If you were a fan of the Austrian mini-series Old Money (Altes Geld), which launched in 2015, then the sumptuous, elegant costumes of the characters may continue to provide fashion inspiration. The series, which tells the story of a rich Viennese dynasty, presents a macabre and fascinating plot: the family’s patriarch, played by Udo Kier, discovers that he’ll die unless he receives a new liver in the near future. So he makes a statement to his family: the vast Rauchensteiner inheritance will go to the member of the clan that finds him a liver.
It’s not just the plotline, however, that kept fans of this show gripped. The performances were second-to-none, the cinematography was first-rate, and the sets were perfectly chosen. Plus, the costumes were exquisite, with several designer sunglasses underlining the luxe lifestyles of the dynasty’s members.
Cabrillo – Oliver Peoples
Luxe eyewear brand Oliver Peoples released their Cabrillo model in 2014, which featured the ever-popular Wayfarer-style shape. Designed to be unisex, they featured clear frames and very light blue lenses – so light that the wearer’s eyes can be easily seen through them. As well as making them a great style choice, very light tints are handy when it comes to filming, as they allow the audience to see the actor’s expressions more clearly.
The shape and clear frames mean that this eyewear is likely to suit most people – even if you don’t have the vast fortune enjoyed by the characters of Old Money. And if you need prescription sunglasses? It’s not a problem – the majority of designer frames, including those by Oliver Peoples, can be fitted with corrective lenses, so there’s no need to sacrifice your style for perfect vision.
Clubmaster – Ray-Ban
These frames from Ray-Ban have been popular for decades and offer a vintage, timeless, elegant appeal, making them a perfect fit for both male and female members of the Rauchensteiners. Clubmasters feature frames with a distinctively strong browline and thin metal on the lower part. They’re a mix of curves and angularity, meaning that, like the Cabrillo, they’ll suit most face shapes.
However, if you have a strong natural browline, they may not be the best option for you. Alternatively, and for a contemporary twist on the style, consider this shape of frame in this season’s hottest eyewear trend: the transparent frame.
Mosaico – Dolce and Gabbana
Dolce and Gabbana released the limited edition Mosaico collection in the mid-2000s, which is the epitome of feminine chic. Each of the frames in this collection was created using an intricate, painstaking process that involved the hand placement of floral tiles made from Murano glass. The effect is stunning, though, with the gorgeous frames also featuring a subtle cat eye shape and partial transparency on the armbars.
While Mosaico glasses are subtly show-stopping, you might need the budget of the Old Money dynasty to buy a pair – their limited edition nature means they’re very difficult to get hold of, and you can expect to pay a significant amount of cash for them.
Pink Aviators – Versace
Long since a beloved brand of the glitterati and well-heeled, Versace is known for its distinctive eyewear. The house’s ready-to-wear 2012 collection included oversized aviators with nearly-clear pink-tinted lenses and thin gold-colored metal frames.
This look is slightly trickier to pull off – as with any oversized sunglasses; it’s vital to ensure they’re not too large for your face. To do this, firstly, check that the outside curves of the frames aren’t touching your cheeks – if they do, they’re too big. Next, give yourself a big smile in the mirror; if the bridge raises noticeably off your nose, they’re not for you.
TF2097 – Tiffany and Co
Released by the designer brand Tiffany and Co in 2014, this model is all about subtlety and luxuriousness. As well as the signature Tiffany blue, they were available in four other classy shades and incorporated ultra-high-quality craftsmanship. Designed to be simple but distinctive, the TF2097 represented high-end mid-2000s glamor.
As with many designer frames, these were available were suitable for single, bifocal, and varifocal lenses – and if you’re lucky, you might be able to find a pair on an online auction site. And if you’re wondering whether they’ll suit you, this model is likely to look best on those with round, oval, or heart-shaped faces.
Sonic – Cutler and Gross
And last on our list of Old Money-esque sunglasses is the Sonic from Giles. Available in several frame colors, this eyewear, with its exaggerated curves, was inspired by the elegant lines of swans and was seen on every catwalk worth its fashion salt in 2011 and 2012.
For the younger members of the Rauchensteiner family, these shades would have been a go-to for nights at the (very exclusive) club.
The Best Sunglasses for Your Old Money
If the tv series Old Money has inspired you to up your glasses game, then hopefully, the above will give you some eyewear inspiration! Think designer elegance, timeless luxe, and classic frame shapes with an edge, and you’ll be on the old money.
