Macron's Shades Spark Online Buzz Amid Greenland Tensions

Emmanuel Macron's recent speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos took an unexpected turn, not because of his words, but because of his choice of eyewear. The French president sported a pair of dark, reflective aviator sunglasses indoors, sparking a wave of reactions online.

The Sunglasses

The sunglasses, later identified as the Pacific S 01 model from French luxury brand Henry Jullien, were gifted to Macron in 2024. His office explained that he wore them to protect his eyes due to a burst blood vessel, but the brand was not confirmed. This explanation did little to quell the online chatter.

Online Reactions

Memes and comments flooded social media, with some praising Macron's bold look and others criticizing it as over the top. One popular meme even likened Macron and Trump to characters from "Top Gun," with Macron appearing much smaller next to Trump.

Impact on the Brand

The online buzz extended beyond memes, with searches for Henry Jullien glasses spiking worldwide. The brand reported a surge in calls and inquiries, and shares in the parent company, iVision Tech, rose nearly 6% the day after Macron's speech.

The Speech

While the sunglasses stole the show, Macron's speech addressed serious issues. He criticized the U.S. threat to impose new tariffs on French wine and champagne, calling it "fundamentally unacceptable." He vowed that France would not back down from such bullying tactics.

Conclusion

The incident highlights how a simple fashion choice can overshadow important political discussions. It also shows the power of social media in shaping public perception and attention.