A story of a love affair: Paul Newman and his sunglasses
From black and white romance films to classic Westerns, Paul Newman’s impact on cinema remains palpable even today. But apart from his cinematic allure, there's another aspect of his life that has etched an indelible mark on popular culture — his penchant for sunglasses.

Paul Newman had two great loves in life: the one he held for Jackie Wittie, his first wife, and the undying bond with Joanne Woodward, his partner for 50 golden years. And then there were his sunglasses.


An intimate relationship that came to light when Maureen Dowd (The New York Times) interviewed Newman during his starring role in Martin Scorsese’s The Color of Money (1986). She began with a description of not only how guarded he was but how sensitive he was to suggestions that those famous blue eyes were more important than his hard work: “If you are meeting Paul Newman for the first time, he will have on his sunglasses. As he gets to know you, he will peek over the rims occasionally. As he gets to trust you, he will let the glasses hang from his left ear. The next time you meet, he will take them off.”
To the world, those cerulean eyes symbolized Newman's celebrity. Yet, to the actor himself, they represented his tireless commitment to his craft, often overshadowed by the public's fascination with his striking eyes. He once lamented, "To work as hard as I've worked to accomplish anything and then have some yo-yo come up and say, 'Take off those dark glasses and let's have a look at those blue eyes' is really discouraging."




Whether he was attending political rallies, hiking with family, or navigating the adrenaline-filled 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans, Newman's glasses were more than just an accessory – they were an extension of his persona. These unique aviator frames, which interestingly began their journey as essential eyewear for pilots, effortlessly made the transition into the lifestyle domain, thanks in no small part to luminaries like Newman. With their bold acetate frames and teardrop lenses, they've become an evergreen classic, echoing Steve McQueen's memorable Persol 714s.








A noteworthy mention is Carrera, famous for its motorsport-inspired aviators. Newman's connection with the brand is not surprising, given his passion for race car driving. The Campion Model, designed in the 1960s, was not just Newman's choice but also graced the visages of many celebrities of the era.




Yet,The Champion model by Carrera, wasn't the first pair that became synonymous with Newman's image. Instead, the credit goes to Revue Optics, a lesser-known Italian brand from the 1950s. These distinctive oversized aviators, worn by stars like Lionel Richie and, notably, Newman himself, are rare finds today, given their vintage allure and overwhelming popularity.




Newman’s glasses served as more than just a barrier from prying eyes or a hallmark of his public image; they were a silent witness to a career defined by its earnestness and a life lived with passionate intensity. And just as Newman’s films continue to captivate audiences, the image of his cool gaze behind those iconic lenses endures as a signature of the man behind the myth.