It’s official: teeny-weeny, itty-bitty sunglasses are the most unexpected and unusual accessories trend of 2018. Whilst the UV protection is questionable, this Matrix-inspired trend started to take form via street style in the summer of last year. However, it wasn’t until Kanye West decreed (on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, no less) that small sunglasses are the new big sunglasses that we stopped to take note.

No more glamorous shades to hide our hangovers – how could this be so? Well, as much as it pains us to say it, it turns out Kanye was on to something…

Fair warning, this is what fashion might label as a ‘tricky trend’, falling into the same camp as ugly trainers, shirting with padded shoulders and anything vinyl. 

The murmurs of downsized sunglasses started last year when Rihanna and Bella Hadid stepped out in minuscule specs. A couple of months later, the rest of the fashion pack had taken notice and small sunglasses were popping up all over the shops.

ASOS accessories buyer, Victoria Hodder, explains that the search is not slowing down for tiny specs.

“The ASOS slim cat eye fashion glasses have sold out incredibly well so far since they dropped on our site in October,” she tells us. “We have sold nearly 4000 pairs with a new drop coming out in February in classic black as well as white and green. These are a key style for us this Spring/Summer.”

In fact, since the SS17 collection has launched on site, a whopping 400,000 pairs of sunglasses have been sold: that’s 70% up on last season.

The original tiny sunglasses are credited to the Le Specs x Adam Selman collaboration, which fashion industry insiders scooped up before you could say, ‘do my eyes look big in this?’

And it’s the mini cat-eye style, ‘The Last Lolita’, that is always a sell-out.

“We released The Last Lolita cats eye with Adam Selman back in February 2016, and were one of the first brands to revive the micro cat eye look,” they tell us.

“After so many years of designing and wearing large oversized sunglasses, it felt exciting to wear something small and directional. The look also works perfectly with the focus at the moment of new make-up looks, and making a statement with your eyes rather than hiding them.”

Mini sunglasses are hitting their stride hard, this pair from Urban Outfitters dropped in store and online and within two week completely sold out in 3 different colour options. Fans of the frames can breathe easy as Urban Outfitters are restocking the item next week due to high demands.

“Small sunglasses are going to be this summer season’s aviator. The Urban Outfitters small oval style is the ultimate accessory to add a hint of edge to any outfit, and especially impactful in a red lens.” Laura Brand, senior womenswear accessories buyer at Urban Outfitters.

With brilliant options on the high street there are purse friendly options to try out the trend, we have rounded up 5 of the best to get your hands and now and dare we say it…be more Kanye?

Images: Rex Features / Instagram