Nothing epitomises cool as much as a pair of sunglasses. No pair of sunglasses is cooler than the Rayban Wayfarer
. They have actually been around for over fifty years and have managed to transcend the generations by being an absolute design classic. Audrey Hepburn first popularised the Rayban Wayfarer by wearing them in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s in the early sixties. They reached their peak around the eighties and were featured heavily in many films.
However, during the 2000s, they have received the critical praise that they deserve and been referenced as a classic piece of design and have endured more decades than any other fashion icon.
The Rayban Wayfarer design was a major change in direction for frame style and has been compared to the classic design of the Cadillac tail fin. They were originally designed for pilots like the Rayban Aviator. Because of this, they offer top quality protection against UVs and glare. But they received mainstream appeal from the consistent celebrity endorsements from the likes of; John Lennon, Bob Dylan, James Dean and Andy Warholl.
I’ve even seen double glazing installers wearing them!
The 1980s showed no letup in their popularity and they continued to be worn in many iconic films such as Risky Business (with Tom Cruise) and The Blues Brothers. The Rayban Wayfarer sunglasses also continued to be a rock star’s favorite and were often worn by the likes of Morrisey, Elvis Costello and Blondie’s Debbie Harry. They were even referred to in song lyrics by Don Henley and authors such as Brett Easton Ellis often included them.
Another great thing about Rayban Wayfarer sunglasses is that they have such a huge range of styles. The classic design is still the black frame, but in the 1980s, the range exploded. There are still many different styles available from multi coloured to tortoise shell frames.
The 2000s have seen Rayban Wayfarer sunglasses still as popular as ever. Many modern day celebrities and rock stars will be seen wearing a pair and there is still a huge range of frame colours available.
They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery and nothing could be more true in the case of Rayban Wayfarer sunglasses. They have spawned many imitators by the likes of Oliver Peoples, Oakley and Marc Jacobs.
But there is only one Rayban Wayfarer. They are still as popular with the cool kids today as they were back in the fifties. They are going to be hard to beat as a design classic pair of cool sunglasses.
If you need to wear lenses, try Coloured Contact Lenses to vary things a bit!