During his speech on Tuesday, January 20, Macron appeared indoors wearing dark aviator-style sunglasses, a look that instantly triggered comparisons to Top Gun and sent social media into overdrive. While some questioned the unusual styling choice, the French President’s office later clarified that Macron wore the glasses to protect his eyes following a burst blood vessel.
What Were the Sunglasses?
The eyewear in question was identified as the Pacific S 01 by French luxury brand Henry Jullien, priced at €659 (approximately Rs 70,000). The brand confirmed that the sunglasses were gifted to Macron in 2024.
Part of the brand’s Doublé Or collection, the Pacific S 01 features a bold, structured silhouette crafted from gold-laminated acetate. According to Maison Henry Jullien, the frame reflects its heritage of handcrafted eyewear produced in the Jura region of France, known for its artisanal optical craftsmanship and premium materials.
From Political Speech to Market Impact
The ripple effect was immediate. Google Trends recorded a sharp spike in global searches for Henry Jullien following Macron’s appearance. A brand spokesperson told Reuters that the company received an “unusually high number of phone calls” in the hours after the speech.
Meanwhile, shares of iVision Tech, the Italian group that owns Henry Jullien, rose nearly 6% the following day — a rare example of eyewear making a measurable impact on the stock market.
The Internet Reacts
Social media had its own verdict. While supporters praised Macron’s confident, cinematic look, critics questioned the appropriateness of sunglasses at an indoor political forum. Memes flooded X (formerly Twitter), with multiple users referencing Tom Cruise’s iconic aviators in Top Gun.
One viral post read: “Trump: be careful… Macron is here,” alongside an image of the French President in his reflective shades. Even European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad joined the fun, sharing a ‘Soyboy vs Chad’ meme featuring Macron as the aviator-clad Chad draped in the French flag.
A Masterclass in Eyewear Visibility
Whether intentional or incidental, Macron’s choice delivered something brands dream of: global visibility without paid marketing. In a single appearance, Henry Jullien gained international attention, market momentum, and cultural relevance — all through one pair of sunglasses.
In an era where eyewear sits at the intersection of fashion, politics, and personal branding, Macron’s Pacific S 01 moment may go down as one of the most powerful product placements of the year — without ever being called one.
