Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Not currently on display at the V&A
On display at the British Music Experience, Liverpool

This object consists of 2 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

Spectacles
late 1970s (designed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Elton John is one of popular music's most famed wearer of spectacles. Having started his career performing in pubs from the age of 15, he worked his way up the music industry ladder by playing in bands with his friends, eventually becoming a staff songwriter for DJM Records. On gaining a record contract in 1970, at the age of 23, his live performance became bigger and more flamboyant. Backed by a large catalogue of ballads and piano rock, his scintillating stage shows involved him performing in wild costumes, for which he commissioned spectacles to match.

This pair of sunglasses, with red and white plastic asymmetrical frames, decorated with an arrow picked out in white diamanté studs, were designed for French designer spectacle house Mikli. Mikli began in 1978 and continue to this day, creating handmade glasses and accessories that are popular with celebrities worldwide.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.
(Some alternative part names are also shown below)
  • Theatre Costume
  • Rock and Pop Costume
  • Sunglasses
  • Theatre Costume
  • Rock and Pop Costume
  • Case
Titles
  • Sunglasses worn by Elton John (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Brief description
Sunglasses worn by Elton John on 1981/2 British and World tours, made Mikli, France, ca.1970s. Red asymetrical frames with diamante studs.
Physical description
Red and white plastic asymmetrical frames with metal hinges. Decorated with an arrow picked out in white diamante studs. Matching asymmetrical grey-tinted plastic prescription lenses.
Dimensions
  • Height: 5.3cm
  • Width: 15.7cm
  • Depth: 15.8cm
Maximum dimensions with glasses open
Credit line
Given by Elton John
Summary
Elton John is one of popular music's most famed wearer of spectacles. Having started his career performing in pubs from the age of 15, he worked his way up the music industry ladder by playing in bands with his friends, eventually becoming a staff songwriter for DJM Records. On gaining a record contract in 1970, at the age of 23, his live performance became bigger and more flamboyant. Backed by a large catalogue of ballads and piano rock, his scintillating stage shows involved him performing in wild costumes, for which he commissioned spectacles to match.

This pair of sunglasses, with red and white plastic asymmetrical frames, decorated with an arrow picked out in white diamanté studs, were designed for French designer spectacle house Mikli. Mikli began in 1978 and continue to this day, creating handmade glasses and accessories that are popular with celebrities worldwide.
Collection
Accession number
S.530:1, 2-1989

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Record createdJanuary 22, 2009
Record URL
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