Books on spectacles and sunglasses primarily focus on scientific discussions of developments in optics, business histories of manufacturers or collectors' literature on fashion accessories; Vanessa Brown's Cool Shades is an original contribution to the field, as it examines the representation of sunglasses in contemporary popular culture. The text is based on Brown's doctoral thesis and aims to investigate sunglasses as an accessory which has a 'powerful, elusive, desirable quality', which transcends the practical function of protecting the eyes from harmful rays. It argues that sunglasses, or 'shades', have a broad appeal and can communicate multiple meanings; their relevance extends beyond being a mere fashion accessory and they operate as a signifier of a 'cool' identity. This book would not fall into the category of traditional fashion history, as it does not offer the reader a survey of stylistic change in frames over time, but is a contribution to design history as it offers analyses of designed objects within a cultural context.
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