I lose count of the amount of summers that have passed, where hoards of my friends rushed out to buy the next episode of the more than famous ‘Aviator’ sunglasses. Usually, I was amongst them and can boast at being the proud owner of a few pairs. However, self-praise aside, how can I explain this madness to those of you who might not be the owner of a pair? It’s simply this – Aviators in all their glory, are a trend in their own right, a statement if you like. Since the first days they joined human face, they have been iconic and went on to accentuate many trends in the years to come.
You only have to dig up a little of their history, to discover what makes them so special. Let me take you back, as far back as 1936. Ray Ban were commissioned to design a new pair of sunglasses specifically for pilots fighting in the Second World War. They needed a style that gave enough anti-glare and yet were comfortable and robust for the pilot to wear. They got the basis of the idea from the already existing goggles being worn in the US military. They fast exceeded the standards required and became part of the pilot’s regular uniform. Even today, Aviators are an essential accessory for pilots not only in the US, but worldwide.
If I had lived in 1936, I would have needed to train as a pilot to wear these sunglasses. Although scheduled to be released to the general public just a year later, they were momentarily prohibited until 1938. It was perhaps due to the ban, that people just like you and I, got itchy to own a pair. It’s like everything else that is banned, it brings out our curiosity. When a movie is banned shortly after its release, we all wonder why and look for ways to get hold of a copy. Having thought about it, perhaps it was just a clever marketing strategy. Anyway, they did come on to the market and people bought them in the masses.
Over the decades, other designers and sellers made their own, very similar versions. A few special editions have been thrown on to the scene and people of all walks of life have favored this style of glasses, not only to keep up with fashion but in the knowledge that they provide a strong defense against the sun’s glare and also bright, night lights. On a side note, many police officers wear them as it adds to their air of authority.
The popular use in films such as Top Gun and the status they have with A-list celebrities, makes owning such a classic a real joy! I think they will be around for a long time – even to infinity. Ray Ban is always the leader in new styles, but you can pick up cheaper pairs with more or less the same appeal.
I wonder how many of you will be joining me in the stampede when the next edition comes out? Better still, for a first pair – go vintage. There are plenty of opportunities to buy online as well, that way you can easily browse through the range to find a pair that your heart reaches out to!