Céline glasses, even glaring sunshine can't curb a woman's elegance.

The brand, founded in 1945 in Paris by Céline Vipiana and her husband, was initially dedicated to making made-to-measure shoes for children. Seventy years on, it has positioned itself as an ambassador of Parisian chic, particularly true of its collections of ladies' glasses.

From children's shoes to ready-to-wear.

At the end of the Second World War, at a time when women had been replacing their men at work for many years, Céline Vipiana opened a boutique with her husband. Specialising in made-to-measure shoes for children, the designer quickly gained approval from the stars of the time. In the 1960's, she made her first foray into fragrance and launched her first line of ready-to-wear. For its clothing lines, Céline works with jersey and leather, but also denim canvas, that it adorns in pastel tones. In 1996, when it became part of the LVMH group, the house had nearly one hundred boutiques.

Michael Kors was named creative director in 1997, and focused his attention on launching a range of handbags. He was succeeded by Roberto Menichetti, Ivana Omazic, and then Phoebe Philo. These leading names in fashion, who all drew inspiration from the brand's archives, each played a part in the success of the signature pieces. The Boogie bag comes to mind, as does the Poulbot bag. British designer Phoebe Philo is bringing back Céline's minimalist spirit through her many designs, which are especially noteworthy for their long, pared-down lines. We will also remember the XXL capes and coats, the pleated and drape dresses and also the models adorned with graphic stripes and sophisticated cut-outs.

Outsize eyes.

With retro touches, Céline glasses are the perfect embodiment of the brand's spirit of timelessness. Aviator shapes, outsize, ultra-fine frames all feature in the label's collections. As for materials, Céline designs can be seen in wood, plastic or metal, sometimes mono colour, sometimes with a superb-looking leopard print. Cat eye or angular, the appeal of Céline glasses lies in their large format, which frames and structures the face. They coordinate so easily with vintage outfits and very importantly are always fitted with tinted protective lenses.

Céline has definitely turned its attention towards retro shapes for its glasses. On the podium of the brand's must-have pairs, we find the black butterfly model on the top step. With their generous curves, they are the perfect match for a bubble dress and a wide-brimmed hat on a hot sunny day. Square, leopard-print outsize glasses, worthy of the French Riviera, and the manifold round versions have proved just as appealing.

• Céline butterfly glasses;
• Céline outsize square glasses in plastic;
• Black Céline outsize round glasses.