The allure of sunglasses goes beyond their practical use as mere sunblockers. They’ve evolved into an essential fashion accessory, becoming a statement piece that’s as much a signature as a hairstyle or a piece of jewelry. Join us as we dive into the story of this transformation and spotlight some iconic brands that have revolutionized the sunglass industry.
“Sunglasses are like eye shadow: They make everything look younger and pretty.” – Karl Lagerfeld
History: From Function to Fashion
Initially designed to shield our eyes from harmful solar radiation, sunglasses have come a long way since their utilitarian origins. While function remains essential, fashion has commandeered its design, pushing the boundaries of style and beauty.
The Big Players in the Game
Several pioneering brands have left indelible marks on the industry, shaping how we perceive and wear sunglasses today.
Ray-Ban: Known for their timeless and versatile designs, Ray-Ban has been at the forefront of sunglass innovation for decades. “There’s something effortlessly cool about Ray-Ban sunglasses. I can’t think of a more iconic accessory,” says New York-based fashion influencer, Alexa Richardson.
Oakley: Sports enthusiasts and athletes love Oakley for their durability and performance-oriented designs. “Oakley sunglasses offer a combination of quality, style, and comfort that’s hard to beat,” says professional surfer, Mick Fanning.
Prada: When it comes to luxury, Prada sunglasses reign supreme. “Prada sunglasses elevate any outfit, making them a must-have for fashion lovers,” gushes Vogue editor, Camille Charriere.
Warby Parker: Notable for their socially-conscious model and hip designs, Warby Parker has made a name for itself as the brand for the socially-aware and stylish individual. “I love the fact that for every pair of sunglasses I buy from Warby Parker, a pair is donated to someone in need,” says actor and philanthropist, Eva Longoria.
Fun Trivia: Shades of Style
In the spirit of fashion rockers, here are some interesting nuggets of information about sunglasses that even the most style-savvy may not know:
1. The Aviator Invasion: Did you know the ubiquitous Aviator style was originally designed for pilots to protect their eyes while flying? Now it’s a style staple for celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike.
2. The Movie Magic: Audrey Hepburn’s famous black sunglasses in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” were actually a pair of Oliver Goldsmith’s Manhattan shades, contributing to a surge in the brand’s popularity.
3. Star-Studded Endorsement: One of the key reasons Ray-Ban’s Wayfarer sunglasses became so popular was due to product placement in films and endorsements from music icons like Bob Dylan and the Beatles. These stars weren’t just sunblockers, they were the real rockers!
4. The Prism of Colors: Sunglass lenses come in a variety of colors for more than just aesthetic reasons. Different lens colors can provide different benefits: grey reduces brightness without affecting colors, green enhances contrast in low-light conditions, and brown improves contrast and depth perception.
5. Not Just For Daytime: The popular song “Sunglasses At Night” by Corey Hart might have made the idea trendy, but some people do wear sunglasses at night, especially for reducing the glare from bright lights.
As we’ve seen, sunglasses have shifted from being a practical tool for vision protection to a critical component of our fashion arsenal. Brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Prada, and Warby Parker have played a massive role in this transformation, taking sunglasses from sun blockers to fashion rockers.
From the realm of the utilitarian to the arena of high fashion, sunglasses have made a journey as fascinating as it is inspiring. They continue to evolve, pushing the limits of design and style, much like the people who wear them. After all, as designer Tom Ford once said, “The perfect sunglasses can make you look like a movie star.”
Original Wayfarer Classic by Ray-Ban: “As summer approaches, the search for the perfect sunglasses intensifies. The Ray-Ban Wayfarer Classics are a perennial favorite.”
