First portrait of Anna Wintour revealed, without her trademark tinted sunglasses

February 25, 2010

A portrait by artist Alex Katz of Vogue Editrix Anna Wintour is causing quite a stir because of one notably absent item. One of Wintour's trademarks (aside from her expressionless face) is her tinted sunglasses, which were not incorporated into the work of art.

This was the first portrait Wintour agreed to sit for, according to the Telegraph. The artist told the news source that despite her reputation for being an ice queen, she was nothing but pleasant and the two spent hours talking while he painted.

Katz was inspired to paint Wintour without her sunglasses after seeing her at work in the documentary The September Issue. He said he couldn't help but notice her "lovely eyes" and wanted to convey them in his portrait.

The painting is set to go on display at London's National Portrait Gallery in May, and will be featured in an exhibition of Katz's work.

Although Wintour may wear tinted sunglasses to hide her ice-cold stare, they also may be beneficial to her eye health. According to Sunglassology.com, wearing tinted shades could help prevent a condition known as photokeratitis, which is a result of sun damage to the eyes.