Trump Mocks Macron’s ₹70,000 Davos Sunglasses; Brand Shares, Searches Spike

French President Emmanuel Macron's appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos turned into an unexpected talking point after US President Donald Trump openly mocked his choice of sunglasses during a public address.

What began as a policy-heavy exchange over Greenland and trade soon spilled into personal jibes, drawing global attention to both leaders and a luxury eyewear brand.

Trump, speaking a day after Macron's address, directly referenced the French President's look, reigniting online debate and amplifying the viral moment that had already taken social media by storm.

Trump Mocks Macron's Davos Appearance

While addressing the World Economic Forum on Wednesday, Donald Trump took a swipe at Emmanuel Macron's decision to wear sunglasses during his speech a day earlier. Referring to the moment, Trump told the audience, "I watched him yesterday with those beautiful sunglasses...What the hell happened!"

Trump also used his Davos speech to reiterate that he had previously threatened Macron with additional tariffs as leverage to push France on lowering drug prices, highlighting ongoing friction between the two leaders on economic and strategic issues.

Why Macron Wore Sunglasses During His Speech

Macron delivered his address to world leaders on Tuesday wearing dark, reflective aviator sunglasses, an unusual choice for an indoor setting. His appearance followed public sightings a few days earlier when he was seen with a visibly bloodshot eye.

Macron's office later clarified that the sunglasses were worn to protect his eyes due to a burst blood vessel, seeking to put to rest speculation around his health and the reasons behind his eyewear choice.

What Were Those Sunglasses Though?

The sunglasses worn by Macron were identified as the Pacific S 01 model from French luxury eyewear brand Henry Jullien. The company said the glasses were gifted to Macron in 2024.

Listed at 659 euros, roughly Rs 70,884, the Pacific S 01 belongs to the brand's Doublé Or collection. According to Henry Jullien's website, "It showcases Maison Henry Jullien's signature handcrafted techniques from its Jura region factory, emphasising high-end materials and unique detailing." The design features gold-laminated acetate and a bold, elegant silhouette.

Memes, Calls and a Market Reaction

Macron's sunglasses quickly became fodder for memes, with social media users drawing comparisons to the 1986 film Top Gun starring Tom Cruise. While supporters praised the confident look, critics dismissed it as theatrical or questioned the timing of the style statement.

The attention translated into tangible gains for the brand. Google Trends showed a sharp rise in searches for Henry Jullien glasses, peaking on Wednesday morning. A spokesperson for the company said it was receiving "an unusually high numbers of calls," according to Reuters.

The buzz also reflected on the stock market, with shares of iVision Tech, the Italian group that owns Henry Jullien, rising by nearly 6% on Wednesday.