In the past few weeks an unlikely style icon has emerged in the shape of Sarah Palin. Forget Michelle Obama’s chic Maria Pinto ensembles, Palin’s trademark rimless frames have sent ripples across spectacle-wearing America, and have seen sales of the glasses (by Japanese designer Kazuo Kawasaki) soar.

For Palin it seems – if not in sync with liberal thinkers, evolutionists, or pro-choice fans – is firmly on-trend when it comes to fashion. Eyewear is having a renaissance, with new innovative shapes and designer ranges being launched left, right and centre. The spring 2009 collections have featured more eyewear than ever, with directional designs from futuristic styles at Marni to 1930s-style rounded frames at Ralph Lauren, new shapes – as sported at Graeme Black with new pieces by Cutler and Gross – or just-plain-sexy examples at the Gucci shows.