French President Emmanuel Macron made a striking entrance at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, drawing immediate attention as he stepped onto the stage wearing blue-tinted aviator sunglasses indoors. The unexpected accessory quickly became a focal point, standing out alongside a speech that addressed major geopolitical tensions and economic priorities facing the international community.
Macron’s appearance came during a high-profile session attended by political leaders, business executives, and policy experts from around the world. As he addressed the audience, the French president delivered pointed remarks on global governance, international law, and economic cooperation, while his choice of eyewear sparked widespread curiosity and discussion.
The sunglasses were not a fashion statement or an attempt to cultivate mystery. Instead, they were linked to a personal and medical reason that Macron had already disclosed days earlier during a public appearance in France.
A Firm Message on Global Affairs
As Macron began his address at the forum, he focused on issues that have recently strained transatlantic relations. He criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments regarding Greenland and raised concerns about the use of tariffs as a means of pressuring European nations. His remarks emphasized the importance of international cooperation, stability, and adherence to established legal frameworks.
“We do believe that we need more growth, we need more stability in this world, but we do prefer respect to bullies,” he said. “We do prefer science to (conspiracies) and we do prefer rule of law to brutality.”
The comments underscored France’s position on multilateralism and its opposition to what Macron described as unilateral or coercive approaches in international relations. His speech aligned with broader European concerns about trade disputes, territorial rhetoric, and the erosion of established diplomatic norms.
While the substance of Macron’s address resonated with many attendees, the visual impact of his sunglasses drew equal attention, particularly given the indoor setting and formal nature of the event.
The Reason Behind the Sunglasses
Speculation quickly circulated online and among observers at Davos regarding why the French president chose to wear sunglasses during a formal indoor appearance. Macron addressed the issue earlier at a military event in Istres, in southern France, where he explained that he was dealing with a temporary eye condition.
“Please pardon the unsightly appearance of my eye. It is, of course, something completely harmless,” he said.
Macron added a lighthearted touch by giving the condition a nickname, l’oeil du tigre, or “eye of the tiger,” a reference to the well-known song by Survivor featured in the film Rocky III. He explained that the expression was meant to convey determination rather than concern.
“For those who get the reference, it’s a sign of determination,” Macron explained.
Medical professionals later clarified that the condition is known as a sub-conjunctival hemorrhage. This occurs when a small blood vessel breaks beneath the surface of the eye, leading to visible redness or discoloration. Although it can look alarming, it is generally harmless, does not affect vision, and often resolves on its own within days or weeks.
The condition can be triggered by everyday actions such as rubbing the eye, sneezing, coughing, or experiencing a sudden increase in blood pressure. Many individuals choose to wear sunglasses temporarily to avoid attention or discomfort, particularly in public settings where photographs are taken.
Dr. Jimmy Mohamed commented on the situation, explaining that the decision to wear sunglasses was likely practical. “Some people might think he’s ill, so to avoid being photographed in that state, he decided to wear sunglasses,” he noted.
Social Media Reactions
As images and video clips from Davos circulated, social media users responded quickly. Reactions ranged from humor to criticism, reflecting the varied ways in which public figures are perceived online.
Some commentators described the look as flashy or attention-seeking, while others made lighthearted comparisons to pop culture figures. Several users joked that the French president resembled a character from an action film, while others praised the confidence of the appearance. One comment suggested that more world leaders should consider wearing sunglasses during speeches, while another remarked that the eyewear symbolized optimism about Europe’s future.
The viral discussion highlighted how even minor visual details can become part of a broader narrative when political leaders appear on global stages.
The Question of the Sunglasses’ Origin
Beyond the reason for wearing sunglasses, attention soon turned to the brand Macron chose. While no official confirmation was provided, several details suggested a connection to French eyewear design.
One possibility is the French brand Visages. In June 2025, Macron received a pair of 3D-printed glasses from the startup, known for its ultralight and technologically advanced frames. The sunglasses worn in Davos closely resembled the company’s distinctive style, including minimalist construction and modern design elements.
Another likely contender is Vuarnet, a well-established eyewear brand based in Meaux, France. Macron has previously demonstrated support for the brand and even presented U.S. President Joe Biden with a pair of Vuarnet Edge sunglasses in June 2024, highlighting French craftsmanship.
Although the Davos sunglasses resembled classic aviator styles, they did not appear to be Ray-Ban models. The frames lacked the brand’s typical white logo or “RB” engraving on the lenses. The wire-frame arms and straight double bridge also differed from standard industrial designs associated with the American brand, despite its French-Italian ownership structure.
Macron’s consistent preference for French-made accessories has been noted throughout his presidency. From suits produced by Paris-based Jonas & Cie to watches from Lip, Awake, and Pequignet, and shoes from JM Weston in Limoges, his wardrobe choices often reflect an emphasis on domestic industry and craftsmanship.
Wearing French-designed sunglasses in front of a global audience at Davos aligned with this broader pattern, reinforcing an image of national pride and industrial sovereignty through personal presentation.
Diplomatic Tensions at Davos
The sunglasses episode was not the only moment that placed Macron in the spotlight during the World Economic Forum. Earlier on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly shared the contents of a message he received from Macron, revealing private diplomatic exchanges related to ongoing geopolitical concerns.
The message expressed Macron’s alignment with the United States on Syria and potential cooperation regarding Iran, while also questioning Trump’s stance on Greenland. The note proposed a series of diplomatic engagements, including a G7 meeting in Paris following the Davos summit and a private dinner between the two leaders.
The message read:
“My friend, We are totally in line on Syria. We can do great things on Iran. I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland. Let us try to build great things: 1) I can set up a G7 meeting after Davos in Paris on Thursday afternoon. I can invite the Ukrainians, the Danish, the Syrians and the Russians in the margins. 2) Let us have a dinner together in Paris together on Thursday before you go back to the US. Emmanuel.”
The disclosure added to existing tensions between the two leaders, which had already intensified earlier in the week. On Monday, relations reportedly worsened after President Trump threatened to impose 200 percent tariffs on French wine. The threat followed France’s decision to decline an invitation to participate in what Trump described as a “board of peace.”
Macron addressed the issue publicly on Saturday through a post on X, stating: “Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context.” He later told reporters that he did not plan to speak with Trump during the Davos summit.
A Moment That Blended Style and Substance
Emmanuel Macron’s appearance at the World Economic Forum combined substantive political messaging with an unexpected visual element that captured global attention. While the sunglasses initially raised questions, the explanation revealed a straightforward medical reason rather than a calculated stylistic move.
The episode demonstrated how modern political leadership unfolds under constant public scrutiny, where personal details can quickly become part of international discourse. In Davos, Macron’s remarks on global stability, trade, and international law remained central, even as his eyewear sparked conversation across social media and news outlets.
As the forum continued, the moment stood as a reminder that in global politics, image and message often travel together, shaping how leaders are perceived on the world stage.