It's one of the most iconic sunglasses brand of all time- and one of the most lusted after labels on the planet, but little of us know that before the Bruno Mars', Beyonce's and Kanye West's of the 21st century, Ray Ban had already set it's name in the halls of fashion history thanks to some seriously stylish admirers.
Ray Ban started life as the answer to a problem that had plagued people standing at the very forefront of development in the 1930's. Huge advancements in aviation meant that people were travelling faster and further than ever before-pilots in the driving seats of everything from Air Force fighter jets to civilian airliners needed a sunglass to help protect them from the intense glare of the sun at high altitudes.
Ray Ban answered the call with a lens designed to reduce the effect of the sun on the eye, and in the process, designed one of their most famous lens shapes to date-the aviator.
Following World War Two, Ray Ban had developed a range of lenses, all offering the wearer protection from different light conditions. The frames grew trendier too, and when the glamour of 1950's Hollywood swept the United States, Ray Ban became a recognised brand all over the world. They were donned by actors and actresses, ranging from Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's, to James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause- giving a universal, stylish appeal to viewers who found themselves having more and more disposable income.
More stylish frames were developed to cater for what was turning into a consumerist society, but only a few stood the test of time to become truly iconic eyewear- the Aviator, Wayfarer and Club Master
What makes a pair of Ray Ban's so special is their ability to dissect any era, culture and style. Frames that were desirable in the 50's are still lusted after now, and technology that was born from necessity has now become a modern day luxury, as Ray Ban lenses become some of the best quality sun protectors in the world.
Whether you're trying to emulate classic style lesson's dictated by some of history's greats, like Steve McQueen and J.F. Kennedy, or using Ray Ban's clean lines to invent your own look, there is a pair of Ray Ban's to help you make your mark.
The Aviator
With a distinctive tear drop lens and a slim, lightweight frame, the aviator is often imitated but never matched. Made immortal by the King of Cool Steve McQueen, who regularly wore his whilst flying his Boeing Stearman PT-17 Bi-plane, the Aviator is Ray Ban's stamp on all things mechanical. The lower lens shape allows for added eye protection, making the Aviator a firm favourite with anyone who works around planes, cars and engines.
The Club Master
The only true piece of eye wear that reflects exuberant 50's and 60's style, the club master features a half rim and pronounced top bar, giving it a striking aesthetic when worn. You might remember seeing a pair of Club Master's on the face of Tim Roth whilst he played Mr Orange in the cult classic Reservoir Dogs- he wore the sharp, direct frame shape effortlessly in a well tailored suit.
The Wayfarer
Perhaps one of Ray Ban's most famous frames, early versions of the Wayfarer only carried the Ray Ban signature on the lens. Modern day Wayfarers carry the prestigious logo on the lens and the arm, ensuring that they are distinctively Ray Ban after so many others attempted to replicate it. Whilst Mr Orange wore the Club Master in Reservoir Dogs, a large majority of the cast all wore Wayfarer's as part of their look. Perhaps more famously, John F Kennedy, one of America's greatest icons and leaders wore Wayfarer's at any opportunity. His classic, slick style suited the Wayfarer frame to a T, whether he was on his yacht, or giving public speeches.
What makes a pair of Ray Ban's so special is their ability to dissect any era, culture and style. Frames that were desirable in the 50's are still lusted after now, and technology that was born from necessity has now become a modern day luxury, as Ray Ban lenses become some of the best quality sun protectors in the world.
Whether you're trying to emulate classic style lesson's dictated by some of history's greats, like Steve McQueen and J.F. Kennedy, or using Ray Ban's clean lines to invent your own look, there is a pair of Ray Ban's to help you make your mark.
Ryan J Gray
