Meet Luxottica’s Class of 2016, where style leaders and creative free spirits take on traditional high school stereotypes and prove that this school year, everyone can wear glasses.
The Class of 2016 project celebrates the optical category, upgrading glasses as the hottest accessory of every season. Spectacles aren’t just corrective devices anymore. A quick peek at recent catwalks and on A-listers proves that opticals can become an essential part of any outfit and a true style statement.
Taking a twist on the traditional American yearbook, Class of 2016 features a cast of emerging and established faces from the worlds of fashion, design and music coming together to truly establish this 21st century trend. Everyone is playing a part in the yearbook, but not the part you would expect.
Writer and model, Hari Nef (the Teacher) encourages her pupils to “live authentically and avoid complacency”. “My advice to the Class of 2016 pupils? You have everything you need. It’s just a matter of time, patience and focus. The teacher isn’t meant to encourage pranks but the best prank to pull on the last day of school would be to take all of the gender markers off the restrooms and let everybody figure it out.”
Shot in New York, the yearbook inspired campaign champions individuality and self-expression by featuring over 15 styles of opticals, and includes group shots, classic yearbook photos, vox pops and candid interviews.
The Prom Queen title goes to Mae Lapres – the charismatic French-Canadian-Chinese model who everyone wants to be friends with.
With his skillful storytelling and razor-sharp flow, Irish rapper Rejjie Snow takes on the role of the Nerd, with photographer Gray Sorrenti channelling magic and mystery as the class Dreamer.
93 year old cover girl Iris Apfel excels in the role of the Rebel. “Fashion rules are stupid – it depends who’s wearing it and how they wear it! Spectacles are the ultimate accessory.” said Apfel.
The campaign was shot by Fumi Nagasaka and styled by Elizabeth Fraser-Bell.
For more information on The Class of 2016, visit the website or search #classof2016 @Dazed on Instagram.
