Rappers Wearing Cartier Glasses
Cartier eyewear has long been a symbol of status, success, and individuality — and few cultural movements have celebrated it more than hip hop. From Pop Smoke’s iconic Big C rimless look to DJ Khaled’s rotation of luxury frames, Cartier glasses evolved from rare collectibles to defining fashion statements. Explore how leading artists wear Cartier and what makes each of their styles unforgettable.
The Cartier Connection
Cartier eyewear gained early fame in Detroit during the 1980s where it 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.
Pop Smoke and the “Big C” Legacy
Pop Smoke’s influence went far beyond drill music. Known for his commanding voice and raw energy, he brought a new level of sophistication to streetwear through his love of Cartier sunglasses. The Brooklyn rapper popularized the Cartier “Big C” rimless frames, turning them into a cultural phenomenon that blended luxury with authenticity.
Pop Smoke was often seen wearing custom gold Cartier C Décor frames — including during Paris Fashion Week in 2020 — pairing them with tailored outfits and statement jewelry. His go-to design was the Cartier CT0344O Double C Brooklyn Platinum, featuring oversized lenses, warm Hennessy tints, and signature C Décor temple hinges.
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.”
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.
DJ Khaled: The Modern Maestro of Luxury
Few artists embody modern luxury like DJ Khaled. From lavish Miami mansions to diamond-studded timepieces, his taste extends naturally to eyewear. The producer and hitmaker frequently wears bold C Décor, Signature C, and Double C frames, making Cartier an essential part of his public persona.
DJ Khaled Wearing Cartier CT0007RS Signature C de Sunglasses
The Cartier CT0007RS Signature C de is a bold rimless shield with the classic C Décor at the hinges and a clean lens silhouette. Get Khaled’s look here: Cartier CT0007RS Signature C de.
DJ Khaled Instagram Feed 2024 — CT0048O C Décor
Khaled often reaches for the CT0048O C Décor for daily wear. Its sculpted acetate front and metal C Décor temples make it a reliable luxury staple. Shop it here: Cartier CT0048O C Décor.
DJ Khaled Instagram Feed 2022 — CT0344O Vintage Double C Mykonos Sunglasses
The Cartier CT0344O Vintage Double C “Mykonos” channels classic rimless Cartier energy with warm lens tints and Double C temple detailing. Shop it here.
DJ Khaled Instagram Feed 2025 — CT0052O C Décor Wood Sunglasses
The Cartier CT0052O C Décor Wood blends natural wood arms with Cartier’s metal detailing for a unique combination of warmth and luxury. Shop it here.
Try it yourself: Use our Cartier Virtual Try-On to see how these frames fit your face in real time.
Big Sean: The Premiere Look
Big Sean has consistently made Cartier eyewear part of his signature look, favoring frames that balance craftsmanship and bold presence. From the MTV Video Music Awards to music videos, the Cartier CT0464O Première — especially in rare wooden or diamond-accented versions — is his go-to frame.
MTV Video Music Awards 2019 — Cartier CT0464O Première Wooden
At the 2019 VMAs, Big Sean wore the wood-trimmed Cartier CT0464O Première, pairing Cartier’s rimless elegance with natural wood temples. Shop the model here.
Classic Premiere Style
This Pinterest capture highlights the same CT0464O Première in its standard finish, showing its timeless design across different outfits. Explore the Première collection.
Rick Ross: The Boss of Cartier
Rick Ross has long embraced Cartier as part of his identity, pairing the brand’s precision with his commanding presence.
Rick Ross Wearing Cartier CT0394S Vintage Double C Sunglasses Gold
The Cartier CT0394S Vintage Double C Sunglasses in Gold feature Cartier’s signature Double C hinge and warm gold finish — classic elegance with modern edge. Shop here.
Rick Ross Possibly Wearing Cartier CT0286O Première C Horn and Wood
This sighting aligns with the Cartier CT0286O Première C Horn and Wood Sunglasses, crafted from natural horn and wood. See the model here.
Conclusion
From Pop Smoke’s bold Big C rims to DJ Khaled’s luxury collection and Big Sean’s timeless Première, Cartier glasses remain a fixture in hip-hop fashion. Each artist brings a personal touch to the brand’s legacy — proving that eyewear can be both luxury and identity.
If you're interested in seeing how Cartier frames look on you, try our virtual try-on tool to instantly preview Cartier glasses and sunglasses in real time and find your perfect fit.
