From here we jump forward to the 18th century, where we start to see the first emergence of sunglasses that follow the two criteria most important today: blocking sun, and looking cool. Opticians in Venice, land of your richest friend’s Instagram posts, developed emerald green sunglasses to protect the eyes against glare off the water. The glasses were worn by nobility, sea captains, and the city’s famous gondoliers. They’re also responsible for maybe the first pair of shades to become a signature accessory, as the playwright Carlo Goldoni was particularly fond of the glasses, and they even took on the nickname “Goldoni Glasses.”