Macron Ditches Iconic Sunglasses

PARIS, Jan 30 (Bernama-dpa) -- French President Emmanuel Macron has sparked conversation worldwide with his iconic sunglasses, which he has worn at all appointments for the past two weeks. 

His appearance with mirrored aviator shades at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos, in particular, catapulted him onto the front pages of many newspapers. 

However, Macron has now for the first time since mid-January attended an appointment without the glasses, which he explained were worn due to a harmless eye condition, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

At a reception for Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico on Thursday, Macron presented himself again without glasses and with a non-reddened eye. 

The Élysée Palace did not wish to comment when asked on whether the eye problems are now fully cured.

The day before, Macron had worn the dark sunglasses at the reception for Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen, which had prompted jokes on social media. 

Even US President Donald Trump had mocked the " beautiful sunglasses" at the economic forum. "What the hell happened?" Trump asked.

However, commentators suggested that with the glasses, Macron appeared even more combative during his speech that was critical of the US.

In any case, Macron's choice of eyewear has provided unexpected advertising for the small French manufacturer of the luxury glasses, priced at €659 (US$788). 

At times, the online shop of the brand Henry Jullien was completely unreachable, and the company could hardly keep up with inquiries. 

The eyewear manufacturer quickly released an advertisement featuring a photo of Macron.

Meanwhile, a dispute has erupted in France over whether the president's glasses are truly "made in France" or if the frame comes from the Italian parent company that took over the manufacturer.

--BERNAMA-dpa