In Michael Mann’s 2004 neo-noir thriller Collateral, Tom Cruise gives a fantastic performance as Vincent, a hitman who is meticulous in his navigation of the night about Los Angeles. Mostly, it is his look-a-cold-mourning-husband demeanor and methodical movements; however, his appearance is all the more ah what really accentuates it-a unique pair of Silhouette custom sunglasses that have since come to epitomize his enigmatic presence-rimless shades.
Such glasses were not typical props but part of a special collaboration with Austrian maker of eyewear Silhouette that was supposed to impress on Cruise the minimalist illusion and total comfort of the brand in order to get such a pair tailor-made for his character. Silhouette made a custom design that combined elements from two of its collections: the lightweight titanium temples and bridge from the TMA (Titan Minimal Art) series and the wraparound lenses inspired by model 4048 from the Minimal X collection in response to Cruise’s request.
This was the result of a pair of sunglasses that achieved a unique balance of form and functionality, quite like Vincent’s character-sleek, efficient, and sharply focused, stripped of unnecessary accessories. It was rimless, which meant it offered an unobstructed vision: an analogy to the clarity of Vincent’s focus and determination. Being titanium, it was supposed to withstand all the thrashings while also bringing no weight into the picture to allow for comfort when on display in the most intense sequence of the film.
Silhouette’s co-project with Cruise for the movie Collateral showcases how far their innovation and personalization go in their designs. By fusing new materials with simple aesthetics, they made eyewear that complemented the character on film while remaining an impressive design marvel itself.
Frame Specifications:
Model: Custom hybrid of the TMA (Titan Minimal Art) and Minimal X 4048 collections
Frame Type: Rimless
Frame Shape: Wrap
Material: High-tech titanium temples and bridge
Weight: Approximately 1.8 grams
Lens Tint: Subtle gray, ideal for low-light and night environments
Comfort Features: Adjustable titanium nose pads
Manufacturer: Silhouette
Silhouette shades worn by Cruise in Collateral actually serve two functions. On the one hand, they were props of cinematographic power that, by now, they already have associations with the film. On the other hand, they demonstrate the power of thoughtful design in storytelling. Because, in cinema, every detail, every line of dialogue, every element of a character’s outfit stands as a building block in the fictional construction of that character. Visit EyeOns to get a pair of high-quality wrap men’s sunglasses: https://www.eyeons.com/sunglasses/men/wrap/.