President John F. Kennedy looks thoughtful behind his sunglasses, circa the early 1960s.
The Roman emperor Nero was said to have worn emeralds to guard his eyes while observing gladiator fights, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that sunglasses were embraced by movie stars, politicians and the public. They create a sense of mystery by what they disguise, whether it’s JFK behind his Ray-Bans or Elton John peeking out from his colored lenses. Today you aren’t a star unless you’re ducking the paparazzi from behind a pair of oversized frames.