Notorious BIG’s signature Versace sunglasses, which he frequently wore at the height of his career, are making a comeback.
The rapper, born Christopher George Latore Wallace, was spotted donning the iconic shades on multiple occasions, including when filming the music video for hit song ‘Hypnotize’.
Now more than 20 years after Wallace's death, Versace has decided to bring the sunglasses back for a limited time.
The Versace sunglasses have been released as part of Italian fashion house's 'The Clans Collection' and have been given a contemporary update since Notorious BIG wore them in the 1990s.
As per the original pair, the new re-issue still features Versace's trademark gold Medusa design on the side. However, the frames have now been transformed from a classic curve to a hexagonal low-lens design that expertly taps into the trend for Matrix-inspired sunglasses.
The new specs are being sold exclusively at Barney’s stores in the US, retailing at £226 and are also available to purchase online from Barneys.com, where they'll only be on offer for a month.
The rapper had a very close relationship with Donatella Versace, as she told Fader in 2011.
"I think Biggie was amazing. He came to my shows in Paris many times, and we'd see each other often," she said.
"He always used to talk so nicely about my family. I think he was so smart, so intelligent. He had such a mind.
"So I loved what he was doing and how he was giving people a way to know about Versace—I do think he was giving people a way to know about Versace—I do think a lot of people started to know about Versace because of him."
It was recently revealed that Versace had been bought by Michael Kors for $2.1bn (£1.6bn).
John D. Idol, chairman and chief executive officer of Michael Kors Holdings, explained the significance of the deal.
“For over 40 years, Versace has represented the epitome of Italian fashion luxury, a testament to the brand’s timeless heritage," he said.
"We are excited to have Versace as part of our family of luxury brands, and we are committed to investing in its growth."
