Fashion and Beauty

The legendary styles of Ray-Ban

May 9, 2012 | 12:00am

Ray-Ban knows cool.

While others slip on sunglasses so as not to get noticed (whether they’re’re hiding from the paparazzi or just hiding up-all-night eyebags), Ray-Ban frames have transformed everyday people into celebrities, rock stars and icons. (Perhaps if Clark Kent had used Ray-Ban, Superman’s story would have been very different.) Eyewear trends come and go, but Ray-Ban’s classic shapes always look fresh. Their Aviators look as cool when Douglas MacArthur shielded his eyes from the sun, when Tom Cruise and the rest of the fly boys donned them in Top Gun, when Carrie Bradshaw slipped them on (with her fabulous fur coat) in Sex and the City, and even today, when the Olsen sisters sleepily go on a coffee run in New York. One of my most favorite fashion items in the world are my dad’s Aviators, which he bought and used in the ’80s and handed down to me. While I’ve tried using aviator-shaped sunglasses before, the real thing looks and feels incredible; there’s truly nothing like Ray-Bans. And even though we’re familiar with their shapes — who doesn’t know the Aviator or the Wayfarer? No two pairs are ever the same on different people. Effectively mixing timeless and timely, each pair you put on brings out your style and individuality.

To celebrate their 75 years this 2012, Ray-Ban has released their Legends collection, offering the iconic Aviator and Round models in pink, green, and blue lens, all retooled to match vintage lens tints. They are also reintroducing two retro chic styles, Laramie and Meteor, also with vintage tints reproduced from the ’60s. The Laramie is a keyhole-bridged Wayfarer for women that’s flattering to all face shapes, while its chunkier counterpart for men, the Meteor, is just as stylish. These pieces are truly legends in the realm of eyewear. Even if the tints and shapes were inspired by the ’60s, the shades feel as current and cool today as it did back then — further proving the longevity of the brand. Not only that, they’re splashing a myriad of colors onto their classic Wayfarer for the limited-edition La Boca Rare Prints collection. Available in four color-block designs and inspired by the painted houses on Caminito street in La Boca, Argentina, each pair is graphic, artsy, psychedelic, and totally eye-catching. Even if you prefer classic shapes and colors, the Rare Prints collection is so irresistible, especially for this summer season. But the beauty of Ray-Ban is that they’re relevant for every season — practically every decade, even. That’s why after 75 years of producing iconic eyewear, Ray-Ban deserves their legendary status.

Now, get to know some of Ray-Ban’s Legends — and the celebrities that wear them.

Aviator

The shape that started it all! Originally designed for US military fighter pilots in 1937, the aviators have gone beyond their functional use and exude a stylish, timeless cool with its classic teardrop lenses.

Fans: Douglas MacArthur, Bianca Jagger, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore

Round

These metal sunglasses are known for their defined round crystal lenses and distinct retro shape, inspired by 1960s counter-culture, the time when this shape became popular.

Fans: Kate Moss, Au Revoir Simone, Best Coast, Debbie Harry of Blondie

Wayfarer

Said to be the most recognizable style in the history of sunglasses, the Wayfarer has a distinct, slightly trapezoidal frame, but wearers also love to choose the color, patters and prints for their frames to express their personality.