Emmanuel Macron and his blue aviator sunglasses have become the unexpected breakout stars of the World Economic Forum in Davos this year.
It is a rare sight to see a world leader sporting dark shades during a formal indoor keynote, but the French President has carried the look with a mix of military precision and cinematic flair.
By choosing the aviator, he has leaned into a style that is perhaps the most recognisable eyewear style in history.
The aviator shape is a true design classic that originally took flight in the 1930s to help pilots navigate high-altitude glare.
While it started as functional gear for the cockpit, it became a cultural icon thanks to the silver screen.
We most often associate this look with the high-octane energy of Tom Cruise in “Top Gun,” but the list of famous fans is long and varied.
From the cool rebellion of Elvis Presley and Freddie Mercury to the classic American vibe of President Joe Biden, the aviator has always signalled a certain level of authority and effortless confidence.
It is a shape that never really goes out of style, making it the perfect choice for a leader who needs to look composed even under pressure.
We first noticed something was up with Macron’s eye during his New Year’s Eve address, where his right eye appeared slightly bloodshot.
The situation became more obvious on January 15 when he visited the Istres military base with a visibly red and puffy eye.
By January 19, for a serious meeting regarding the future of New Caledonia at the Élysée Palace, the sunglasses made their official debut.
He greeted his guests with a polite disclaimer, saying, “I apologise for these glasses, which are related to a minor problem, but I am obliged to wear them for a while, so you are going to have to put up with me like this.”
While the internet has been busy with wild theories, the truth is quite simple: a burst blood vessel.
Macron has handled the minor medical mishap with plenty of humour.
During his military address, he told the crowd, “Please pardon the unsightly appearance of my eye. It is, of course, something completely harmless.”
He then gave a nod to Rocky III’s anthem by adding, “See it simply as an unintentional reference to the ‘eye of the tiger’ at the start of this year. For those who get the reference, it is a sign of determination.”
So, is the French President making aviators the must-have accessory for 2026?
He certainly proved that even a medical necessity can be turned into a moment of high style.
By matching his serious Davos warnings about global stability with such a cool, collected look, he has shown that sometimes the best way to handle a little “unsightly” news is to lean into a classic.
It turns out that having the “Eye of the Tiger” looks pretty good in blue-tinted mirrors.
Lifestyle
