On Trend: Clout Goggles Make a Comeback
By Zoey Renteria
The oversized, white sunglasses first worn by Kurt Cobain are officially back. The company that owned Cobain’s pair brought the shades back in May. Even before the reissue, brands such as Raen, Acne Studios and even Saint Laurent were offering the iconic glasses. The frames instantly brought attention to diehard Nirvana fans. Even rappers like Playboi Carti, Lil Pump, Lil Yachty and Denzel Curry got their hands on the trend-setting shades.
This group of influential rappers are a major part of why you saw Cobain-style shades flood the market this past summer. Like Cobain, these artists dress however they want. They start trends rather than following them and are turning the round white shades into something entirely different. To start off with, the shades go by the name Clout Goggles.
“These ain’t glasses, baby, these are Clout Goggles,” said Denzel Curry, who wore the round frames in a video uploaded to YouTube.
Only two and a half weeks later, on June 27, the word Clout Goggles achieved its official Urban Dictionary definition, “A pair of white sunglasses that mumble rappers wear.” It didn’t take very long for rappers and Internet-based “creatives” to get their hands on Clout Goggles.
Whether or not this new trend is a good thing remains to be questioned. Clout Goggles have been linked to the lenses worn by Willy Wonka and even The Minions – cute characters but not exactly style icons.
In 2017, artists don’t just make music, their fashion and style is a huge thing that appeals to fans. Through style, someone such as Curry can create an image for himself and use it to connect with a young audience.
Clout Goggles don’t just suggest that the owner can take a joke. Rock-star level confidence is a necessity in wearing these trendy shades. Guys who don’t have an “I don’t care” attitude may end up looking foolish when trying to pull off a pair of Clout Goggles. These trend setters may not appeal to everyone but will probably appeal to a crowd who looks up to these type of artists.
