By Mitch Rice
Johnny Depp is well known for his impeccable style, both on and off-screen. If you’re in the market for a new pair of sunglasses and are considering opting for something a little out of the ordinary, the actor’s roles provide tonnes of inspiration.
From unusual oversized Ray-Ban models with eye-catching tints to luxury red-framed eyewear from iconic English luxury brands, a whirlwind tour of some of Depp’s best-bespectacled movie characters is in order.
As John Dillinger in Public Enemies (2009)
Johnny Depp wore several pairs of vintage-look sunglasses in his role as John Dillinger in the 2009 movie Public Enemies, which is set in 1933. The first is a pair of acetate round-shaped tortoiseshell frames with a light red-orange tint, while the second is browline style, with a thin metal gold rim and a red tint. Thirdly, Depp wears a pair of prescription glasses with thin mental rims and an interesting hexagonal shape.
All of these styles represent the type of eyewear that was popular at the time and the innovations that were occurring. The 1930s saw the bridge of sunglasses move from the center of the frames to the top, along with an explosion of lens tint colors becoming available.
As Raoul Duke in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
In one of Depp’s iconic roles, he wears a distinctive pair of Ray Ban sunglasses in the movie, which features an unusual light yellow tint. Ray-Ban’s 3138 Shooter model is a great fit for Duke’s larger-than-life personality – it’s oversized, with shiny gold metal frames and eye-catching detail on the bridge.
If you like the look of these shades but aren’t sure if the extra-large lenses are for you, no fear – they’re available in two sizes as well as five colors, and there are plenty of options regarding lens coatings. Need a pair of prescription sunglasses? That’s not a problem either; all Ray-Ban sunglasses can be fitted with corrective lenses.
As Dean Corso in The Ninth Gate (1999)
Depp plays an antique bookkeeper in this chiller from 1999 and wears a pair of Savile Row round Panto shades in red throughout- perfect for this erudite character. These frames are handcrafted in England and incorporate 14K gold wire. Savile Row is one of the only companies in the world to manufacture glass wire from solid gold rather than the plated variety.
Wondering whether red-colored frames will suit you? In general, a brighter red suits those with warm skin tones, while blush and rose shades look great on those with cool skin tones. And neutral skin-toned folk can usually wear whatever color takes their fancy to equally flattering effect.
As Paul Kemp in The Rum Diary (2011)
One of the most desirable pairs of sunglasses worn by Johnny Depp when in character is this pair from the 2011 movie, The Rum Diary. These sweeping sunglasses have a rimless bottom part of the frame, and a distinctive thick gold-colored browline, creating a bold, powerful look. In fact, the frame’s design, which features a full wrap around the base curve, is so distinctive that it’s patent protected.
These shades were originally manufactured by eyewear brand Renauld in the 1960s and were one of Elvis Presley’s go-to shades and favored, too, by racing icon Jim Clarke. Throughout the movie, Depp wears a version with gold-plated frames (they’re also available in silver) and green lenses. In 2021, Renauld resurrected this design, producing a limited edition batch of two-hundred pairs – which quickly sold out.
As Barnabas Collins in Dark Shadows (2012)
Adapted from the cult TV series by Tim Burton and released in 2012, Dark Shadows stars Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins, a vampire who is awoken after two-hundred years to find his estate is in a mess, and his descendants are struggling with a slew of problems.
As you’d expect, the shades Depp wears in this role are of the unusual variety. Custom-made for the movie, they feature D-shaped, blue-tinted lenses and mirrored side guards – presumably to stop any vestige of sunlight permeating. These one-off sunglasses were auctioned a few months after the release of Dark Shadows, fetching $3,240.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a new pair of sunglasses and are looking for some iconic inspiration, Johnny Depp’s movie roles offer this in droves. From unusual tints to bold-look frames, a quick perusal of Depp’s films could provide the clue to your perfect new pair of shades.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
