Kenyan artist Cyrus Kabiru poses with an artwork resembling sunglasses on February 1, 2012 in Nairobi. Kabiru has created a range of artworks called "c-stunners" that resemble sunglasses but have been made with objects found on the street on the way to his studio. Each piece has its own story with the series is inspired by his father, who once fell out of love with his own spectacles after receiving a beating from his parents for breaking them. Courtesy of AFP PHOTO / Carl de Souza Getty Images.

It’s a sunny summer day here in New York, and everyone’s walking around with their shades on. But do they know that today is National Sunglasses Day? To mark this observance, many people are using the occasion as a reminder to wear sunglasses for protection, but also to keep your cool.

However, we’d be remiss to overlook the simple fact that sunglasses offer up an instant dimension of cool. So, as thousands share their sunglasses selfie using the hashtag #sunglassesselfie and #nationalsunglassesday on popular social media sites, we decided to look back on the artists who taught us how to rock these glamorous specs.

Andy Warhol and Tennessee Williams. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Andy Warhol is captured in a leather jacket and his signature shades, while a smirking Tracy Emin holds up a cigarette to complete ther insouciant look. Yoko Ono and John Lennon, whose photographic legacies are inseparable from their signature teashades, relax on the couch in style. These artists sported unique looks that articulate personality, confidence, and power.

But for those who share deep affinities with the likes of Grace Jones, who is arguably a work of art, and pop master Warhol, one needn’t be reminded that sunglasses work best to complement sharp, extravagant ensembles.

See our roundup below.

Grace Jones attends a signing of her new autobiography I’ll Never Write My Memoirs at Waterstones, Piccadilly on November 12, 2015 in London, England. Courtesy of Chris Jackson/Getty Images.

Tracey Emin. Courtesy of YouTube.

French street artist JR during an interview in Hong Kong. Courtesy of PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images.

Yoko Ono & John Lennon. Courtesy of YouTube.

Artist Yoko Ono attends the Yoko Ono: One Woman Show, 1960-1971 press preview at Museum of Modern Art on May 12, 2015 in New York City. Courtesy of Ben Gabbe/Getty Images.

Damien Hirst. Courtesy of Patrick McMullan.

Artist Michael Anthony Pegues attends Voyeur by Vanessa Prager hosted by Fred Armisen at The Hole on January 26, 2016 in New York City. Courtesy of Cindy Ord/Getty Images.