By Micah Jonah
January 22, 2026
French President Emmanuel Macron’s choice of dark aviator sunglasses during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos has set off a wave of reactions online, as world leaders continued to trade sharp words over the future of Greenland.
Macron wore reflective sunglasses while addressing delegates at the annual gathering in the Swiss mountain resort, drawing immediate attention on social media where users debated whether the look was stylish, dramatic or unnecessary.
Supporters praised what they described as a confident, bold appearance, while critics dismissed the choice as theatrical. Others speculated about possible health reasons for wearing sunglasses indoors.
Macron’s office later said the President wore the glasses to protect his eyes after suffering a burst blood vessel, adding that the decision was purely medical, not intended as a fashion statement.
Memes quickly spread across platforms, with several comparing the French leader to characters from the 1986 action film Top Gun. One widely shared image portrayed Macron and United States President Donald Trump facing off in flight suits, styled as a parody of an aerial duel.
Comments ranged from playful warnings telling Trump to be careful because Macron had arrived, to sarcastic remarks questioning the choice of eyewear for a formal speech.
Trump also joined the discussion by mocking Macron’s sunglasses during his own appearance in Davos, keeping the online chatter alive as their disagreement over Greenland continued to attract global attention.
Some European officials appeared to enjoy the moment, with one minister sharing a popular internet meme showing a confident figure in aviator glasses wrapped in a national flag, clearly referencing the French President’s look.
The sunglasses were later identified by Italian eyewear company iVision Tech as the Pacific S 01 model produced by its luxury brand Henry Jullien, retailing for 659 euros on the company’s website. The firm said the glasses were sent to Macron as a gift, but he insisted on paying for them and confirmed they were made in France.
Following the unexpected publicity, shares of the Milan listed company rose by nearly six percent, and its website experienced heavy traffic that temporarily overwhelmed its servers.
The company’s chief executive said the sudden attention came as a surprise and that staff received a flood of calls and online inquiries after images of Macron circulated globally.
What began as a simple medical precaution quickly turned into a viral moment, adding an unusual cultural twist to an already tense political debate at one of the world’s most closely watched economic gatherings.
