By Jamie Dawson
Some things just never go out of style, do they? Think of a classic denim jacket, a perfectly tailored white shirt, or a vintage leather bag. In the world of eyewear, a select few sunglass designs have transcended fleeting trends to become true cultural icons, instantly recognizable and perpetually cool. They’ve graced the faces of movie stars, rock legends, and everyday folks, each pair carrying a story in its silhouette. Let’s take a stroll through history and pay homage to these enduring legends of sunglass design.
- The Aviator: Born from the Skies, Adopted by Rebels
If there’s one sunglass style that defines cool, it’s the Aviator. Its origins are rooted in pure functionality. Developed by Bausch & Lomb in the 1930s for U.S. Army Air Corps pilots, these shades were designed to protect pilots’ eyes from the intense glare at high altitudes, far more effectively than the clunky goggles they’d been wearing. The distinctive teardrop-shaped lens offered maximum coverage for the entire field of vision, and the thin metal frame with a double or triple bridge (often called a “bullet hole”) was lightweight and designed not to interfere with flight instruments.
It wasn’t long before these military-grade “pilot’s glasses” filtered into civilian life. World War II hero General Douglas MacArthur famously wore them when he landed in the Philippines, immortalizing the look in newspaper photographs. Post-war, the surplus market brought them to the masses, and Hollywood sealed their fate as cultural touchstones. Think Marlon Brando in The Wild One, Elvis Presley, and, of course, Tom Cruise in Top Gun. The Aviator became synonymous with rebellion, adventure, and effortless cool, proving that true style can indeed be forged in the crucible of utility. To this day, the classic Ray-Ban Aviator remains a timeless symbol of understated confidence.
- The Wayfarer: Bold Plastic, Rebel Soul
While the Aviator commanded the skies, the Wayfarer conquered the ground. Introduced by Ray-Ban in 1952, the Wayfarer was a revolutionary departure from the traditional metal frames that dominated the market. Designed by Raymond Stegeman, its bold, trapezoidal plastic frame was instantly distinctive and modern. It was a statement.
Initially popular in the 1950s and 60s, embraced by figures like James Dean, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (though technically Oliver Goldsmith Manhattans, they captured the Wayfarer vibe), and Bob Dylan, the Wayfarer became a symbol of counter-culture and nonconformity. Its popularity waned in the 1970s, but a savvy product placement campaign in the 1980s, featuring films like The Blues Brothers and Risky Business (Tom Cruise again!), reignited its flame. Suddenly, Wayfarers were back, sported by everyone from Michael Jackson to Madonna. They represented a cool, slightly rebellious edge that remains influential today. The Wayfarer proved that sometimes, the simplest, boldest designs are the ones that resonate for decades.
- The Clubmaster: Intellectual Cool with a Hint of Retro
Inspired by the “browline” glasses popular in the 1950s and 60s, the Clubmaster (also popularized by Ray-Ban) offers a distinct, intellectual aesthetic. Characterized by a bold upper frame that mimics the natural brow line, paired with a thinner metal lower rim, it exudes a sophisticated retro vibe. Think of it as a subtle nod to the scholarly and creative types of the mid-century.
The Clubmaster perfectly blends classic elegance with a touch of rebellion. It’s less overtly dramatic than the Wayfarer but more distinctive than a simple round frame. Its enduring appeal lies in its versatility – it can look studious, artistic, or effortlessly chic, making it a favorite of those who appreciate understated style with a hint of vintage charm. Malcolm X famously wore browline frames, cementing their association with intellectualism and conviction.
- The Round Frame: Free Spirit and Artistic Flair
Dating back to the early 20th century, round frames truly came into their own as an iconic style in the 1960s and 70s. Instantly associated with cultural icons like John Lennon, Janis Joplin, and Mahatma Gandhi, these often thin-rimmed metal frames became synonymous with free-spiritedness, artistic expression, and counter-culture movements.
The appeal of round frames lies in their simplicity and their ability to convey a certain intellectual or artistic sensibility. They’re often seen as less aggressive than angular styles, promoting a softer, more contemplative image. While they may not suit every face shape, for those they do, they offer a unique blend of vintage charm and timeless individuality.
The Enduring Legacy:
What makes these styles so timeless? It’s a mix of factors:
- Simple, Strong Design: They have clear, unmistakable silhouettes that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Cultural Association: Their adoption by influential figures in film, music, and politics has cemented their place in popular consciousness.
- Versatility: While each has a distinct vibe, they’re often versatile enough to complement a wide range of personal styles and occasions.
- Quality Construction: Brands like Ray-Ban and Persol built their reputations on durable, well-made products that stood the test of time.
These iconic designs remind us that true style isn’t just about fleeting trends; it’s about designs that are so well-conceived, so perfectly executed, that they become eternal symbols of cool, continuously reimagined but always recognizable. So, whether you opt for the classic cool of an Aviator or the bold statement of a Wayfarer, you’re not just wearing sunglasses – you’re wearing a piece of history.
