Ray-Ban
The Ray-Ban story starts with an explorer named, Lieutenant John MacCready, who after returning from a balloon flying adventure, complained that the sun had permanently damaged his eyes. He contacted Bausch & Lomb (the founders of Ray-Ban) setting them the challenge to create
sunglasses that would provide protection but also look elegant. On May 7, 1937, Bausch & Lomb took out the patent. The prototype,
collezione occhiali, known as ‘Anti-Glare’, had an extremely light frame weighing in at just 150 grams. They were made of gold-plated metal with green lenses made of mineral glass to filter out infrared and ultraviolet rays.
Using the patent, Ray-Ban continued to develop their patented technology, but this time round, for the US Air force pilots who adopted the Ray-BanAviator due to its light weight frame but innovative UV protection, providing them with the clearest vision whilst flying, yet. Sworn by heroes of the skies, the Ray-Ban Aviator sparked the beginning of an iconic
sunglasses brand that has become a global household name, recognized by all ages and fashions.
Because Ray-Ban has been around for so long (seventy four years, to be exact), the root of their inspiration spans across a wide range of eras and their heritage continues to keep them at the top in eyewear on a global scale. The 60s and the revolutionary ‘pop’ culture brought Ray-Ban into the fashion industry, with celebrities opting for Ray-Ban as part of their look. The Beatles, who’s star had raised to a worldwide status, wore the Ray-Ban aviator as part of their much coveted look, with McCartney and Starr being especially partial and by the 80s, Ray-Ban were a must have for the Hollywood elite and a brand on every household’s lips. Featuring in a plethora of blockbuster films, Ray-Ban has been used in Top Gun (who can forget Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer), Men in Black, Reservoir Dogs, Daredevil, Risky Business, Sahara and the one and only, Blues Brothers. These particular film’s cult statuses have seen Ray-Ban remain firmly in the spotlight.
Today, Ray-Ban continues to boasts an immense collection that mixes their rich heritage with fashion and glamour. The choice of
sunglass for musicians, whatever their taste or success, Ray-Ban is a no-brainer which is why its popularity doesn’t end there, with the majority of festivalgoers plumping for a Ray-Ban wayfarer or aviator for that perfect festival look. And lest we forget Ray-Ban’s ability, unlike many other brands, to blend comfort and practicality with beautiful form. It’s technical knowledge and experience means that the highest quality UV protection is a given, resulting in you receiving perfect eyewear, every time.