Founded in 1937 by Bausch & Lomb and on commission by the United States Air Force, Ray-Ban is a high-end manufacturer of sunglasses which are known worldwide for their quality, design and value. Two of Ray-Ban’s most well-known styles, the Ray-Ban Aviator and the Ray-Ban Wayfarer, are still in high demand today.
Ray-Ban creates sunglass models, not only with style, but with functionality as well; the Aviator model is a perfect example of these attributes. In the 1940s and in the midst of World War II, this brand worked along with Air Force and Navy pilots to develop a pair of sunglasses that would be comfortable to wear and offer maximum eye protection. As a result of this research, a dark anti-glare lens was developed that would reflect the sun’s harsh glare. This lens bulges out slightly, covering the entire eye range, thus preventing the entrance of sunlight from any angle. In addition, the tear drop metal frame with wire temples was composed to hold this lens in place (which is two or three times the size of the eye sockets, thus offering more protection for the eyes). These slim temples help hold the sunglass in place by hooking behind the ears. The “Aviator” model was named after its resemblance to the shape of the original flying goggles that pilots wore at that time. However, the original goggles would create an undesirable tan on pilots, resulting in a dark face with white eye mask. To solve this problem, the Aviator model was created. The oversized nature of this model used gentle curves in its frame to allow a limited amount of sunlight in the eye area - just enough to allow the skin to tan.
The Aviator model, while fashionable and practical, is still used today. In fact, the overall style is often seen on fashion runways and in different contemporary versions which have been adopted by many different design houses, including Giorgio Armani and Versace. With various lens treatments and different frame colors available (ranging from shiny gold to the original gunmetal), the Aviator model, even after more than half a century, is still a hot fashion accessory for both men and women alike.
Ray-Ban, owned by the Italy-based Luxotica Group since 1999, has also made it big in the entertainment industry, creating unmistakable accessories for both artists and actors. Some of the most notable entertainers to adorn Ray-Ban sunglasses are the Blues Brothers, Don Johnson in Miami Vice and Tom Cruise both in Risky Business and in Top Gun. In Top Gun, Tom Cruise popularized the Aviator model which was later worn by characters in the movie
