There's something about a pair of sunglasses that makes them arguably one of the all-time must-haves. Not only are they incredibly practical, providing protection from the dangers of the sun, but they're also an incredibly versatile fashion accessory, available in a variety of styles, colors, and prices to suit every pocket. With their global popularity, sunglasses manufacturing has become a very lucrative but highly competitive industry, and while some manufacturers have their ups and downs in public sentiment, there is a company that will forever be synonymous with glasses that protect our eyes from the sun's rays: Ray-Ban
Although U.S. President Benjamin Franklin is often credited with inventing eyeglasses (he developed the first bifocal lenses in the 1780s), the first reading glasses were developed in Italy, as early as 1260. People continued to be fascinated with all things optic through the centuries. Then, in the mid-1800s, British scientist James Ayscough began to study stained glass and the possibility that this technology could be used to improve impaired vision. Despite its success, it was not until 1929 that the idea that glass could filter the sun's rays was seriously considered. Around this time, the American optical company Foster Grant began to develop the idea, until eventually, later that year, the first pair of sunglasses went on sale in a Woolworth's store on the promenade in Atlantic City.
Aware that new technology could benefit their pilots, the US Army Air Force commissioned another leading US company, Bausch & Lomb, to develop eye protection from the risk of glare in flight.
It was the American eyewear company, Ray-Ban, that really embraced the idea. In 1936, using newly available polarizing lenses and wide frames for maximum protection from panel glare, Ray-Ban began manufacturing a lens that blocks the sun's rays. About three years later, this model of sunglasses, very popular with pilots, became popular with the American public. Ray-Ban "pilot" was born.
As Americans grow up, so do their glasses. Throughout the war years, Ray-Ban continued to work with the Air Force, creating color-shifting mirror lenses that were both practical and fashionable. There's something about this American pilot in a brown leather jacket, sunglasses over his eyes. Ray-Ban just made sunglasses sexy.
Pervasive in the 1950s, sunglasses were more than just eye protection. Ray-Ban was quick to capitalize on the growing trend for new designs and colorful frames, which they targeted primarily at women.
Keeping up with space age technology, the company developed shatterproof lenses in the 1960s, and the popularity of sunglasses continued to grow as fashion icon Jackie Kennedy was often seen with oversized frames. On the big screen, sunglasses have become an essential part of any actor's outfit, with movie stars like Peter Fonda and Audrey Hepburn playing stylish figures while wearing coverable sunglasses. public eye and is still convincing.
Ray-Ban continued to develop new styles and designs in the 1970s and 1980s; their 'Wings' model was indeed the forerunner of today's very modern half-frame lenses. In the age of American television detective shows like Starsky & Hutch and Chips, the mirrored glasses that were so popular in the 1940s are starting to reappear. Ray-Ban is retro.
Sleek and modern, funky and classic, Ray-Ban remains the leader in sunglasses to this day, which is no small feat considering the competition. Without a doubt, the company will continue to hold its ground in the industry, as over the decades it has grown with the nation to give people exactly what they want for their eyes: the reliable protection of high-tech sunglasses and the 'coolness' of a damn sexy pair of sunglasses.
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