What do your sunglasses say about you? Accessories like watches, bags, subtle jewellery and handmade shoes have been integral to aspirational menswear for decades. But, more recently, finding the right pair of Japanese-made shades has become its own form of luxurious self-expression.

As seen on red carpets – mostly on Jacob Elordi, who is practically everywhere – and dimly lit New York bars. A thick frame with a slight tint, the sort of thing that can be worn to guard against a paparazzi’s flashbulb or an errant smartphone lens, has become somewhat ubiquitous as a symbol of cool.

At the top of the tree is Jacques Marie Mage, the cult brand founded by Jérôme Mage back in 2014. His frames are designed, in his own words, as “collectible objects meant to be discovered not only now but also in 100 years. They are imagined and designed for a second and third generation as heirloom pieces that encapsulate a part of our shared human history.”

They’re also designed to stand out. If you see someone wearing a pair of Jacques Marie Mage shades in person, they are immediately noticeable by the shape of the thick acetate and the way the lenses catch the light just so. Plus, they’re rare. Each model is serialised, often with only a couple of hundred pairs produced at one time.

“This approach to craftsmanship as a life purpose is fairly unique to Japan,” Mage says. “Which is why our frames are manufactured there. We have developed a nuanced, painstaking manufacturing protocol that extends across 18 months, the result being spectacles that are more than just products but carry the soul of our craft masters.”

All of this has made them a must-have if you’re someone in the public eye, or aspire to be. Actors including Austin Butler, Brad Pitt, Jeremy Strong and Jeff Goldblum – who has his own eponymous shape – are all notable fans.

“Their frames are collectable and highly desirable,” says Grace Wilson, Accessories Buyer at MR PORTER. “The intricate packaging really adds to the overall experience.”

While Jacques Marie Mages is the biggest name in the ever-increasing world of status sunglasses, there are a handful of other equally thoughtful manufacturers out there. Take Sato, who, as Wilson says, make frames with a “futuristic/mechanical feel” from the best materials around and in highly limited numbers.

They’re also made in Japan, which, as you can probably tell, is the pinnacle of high-end eyewear. Sabae, located on the main island of Honshu, a few hours from Tokyo, has become the Champagne region of eyewear, its name a byword for master craftsmanship and utilising the best materials.

Of course, you don’t just need to visit Japan to find a pair to set you apart. Cartier Eyewear utilises as much care and quality as the best Japanese labels, while names like Brunello Cucinelli, Thom Browne and Bottega Veneta are increasingly visible. Then there are the likes of Cutler and Gross and Garrett Leight for a more heritage, old-Hollywood approach.

Whatever distinctive shape or density of rare acetate you make your status shades, just try your best not to leave them behind at the bar.