Pop Smoke and Cartier Sunglasses: A Legacy of Style and Status
Pop Smoke’s influence reached far beyond music. Known for his deep voice and drill anthems, he also left an unmistakable mark on fashion - especially with his love for Cartier sunglasses. The Brooklyn rapper turned the Cartier “Big C” rimless frames into a cultural symbol, blending luxury with street credibility in a way few artists ever have.
Pop smoke in Paris fashion week circa 2020 wearing a custom gold Cartier C decor.
The Cartier Connection
Cartier eyewear has long been a status symbol, first popularized in Detroit during the 1980s where they became known as “Buffs.” These frames - often crafted from buffalo horn or featuring the iconic C Décor hinge - represented exclusivity, craftsmanship, and success. By the 1990s and 2000s, rappers and athletes had adopted Cartier glasses as a luxury staple, cementing their place in hip-hop fashion.
When Pop Smoke rose to fame, he carried that tradition forward, but with his own twist. His go-to frames were oversized rimless Cartiers with the bold C Décor hinges, nicknamed “Big C” glasses in streetwear culture. The distinct look became part of his image, appearing in music videos, interviews, and most memorably, on the cover of Meet the Woo 2.
Pop Smoke’s Signature Look: The “Big C” Rimless
Pop Smoke’s choice of eyewear wasn’t random. The Cartier CT03440 Double C Brooklyn Platinum Sunglasses featured:
- Oversized lenses with a warm Hennessy tint that stood out against his dark outfits.
- C Décor temple hinges, a hallmark of Cartier’s craftsmanship.
- A rimless design, which gave them a clean, luxurious edge without being flashy.
This combination made the glasses both timeless and instantly recognizable. As Vintage Julz — the eyewear dealer who sourced frames for Pop Smoke - put it, “There was never a time where people wanted Cartiers more than when Pop Smoke wore them.”
Why Cartier? The Deeper Meaning
Cartier glasses have always symbolized more than just fashion. In the rap world, they represent achievement, resilience, and luxury earned against the odds. For Pop Smoke, wearing Cartier wasn’t just about looking good - it was a statement of arrival.
Status Symbol: Cartier eyewear often costs thousands, making them an unmistakable sign of success.
Cultural Tradition: Following legends from Detroit hustlers to New York rappers, Pop Smoke embraced a style rooted in Black culture.
Personal Brand: Just as his deep voice defined drill music, his Cartier frames defined his public image.
Pop Smoke’s Impact on Eyewear Trends
After Pop Smoke’s rise, demand for Cartier sunglasses skyrocketed. Fans began searching for “Pop Smoke Cartiers” - a phrase that quickly became shorthand for the rimless Big C Décor frames. His influence helped Cartier re-emerge as a staple in modern rap fashion, much like Louis Vuitton and Dior in apparel.
Today, Cartier rimless glasses remain tied to his legacy. They’re not just accessories; they’re a cultural reference point, a way for fans to channel Pop Smoke’s confidence, swagger, and presence.
A Lasting Legacy
Though Pop Smoke’s life was tragically cut short in 2020, his impact continues to resonate. The Cartier glasses he wore have become more than luxury eyewear - they are symbols of ambition, artistry, and identity. Every time a fan or fellow artist steps out in Cartier C Décor or Big C rimless frames, they’re not just wearing sunglasses - they’re carrying a piece of Pop Smoke’s legacy forward.
