Enmeshed

Sunglasses aren't just a convenient way of shielding your eyes from harmful rays. As any rock star navigating through a gloomy interior in shades can attest, dark specs are an accessory rated as much for style as function. Cool hunters who find the usual arrangement of frames and lenses passé may find Belgian optician Theo's Meshes and Laces Collection an exciting alternative.

A filigree of fine, highly malleable stainless steel wraps around the face, or can be worn atop the head as a diadem. Men are likely to opt for the more masculine latticework of the Antwerp Mesh, while women might prefer the Bruges Lace's genteel paisley (the eyewear starts at $460, and optical lenses are also available).

As with most fashion trends, slatted sunglasses are nothing new. Theo's line was inspired by the Inuit, who have worn wooden masks with a single slit to block the northern sunlight for hundreds of years. That's not a look likely to hit the department stores anytime soon, but Theo's designs may well prove a shady business winner. www.theo.be