The past year has taken a social, emotional, and academic toll on children around the world. Remote learning, social isolation, off-the-charts screen time—all real effects.
But there are bright notes that are a testament to the true resilience and pure grit of this young Covid generation.
One example: According to assessment provider Renaissance, which recently conducted a study of 4 million first through eighth graders across the U.S. on learning growth, children did make academic progress during Covid-19.
In fact, students’ scores rose during the first half of the 2020-21 school year and, even more encouraging, the amount of progress made was similar to what Renaissance would expect in a non-pandemic year.
Regardless, the healing and work ahead is real.
To celebrate the pure bravery of kids throughout the pandemic and forward, here we herald a return to joy with eight highly colorful + happy eyewear trends for this incredibly resilient generation.
Photographed by DAVID KRESSLER + HEIDI CHOWEN
Styled + Directed by ERINN MORGAN
Art Direction by WILLIAM PFAFF
Models: OLIVIA, IZZY, + KAISER
Trend #1:
Joyful Color.
The Juicy Couture JU311 from Safilo is a color-saturated kids’ style that delivers a fun factor with a lilac gingham pattern on the temple interior.
Photo: David Kressler
Trend #2:
Effervescent Color.
Bright, eye-catching color combinations channel the season’s return to joy.
From top:
The Ray-Ban RB1606 style from Luxottica boasts a translucent pink frame front accented with deep pink color-blocked temples.
The Milo & Me H85060 from Hilco Vision steps out in a cool sea green-hued frame front punctuated by neon green temples.
The Fila Kids VFI148 from De Rigo REM appeals with a cat-eye-inspired shape and glow-in-the-dark temples.
Photo: David Kressler
Trend #3:
Chic Cues.
Kids’ eyewear styling takes notes from the world of high fashion, with couture-leaning silhouettes and hues, like the Chloé Children CC0001S from Kering Eyewear, a posh frame in rich yellow.
Photo: Heidi Chowen
Trend #4:
Grown-Up Vibe.
Kids’ eyewear looks to adult styling for inspo, as shown in the Draper James DJ1010 from Altair Eyewear, which delivers pure sophistication accented by a youthful temple print.
Photo: David Kressler
Trend #5:
Hip Factor.
Kids’ silhouettes channel serious cool factor, as evidenced in the angular Ogi MN Goodbye (left) from Ogi Eyewear, a deep tortoise frame with dark blue color-blocking insets, and the Skechers Kids SE1631 cat-eye from Marcolin (right) in a dusty pink tortoise encrusted with glitter.
Photo: Heidi Chowen
Trend #6:
Transparency.
Crystal tones lend an air of playfulness to classic silhouettes for kids. The Lenton & Rusby LRK5001 style from Altair Eyewear is a crystal blue acetate classic cat-eye with a modern twist.
Photo: Heidi Chowen
Trend #7:
Panto Rules.
The classic panto silhouette gets creative with a modern take for kids’ eyewear this season.
From top:
The Champion Kids Guard frame from L’Amy America delivers highly wearable style with a built-in retaining device housed in the temples.
The Dilli Dalli Rainbow Cookie from ClearVision Optical is a playful panto not to be missed in the brand’s orange mango hue.
The Float Kids KP271 model from Match Eyewear serves up fierce styling with fashionable hints of pink leopard.
Photo: David Kressler
Trend #8:
Print Works.
Cool prints amp up classic kids’ eyewear shapes, as evidenced in the Zuma Rock ZR013 from Tura in a wearable shape with a cool, checkered vibe.
Photo: Heidi Chowen
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