Macron’s ‘Top Gun’ shades charm internet as leaders wrangle over Greenland

Davos – French President Emmanuel Macron unexpectedly became a viral talking point at the World Economic Forum in Davos, not only for his sharp remarks on geopolitics but also for his striking choice of aviator sunglasses worn during an indoor speech.

As Macron addressed global leaders at the Swiss mountain resort, the dark reflective shades immediately caught public attention, triggering a flood of memes, jokes and commentary across social media platforms.

Online users quickly likened the look to the 1986 film Top Gun, with comparisons to fighter pilots and cinematic bravado spreading rapidly while the political context of his speech continued to fuel debate.

The timing added to the intrigue, as Macron was openly criticising U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on Greenland, intensifying speculation that the sunglasses were a symbolic fashion statement rather than a coincidence.

Macron’s office later clarified that the eyewear choice was medically motivated, explaining that he was protecting his eyes after suffering a burst blood vessel, though the explanation did little to slow the internet frenzy.

Memes ranged from playful admiration to pointed satire, with supporters applauding his confident appearance while critics mocked what they described as theatrical or overly dramatic styling.

One widely shared image dubbed “Duel in Davos” portrayed Macron and Trump in a parody standoff inspired by Top Gun, complete with flight suits and exaggerated aviator sunglasses.

References to Tom Cruise’s iconic character were repeated across platforms, with captions warning Trump to “be careful” or questioning whether Macron could have chosen “more sober” eyewear.

The viral moment even reached Trump himself, who jokingly mocked Macron’s sunglasses during his own Davos address the following day, drawing laughter and reinforcing the spectacle.

European political figures also joined the online banter, with French European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad sharing a popular meme contrasting political masculinity stereotypes, featuring Macron draped in a French flag and wearing aviators.

Beyond the humour, the sunglasses sparked a commercial ripple effect, drawing attention to Italian eyewear group iVision Tech, which owns the Henry Jullien brand.

The company confirmed that Macron was wearing its Pacific S 01 model, priced at 659 euros, and revealed that while the glasses were initially offered as a gift, Macron insisted on paying for them.

The company also emphasised that the sunglasses were manufactured in France, aligning with Macron’s frequent advocacy for domestic production and European industry.

Following the viral exposure, iVision Tech’s Milan-listed shares jumped nearly six percent, highlighting the powerful intersection between politics, fashion and digital culture.

The firm’s chief executive said the sudden attention overwhelmed their website, leading to a surge in inquiries and temporary crashes as global interest spiked.

While the sunglasses dominated headlines, the political context remained serious, with ongoing disagreements between European leaders and Washington over Arctic security and territorial interests.

The episode underscored how modern diplomacy increasingly unfolds alongside viral moments, where imagery and symbolism can sometimes eclipse policy discussions.

Macron’s Davos appearance demonstrated how quickly a visual detail can shape global narratives, blending leadership, branding and internet culture into a single headline-grabbing moment.