The Story Behind Michigan Football’s Cartier ‘Buffs’
Shannon Adducci
Style Director
If anyone tuning into the post-game celebration of the University of Michigan‘s win against the University of Washington in the College Football Playoff National Championship found it odd that coach Jim Harbaugh was wearing sunglasses at night and indoors, there is more to the story than meets the eyewear.
The sunglasses are by Cartier and they are called “buffs” — for the buffalo horn material that adorns the eyewear’s temples. They have fast become a tradition for the team’s defense; after any turnover, the athlete responsible for the play gets to wear a pair of Cartier buffs (or “turnover buffs”), taking a photo with his defense teammates in celebration.
The turnover buffs routine was dreamed up by player Will Johnson. The Michigan sophomore cornerback hails from the Detroit area, where Cartier buffalo horn sunglasses (also called “Cardi’s”) are a preeminent accessories choice. The player went to local Detroit jeweler Zeidman’s to order the glasses, which have since made the rounds on the defensive team.
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The glasses appear to be from Cartier’s C Décor line and — in addition to their “buff” — are also characterized by their rimless lenses and distinct aughts-era aesthetic. The eyewear retails for around $3,545, depending on the style and fine jewelry customization (diamonds and other gemstones can be added) and is available only through authorized jewelers or by special order from the brand itself (currently only a few are remaining at Cartier’s Fifth Avenue flagship in New York). For anyone wanting the look without the price tag, Johnson has also started selling novelty versions of the eyewear, along with some catchy merch.
At Monday night’s game, it was Johnson himself who caught the evening’s first interception, giving him his very own turn in the buffs. The play would also help to earn him the CFP’s defensive MVP prize. Johnson took the opportunity to give Harbough his very own pair to celebrate the win in style.
