Big Lebowski Sunglasses: A Look Back

by | Jan 17, 2023 | Celebrties, Character, Movies

The-Dudes-Sunglasses

The Big Lebowski Sunglasses

We take a look into the Iconic Eyewear of The Dudes: A Unique style and timeless frames

The Big Lebowski, a cult favorite from 1998, has won the hearts of many movie buffs. The Coen brothers’ movie tells the tale of bowling enthusiast and slacker Jeff Lebowski (played by Jeff Bridges), who gets mixed up in an abduction investigation following a case of mistaken identity. But Jeff Bridges’ portrayal of The Dude is really distinguished by his recognizable sunglasses.

Easygoing, laid-back, and not very driven to do anything in life. He frequently appears with sunglasses, flip-flops, and a bathrobe on. After a case of mistaken identity, he becomes involved in an abduction case and sets off on a quest to clear his name. The Dude is a likable and accessible character who is recognized for his quick wit and ability to handle challenging situations with a carefree attitude, despite his lethargy and laid-back demeanor.

The Dudes Sunglasses

The Sunglasses worn by The Dude in the film The Big Lebowski are a pair of Vuarnet Legend 03 Sunglasses often confused with Ray-Ban’s, especially the Wayfarers, which were popular at the time and often seen in various films. They are a round-shaped frame with green lenses, a keyhole bridge, and a slight double bridge detail. The Keyhole Bridge, being the most distinctive feature of the glasses, can also be plugged with an included plastic cap for a different style. They were made by the French company Vuarnet, which was known for its high-quality mineral glass lenses and the development of the ‘Skilynx‘ lens. The sunglasses are considered a classic style and continue to be popular among sunglasses enthusiasts.

The sunglasses worn by The Dude in the film The Big Lebowski contribute to his character in a number of ways. First, they are a key aspect of his overall aesthetic and style. The round shape and red/orange lenses of the Vuarnet Legend 03 sunglasses are a distinctive and recognizable feature of The Dude’s appearance. They are a symbol of his laid-back and carefree attitude.

Additionally, the sunglasses support the notion that The Dude is a “rebel” or “outsider” persona. The sunglasses serve as a subtly effective emblem of his nonconformity and defiance of societal norms. They also offer him a feeling of anonymity and prevent any eye contact, which heightens the mystery and enigmatic quality of his persona. This is critical within the film as it showcases how he’s been mistaken as per the plot of the film and highlights his laid-back personality even more. They give him a more relaxed, less formal appearance, which is appropriate for his persona.

The History of Vuarnets Sunglasses

Roger Pouilloux established the French premium eyeglasses company Vuarnet in 1957. The company is well-known for its trademark square eyeglasses with mineral glass lenses produced from “Nephrite,” a unique mineral. These lenses are renowned for their exceptional optical quality and capacity to block out UV rays and glare.

Jackie Kennedy, Steve McQueen, and John Lennon are just a few of the famous people who donned Vuarnet sunglasses during their heyday in the 1960s and 1970s. The company increased its product offering in the 1980s to include ski goggles and other high-performance outdoor items. As a major name in luxury sunglasses today, Vuarnet is renowned for its premium goods and classic designs.

Due to the high quality and history of Vuarnet, the French Government has awarded them as a certified Living Heritage Company meaning they’re recognized for excellence, quality, tradition, and industrial know-how within their industry. A great company one which is not owned by Luxottica.

Where to buy The Dude’s sunglasses?

The great news is the Vuarnet Legend 03 Sunglasses are still available to purchase to this day from the official Vuarnets website or through authorized retailers. New pairs of the Vuarnet Legend 03 come in at a price tag of $223.00. They are available in 9 different colors from Grey, Black, and Blue, and come with Vuarnet’s signature mineral glasses lenses. Free Delivery and a 2 Year Warranty are included.

Aside from that the popularity of the Vuarnet’s probably down to their similarity to the gamed Ray-Ban (Luxottica) Wayfarers (They are often confused with each other). If the price of the Vuarnet is a little high for you below are some additional recommendations we suggest if you want a similar but more affordable pair of glasses in the style of The Big Lebowski:

If you’re looking for a ‘vintage’ pair of Vuarnets then they’re actually quite common. Your best bet is to check websites like Ebay or Etsy, or dedicated glasses forums and websites.