CATHERINE W GICHUKI

DOHA

NOT long ago, not only in Qatar but in many tropical countries, sunglasses were mostly meant to provide shade and relief during the scorching summer.

But, not anymore! Nowadays, the trend has changed.

Sunglasses are not only meant to protect the eyes, but also act as an accessory which helps in making a style statement.

Men and women in Doha buy sunglasses which are dubbed ‘latest’ in the fashion circles.

Sales persons at optic shops are also a happy lot.

The traders try their best to woo the customers.

Different shades, made of materials like metal glasses, plastic, stainless steel and titanium, are nowadays, available in the city stores.

There are stylish glasses like rimless, semi-rimless, full rim round and square giving people plenty of options to choose from.

Oversized sunglasses are perfect for women as they gel well with the hair-band.

Men also make style statements with aviator sunglasses.

Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Sandeep Uppal, an optometrist at Al Dar Optics, said big sunglasses are in demand this season.

“Young girls want to buy brands like Roberto Cavali and Prada.

The cost of Roberto Cavali brand ranges from QR2,000-QR3,000 while Prada costs QR1,100–QR1,300,” Uppal said.

“There are fancy sports sunglasses like Oakley, Police and Rudy Project available as well,” he added.

Uppal said the demand for trendy sunglasses has increased significantly during the summer season with each age-group preferring their own taste.

“Youngsters prefer brands like Oakley while the middleaged ones prefer Police and Ray Ban.

We assist our customers in selecting the sunglasses which suit them,” he said.

Ray Ban is priced between QR900 and QR1,200.

The other brands available at the stores are Bvlgari, Chopard, Serengeti Eye Wear and Fred.

Uppal said his shop has been offering a 50 percent discount for selective brands which has attracted more customers.

At the same store, Imad Khoury, area manager, said the store has stocked models of new brands to meet the increasing demand.

The attractive sale would continue till the end of the holiday season.

According to him, the sale has gone up by 100 percent in two weeks.

Khoury said the shop has sunglasses for children.

“We have six new types of Ray Ban sunglasses for children and the prices have dropped significantly.

For instance, a Ray Ban model was earlier priced at QR1,091.

But now, it is selling at QR546.

Young women are also rushing for Dior and Roberto Cavali brands,” he said.

Commenting on the latest trends, Mohamed Aminuddin, assistant supervisor at Qatar Optics, said that big sunglasses were attracting many people at the store.

Aminuddin pointed out that lady customers were attracted to brands like Tom Ford, Fendi, Lacoste and Swarosky.

If a lady wants to own a pair of Tom Ford she has to part with QR1600, while Fendi costs QR1000.

However, men generally go for Cartier, Carrerra, Giorgio Armani, among others.

“These sunglasses are of good quality.

Black and brown frames with mirrored lenses are the highest in demand this summer,” Aminuddin said.

“Most customers prefer buying a pair of trendy sunglasses with colours and frames that are timeless,” he added.

He said sales have increased, especially when people are preparing for summer vacations with Qataris and other Arab nationals frequenting the store the most.