Bayonetta Glasses: This Fashion Phenomenon Reimagines the Sexy Secretary Look

In the glasses family, Generation Z is asking for a bayonet. With a serious aesthetic, these accessories have been making a comeback for a few months now and are now heading into 2024. Nothing could be simpler to identify them. They are square or rectangular, have clear lenses and black, crushed or metal frames. Straight out of the 2000s, they have all the intellectual spectacles, but they’re also sexy. Time, the subtle sculptor of trends, has transformed the perception of this type of glasses. Like ballerinas, gaiters or Ugg slippers, which have long been condemned to exile, small frames are one of those pieces that were once considered old-fashioned, that are now finding their place as favorites on the fashion scene.

In TikTok, the hashtag #bayonetglasses alone has nearly fifty-five million views. The term is esoteric, even for amateurs. “Bayonetta” is actually a reference to the video game of the same name, whose main character is a busty witch who fights supernatural creatures. In this virtual world, Bayonetta, a hypersexualized yet powerful woman, is both a fantasy and an inspiration.

Sociology of glasses

Women wearing prescription glasses in the office have long been subject to gender stereotypes. Excited by pornographic performances, some imagine women with tight buns and professional tailors breaking free from these “chains” under their spell. According to a survey published in 2013, the figure of the secretary was the primary fantasy of 36% of men. And because, according to Roland Barthes Elements of semiology “Every use tends to become a sign of this use”, these imaginations change the perception of women, who are therefore no longer myopic, but seductive. As writer and academician Frank Evrard explained in his work in 2003 Erotica of glasses, it is also about turning “degraded reality” (for example, in playgrounds) into a “modern image of temptation”. A somewhat outdated symbol that women today are re-appropriating through trends in which they are the main actors.

Office sirens, gorgeous librarians and sexy secretaries

Bayonetta glasses are part of several trends that are crossing the murky waters of fashion. A staple of intellectuals in the collective imagination, they embody a sartorial modesty that suits current tastes. Specifically, with three social media microtrends. So mountains are a privileged feature of our title office signals (“office signals”, French), which refers to women revisiting corporate feminine accessories. Pencil skirts, fitted open button-down shirts, high leather boots and pumps are their staples in an ultra-neutral palette of grey, blue and black. Think Meghan Markle SuitsGisele Bundchen The Devil Wears PradaLara Flynn Boyle Practice, and others corporate girls United States 1990-2000

Glasses are also necessary core of the secretary (“secretarial aesthetics”, French), similar in spirit and color to office signals, but with a more extensive wardrobe, including: kitten heelsbutton-up cardigans and blazers too big. Some also link them the core of the librarian (“library aesthetics”, French). Seeking, like the other two, to make the crazy desirable, this trend focuses on the academic. So moccasins and white socks, tartans, wool and tweed are appropriate.

But where does it come from?

While there is no doubt that if fashion is cyclical, some stimulus accelerates the re-emergence of neglected pieces. fashion industry. Luxury brands anticipated (or planned for) this. Small circles are everywhere in the collections presented in March 2023 for the current winter. Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Maison Margiela and Balenciaga have made it the perfect accessory of the season. Miu Miu stood out in particular. His Fall/Winter 2023 ready-to-wear show looks like a prophecy today. In layered cardigans, tousled, bags in hand, the models followed each other in monochrome outfits made of grey, beige and black. The only small twist to this balanced look is the absence of pants, which is also currently trending.

Beyond brands, there are obviously social networks. The influence of model Bella Hadid (60 million followers on Instagram) on the taste of 15-30 year olds is undeniable. According to some magazines, he single-handedly launched the phenomenon of “bayonet” glasses. Others, of course, also participate, like model Gabriet. Without social media, it’s not certain that Bayonetta would have been as successful. It could also be because Generation Z is starting to enter the workforce, or because the minimalist aesthetic is taking hold, bringing a bit of relief after years of streetwear. Either way, the glasses appear to be leaving friend zone clothes, enter fashion industry.