Since their introduction in the 1930’s, Aviator sunglasses have become a huge part of American pop culture and have been increasingly popularized by the world known sunglasses brand Ray-Ban. Aviator Sunglasses have the incredible power to match any outfit, from a formal business suit to a casual jeans and t-shirt look. Hence, unsurprisingly, the style has survived many seasons and many fashion trends ever since its creation.
Ray Ban initially launched the Aviator style in the 1930’s, when the United States Air Force commissioned them to create a pair of shades that would protect the pilot’s vision while flying. The design had to both efficiently protect the pilots’ eyes and make them look fashionable and attractive. The brand thus designed the much famed Anti-Glare patent which was able to strikingly combine a dramatic green mineral glass with UV protection set on a great looking gold-plated frame. The easily distinguishable teardrop shape, as well as the contrast of the large green mineral glass lenses on the sleek metallic frames, made the aviators an instant hit.
When photographers published the pictures of General Douglas MacArthur wearing a pair of aviators as he landed in the Philippines during World War II, in 1944, Ray Ban Aviators instantly became a viral fashion trend and a must have amongst the masses. From that date, the aviator style became an all time fashion accessory that would outlive every fashion trend.
Aviator sunglasses are now worn by a people with various and contrasted backgrounds. They can be celebrities, police officers, NASA astronauts or housewives. While initially designed for a specific target group, Aviators have come a long way from their beginnings to offer a unique fashion experience to everyone of us, not only under the original brand Ray Ban but also under every major brand in today’s eyewear industry. Designer brands such as D&G, Emporio Armani, Gucci, Carrera, and Police offer wide ranges of aviator models in various colours, materials, sizes and shape variations. Today the aviator style can be found in almost any combination you desire.
Many celebrities, such as Michael Jackson, Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Britney Spears and Leonardo Dicaprio have regularily been seen with a pair of aviator sunglasses on. Aviators can also been seen debuting throughout box office hits like Top Gun, Terminator 2, Ocean 11, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Pearl Harbor, and of course The Aviator. Classic and stylish, aviator sunglasses is definitely a must-have accessory.