglasses last month in Paris, while Longoria and Madonna have both been spotted with the Angelis. Jennifer Lopez is also a fan of EK, and she’s worn many of the brand’s styles. If you see a celebrity wearing a bold pair of sunglasses, chances are it’s Emmanuelle Khanh.
Julia Roberts in Orpheus sunglasses.
MEGA/GC Images/Getty Images
Why are celebrities so drawn to Emmanuelle Khanh? Perhaps because many of her designs are oversized, perfect for going incognito on the town. Or perhaps because the accessories complete a designer outfit without overwhelming it. Gaumé also reflects on EK’s popularity with celebrities. “Our frames create a kind of fantasy; they are symbols of craftsmanship and a bold fashion statement,” she explains. “Wearing EK frames means always being noticed. There’s a certain Parisian charm that resonates with these women.”
Discover Emmanuelle Khanh’s frames, favorites of celebrities:
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
Orpheus sunglasses, €480
Cloud sunglasses €480
Sunglasses, 1997 €450
J’adore