Sabrina Carpenter Brings Versace’s Biggie Sunglasses to a Whole New Level of Iconic
As they say, big things come in small packages, so it’s no surprise that Biggie frames are coming back in style on the minute visage of one of today’s biggest pop stars. That’s right: singer and songwriter Sabrina Carpenter is now the face of the latest Versace campaign reintroducing the Versace Biggie sunglasses, originally popularised by legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G.
Carpenter is no stranger to style. She’s perhaps best known for favoring retro pieces and styling reminiscent of the Golden Era of Hollywood, which was headed by stars like Grace Kelly. Like Kelly, Carpenter’s outfits onstage and off-stage have included sweetheart necklines, big curls, and ultra-feminine pieces.
However, the singer is never afraid to go big. Now, Carpenter leads the new era of Versace’s statement pieces in popular culture along with NBA rising rookie Alex Sarr as tastemakers for the next generation. She’s taking the already recognizable frames to a new level of iconic — hot off the heels of her biggest year in music. After making waves in mainstream music, she recently took home the Song of the Year award from the 2024 MTV VMAs for ‘Espresso.’ Now, she’s greeting 2025 by donning her very own pair of Biggies.
The Lasting Impact of the Biggie Frame
The iconic Versace Biggie frame existed long before the man himself donned them. In the 1980s, the Italian luxury fashion house first introduced these sunglasses as the Versace 424 model as part of its core collection. Bold, ornamented, and undeniably opulent, it’s no wonder Biggie Smalls eventually made them a key part of his larger-than-life hip-hop persona.
In 1994, Biggie wore the frames for his ‘One More Chance’ music video. This single went on to sell more than one million copies and, at the time of release, became the highest-debuting single on the Billboard Hot 100, matched only by powerhouses Michael and Janet Jackson. He would then wear the frames throughout his other appearances, solidifying the association between the 424 and B.I.G. and becoming a key part of hip-hop and pop culture.
Only surpassed by the imagery of his crown, these frames live on in artwork and depictions of the late star decades after his passing. They’ve even made appearances in the many global murals created as part of the Pepsi 50th anniversary collaboration for hip-hop celebrating Biggie Smalls. His inimitable style has also been paid tribute to in immersive art pieces and even limited edition Pepsi Max cans.
With this cultural impact, the rapper’s favorite frames became — and continue to remain — among the most popular Versace sunglasses designs available. They were renamed the Medusa Biggies when first rereleased in 2018, and now they’re readily available alongside other bestsellers like the VE4479U and VE4406. For 2025 and beyond, the brand has revamped the frames for the Biggie Celebration Campaign with contemporary shapes and colorways. This includes 15 different shades like black, pink, grey, silver, green, and opalescent limited editions with gems.
Shaking Up Versace with Espresso
Just as Biggie established himself as a magnetic artist with an unmistakable spot in the annals of music history, Sabrina Carpenter has burst onto the global stage with her ‘Short n’ Sweet’ era. Raking in Grammy nominations and performing for her sold-out tour, Carpenter has become one of the faces of the pop girl resurgence. Her catchy hits and wordplay have pulled her up the charts with the same swiftness reminiscent of Christopher Wallace’s own rapid rise in the hip-hop scene with his presence and lyricism.
Though seemingly on the opposite ends of the spectrum, it only makes sense that Carpenter would don the iconic Medusa emblem. The blend of vintage femininity and modern boldness perfectly encapsulates Sabrina Carpenter’s style, a distinct evolution from her foundations of Disney red carpets and, eventually, bolder stylistic gowns and pieces. Now, fans can regularly see her in heels higher than the heavens, pristine bangs, and a short skirt perfectly balanced by her magnetic sunglasses.
Donatella Versace herself spoke of Sabrina’s ability to bring strength and intensity through her persona, which is indicative of a new era for the Biggies. The frames can now be seen through a new lens and generation, with more milestones and iconic moments likely to come. Versace generated more than $1 billion in revenue in 2024, and it looks like new heights for the brand and today’s favorite pop girl are well within reach. Ready for a pair of Sabrina Carpenter sunglasses?
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