Large, colorful and flashy - sunglasses fashion this summer is definitely

conspicuous.

"Colorful frames are hot, as are frames with way-out patterns, like spider webs, peace signs or skulls," says Gabriele Gerling of Germany's Central Association of Opticians in Dusseldorf.

Retro is the catchword nowadays but not just from the 1950s and '60s; everything from the 1930s to the 1970s is represented.

What all new styles have in common is the extra large format. Oversized, visually striking sunglasses are setting the tone, according to Berlin eyewear specialist Kerstin Kruschinski.

"The large lenses protect the eyes and the sensitive thin skin around the eyes," says Kruschinski. In this way, the glasses help prevent early development of wrinkles and conceal, when necessary, the aftermath of a long night of partying.

The large lenses are also made with new materials, colors and design - all types of adornments and special characteristics are a must for sunglasses in the glamorous look category, says Kruschinski.

"Elaborate design elements turn the frame into a proper piece of jewelry," she says. Gucci, for example, has adorned its current models with flowering rivets and coat-of-arm details; Dior has lavishly decorated its wide-framed sunglasses with Swarovski-Strass elements; and fashion designer Christian Audigier has come up with shrill colors in his Ed Hardy label.

The manufacturers' logos are also eye-catching. Whether the designer is Emporio Armani or Adidas, their logos are both an identifier and decoration at the same time. Esprit has gone further and packaged its sunglasses as jewelry. Protected in a soft clutch bag, which comes in lacquered black or gold, the sunglasses make an impression even when they are stored away and tucked under the arm.

Luxury and opulence are hot, says Frank Hof of Munich's trade fair organization, which runs a show for opticians, referring to the most expensive sunglasses in the world.

"Rodenstock has just presented them as a prototype. The front of the frame is made of carbon and the part that goes over the ear is made of 18-karat plated gold," says Hof. One-hundred of the sunglasses will be made, each costing about 10,000 euros ($13,500).

But not everyone likes to wear sunglasses that are as valuable as a small car or glittering piece of jewelry. Those with simpler tastes can choose the Ray-Ban inspired "Aviator sunglasses" for the coming season. There are many interpretations of the classic style on the market.

"Aviator sunglasses are becoming a basic in the classic-sporty area," says Kruschinski. "Their advantage is they have a style that is irrespective of age, gender and class."

Aside from the shapes and colors of the frames, the color of the lenses can also vary. Gerling says especially popular are tint-in-tint lenses. Brown-to-gray tints are suited especially well for the street because they distort color perception the least. Red, violet and green lenses also abound in this year's array of sunglasses.

Rodenstock is even offering its customers the opportunity to select their preferred lens color. This ensures that the sunglasses match make-up and the colour of the paint on the convertible.

How well sunglasses filter sunlight depends not on the color of the lens, but rather on the darkness of its tint. Sunglasses worn for a walk on the beach should be relatively dark in tint, says Kruschinski.