The Ray-Ban brand has a unique history and despite it still being regarded as one of the trendiest and contemporary sunglasses brands in the industry, the company has actually existed since 1936. What prompted the design of the first pair of Ray-Bans was when General John MacCready permanently damaged his eyes on a high altitude balloon flight. He realised a specific type of eyewear protection was required for the eyes to endure flights of this nature and in 1929, a pair of gold-coated Aviator style of sunglasses complete with anti-glare G15 lenses were created and Bausch and Lomb won the contract to work on producing a whole collection. In 1936, the first Ray-Ban plastic Aviator style was launched to the public who quickly realised the high function was coincidently complimented by style appeal. In 1937 a patent for the G15 lens was issued and the brand name Ray- Ban was trademarked and officially launched.

The ultimate goal of these unique large curved glasses was to protect the eyes from every angle for optimal protection from the sun. In the 1940’s, Ray Ban was hired by the US Air Force to develop these glasses even further for use by air force pilots. The aviator glasses soon became popular with the other branches of the US military and when General Douglas MacArthur was photographed landing on a beach in the Philippines during World War II, it was a pair of Ray-Bans that were protecting his eyes.

It didn’t take long for the flattering and effortlessly stylish of Ray-Ban sunglasses to come to the fashion forefront and the sunglasses steadily became the must-have accessory to be seen wearing. In 1952, the iconic Wayfarer was launched which subsequently went on to become the world’s best selling style of sunglasses and is still one of the most prominent styles of today.

Since the early 1960’s, Ray-Ban sunglasses have made numerous appearances in a wide selection of the world’s most iconic films. In 1961 the Wayfarer was seen on the ultra glamorous Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and other films whereby Ray-Ban sunglasses have been featured include Donny Brasco, Reservoir Dogs, Risky Business, Blues Brothers and of course, in Top Gun whereby Tom Cruise famously wore a pair of Ray-Ban aviators.

In addition to film, Ray Ban is also synonymous with the celebrity and fashion scene. Fans of the brand include Brad Pitt, Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Nicole Ritchie, Sienna Miller, Natalie Portman, Demi Moor and countless other A List stars. Where there is a great band or musician, it is also likely that there will often be a great pair of Ray-Ban’s to complete their look. Ray-Ban was particularly popular at the time that Rock and Roll burst onto the scene and artists such as Madonna, Bob Dylan and David Bowie were often seen wearing their Ray-Ban sunglasses. Music has a major association with the Ray-Ban brand and the sunglasses are prominent focal accessories at music festivals such as Glastonbury, Leeds and V Festival. The fact that the audience and the artists, musicians and bands wear them are testament to the fact that they are accessible to everyone and look fantastic on both men and women in addition to suiting a variety of face shapes.

 In 2008, Ray-Ban launched Ray-Ban rooms whereby the brand makes appearances at the most popular music festivals and has designated spaces or ‘rooms’ on site where they host DJ sets and performances from cutting edge new bands as well as past icons and current favourites. Within this space they also use the opportunity to showcase the new styles. This initiative allows people to interact on a dedicated online site to vote for their favourite Ray-Ban style as well as being able to try on the new designs, find out more about the brand, its history, and what it represents. Ray-Ban recognises that by understanding the wants and needs of their customers, this helps to design new styles accordingly.

The factor which allows Ray-Ban sunglasses to remain in the spotlight is the brand’s ability to consistently update their styles yet maintain that original retro appeal. By adapting classic versions with contemporary twists which mainly include the incorporation of vivid and trend inspired colours and patterns, this keeps the sunglasses modern, but the traditional style and shape remains completely original. Of course, Ray-Ban are continually designing new frames and models, meaning there is something to appeal to every taste.

High quality, eye protection and durability are the primary priorities that must be fulfilled when designing each pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses and therefore the brand uses specific types of material to create its products which then undergo numerous amounts of testing to ensure quality and durability. Polarised lenses are a defining feature of Ray-Ban sunglasses which provide ultimate glare protection as well as incredibly sharp and precise vision and the use of carbon fibre also means that the sunglasses are lightweight, strong, durable, flexible and comfortable for all day wear. Ray-Ban sunglasses also feature one hundred percent UV protection.

Ultimately Ray-Ban has certainly progressed a great deal since 1936 but despite keeping up with current trends and always placing themselves at the centre of the action, the brand has maintained its core values. Ray-Ban sunglasses today are one of the most stylish and trendy, but in addition provide the best eye protection and durability which was the purpose of why they were originally designed. If you are looking for incredible style and the best function, Ray-Ban sunglasses will certainly be top of the list for many years to come.