Emmanuel Macron made a memorable entrance at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, wearing classic aviator sunglasses indoors.
The French president’s eyewear captured attention just as much as his speech did.
The pressing question, of course, is — why wear sunglasses indoors?
As French President Emmanuel Macron walked onto the stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he began by criticizing President Trump’s proposals regarding Greenland and the imposition of tariffs to coerce European nations. He conveyed a strong message about global politics, denouncing autocratic regimes and advocating for international law.
“We believe that we require more growth and greater stability in this world, but we prefer respect over bullying,” he stated. “We favor science over (conspiracies) and we choose the rule of law over brutality.”
However, he was not only making headlines for his remarks — he was also seen wearing a stylish pair of blue-tinted sunglasses indoors. While some speculated it was a fashion choice, the reason behind it is much more personal.
Macron has been addressing an eye issue, which he disclosed earlier during a military event in Istres, located in southern France.
“I ask for your understanding regarding the unappealing look of my eye. It is, naturally, entirely harmless,” he stated, as reported by The Independent.
He even affectionately dubbed it: l’oeil du tigre, or “eye of the tiger,” in reference to the famous Survivor song from Rocky III.
Social media responses
“For those who understand the reference, it symbolizes determination,” Macron elaborated.
Medical professionals have since verified the reason: a sub-conjunctival hemorrhage, which is a visible yet harmless broken blood vessel in his right eye. Although it does not impair vision, it can cause the eye to appear red and swollen. Common triggers include sneezing, rubbing, or other minor irritations. Many individuals choose to wear sunglasses for aesthetic reasons, and Macron was likely doing the same.
“Some individuals might perceive him as unwell, so to prevent being photographed in that condition, he opted to wear sunglasses,” remarked Dr. Jimmy Mohamed.
Social media quickly responded. Some labeled him a “show-off” or used the French slang kéké. Others humorously suggested he was emulating Tom Cruise in Top Gun. One user remarked, “More world leaders should don sunglasses while delivering speeches, actually,” while another added, “Macron is wearing sunglasses because Europe’s future is too bright.”
Which brand of sunglasses did Macron wear at Davos?
While it is difficult to ascertain with absolute certainty, the evidence suggests a connection to French craftsmanship. To begin with, there is the brand Visages. In June 2025, Macron was presented with a pair of 3D-printed glasses from the French startup, as reported by Sud Ouest.
The ultralight, technologically advanced frames he donned at Davos closely align with their distinctive aesthetic. Another potential candidate is Vuarnet. A supporter of the Meaux-based brand, Macron even presented Joe Biden with a pair of Vuarnet Edge sunglasses in June 2024, highlighting the excellence of French design.
It is important to mention that, although the Davos frames bear a resemblance to traditional aviators, they are not Ray-Bans — despite the American brand’s French-Italian ownership. Unlike Ray-Ban models, Macron’s glasses did not feature a white logo or ‘RB’ engraving on the lenses, and their wire-frame arms and straight double bridge diverge from conventional industrial designs.
Sporting a French brand in front of the global elite transcends mere fashion; it represents a declaration of industrial sovereignty. Each accessory conveys a message, and Macron is intentional about this.
From his suits crafted by the Paris-based Jonas & Cie, to timepieces from Lip, Awake, and Pequignet, and even footwear from JM Weston in Limoges, the French president consistently highlights domestic craftsmanship, transforming personal style into national pride.
Trump’s leaked picture
The sunglasses were not the sole element that placed the French president in the limelight at the World Economic Forum.
Earlier on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump disseminated a message from French President Emmanuel Macron, in which Macron expressed his concerns regarding Trump’s persistent threats concerning Greenland.
The note stated:
‘My friend, We are completely aligned on Syria. We can achieve significant progress on Iran. I do not comprehend your actions regarding Greenland. Let us endeavor to create great initiatives: 1) I can arrange a G7 meeting after Davos in Paris on Thursday afternoon. I can extend invitations to the Ukrainians, the Danes, the Syrians, and the Russians on the sidelines. 2) Let us share a dinner together in Paris on Thursday before’
Tensions between Trump and Macron escalated to a new low on Monday, following the U.S. president’s threat of imposing 200% tariffs on French wine in retaliation for France’s choice to reject an invitation to participate in his “board of peace.”
On Saturday, Macron utilized X to address the situation, stating: “Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context.” Macron subsequently informed reporters that he does not intend to engage in conversation with Trump during the Davos summit.
