Glasses "aviators": the history of the cult brand

Over the course of its 76-year history, "aviator" glasses (or, as they are also called, "droplets") have always had a tremendous impact on secular fashion. They occupy a legendary place in American culture and will never go out of fashion.

For James Dean, Audrey Hepburn, Michael Jackson and many other icons of the cinema and show business, they were irreplaceable and continue to be so for those who want to definitely be seen. From presidents to movie stars, from popular rock artists to fashion designers, there are no people who do not (or do not have) this cult accessory.

Points "aviators" are often associated with the Hollywood way of life. The history of them began more modestly, but the main thing is that they were created for slightly different purposes. The largest company producing products useful to the eyes, Bausch & Lomb developed and released the first "drops" under the Rei-Beng brand (from "sun rays" (Ray) and "block" ( Ban)) for the US Army Air Corps, specifically to protect the eyes of the pilots from the sun's rays. To a large extent, their idea belonged to Lieutenant John McCready.

In 1920, he returned from the expedition in a balloon and complained that the sun's rays caused irreparable damage to his eyes. He contacted Bausch & Lomb and asked them to create sunglasses that would provide full protection from ultraviolet, but would be elegant and comfortable. These appeared in 1936 and were immediately adopted by pilots. A year later, the company received a patent for the "Rey-Ben" model, created for the commercial market. However, the term "aviators" has become synonymous with them. Today they are described by models that resemble the original design. The design included "non-glare" lenses (from green mineral glass, capable of filtering infrared and ultraviolet rays) and a metal frame weighing no more than 150 grams. The lens, which is twice the size of the eyeball, did not allow light to enter its area from any angle.

During the Second World War, American pilots continued to rely on sunglasses "aviators". And scientific research led to such innovations as gradient lenses (with a special mirror coating on the top and without it on the bottom, which made it possible to clearly see the panel in the airplane). Originally developed specifically for military use, the product became very popular with the civilian population. Military influence in that period on fashion can not be denied. So, army, naval T-shirts were considered one of the main products of the style of the 1940s. People, trying to imitate the military, wore "aviators" glasses with great glamor. Men's accessories decisively mastered the world of mass culture. Ironically, the "droplets" are very fond of women. Indeed, a sleek, shiny design fits perfectly to the face of any shape.

After the end of the war, Hollywood was increasingly influencing fashion. In subsequent years there were many styles of "Rey-Bin", some - with new optical effects. In 1978, Bausch & Lomb presented a model with photosensitive photochromatic lenses, "chameleons" (they darken depending on changes in temperature and light conditions, from yellow to brown). However, none of them had such raging popularity, as Ray-Ban Wayfarer (with a solid plastic frame). The model was developed by B & L optometrist Raymond Stejemen and introduced to the market in 1952. At that time, her design was the most real revolutionary breakthrough. Once this accessory was seen on the screen, it instantly became the most recognizable.

Glasses "aviators" were worn by James Dean in the film "The rebel without an ideal" (1955), later Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany" (1961). Throughout the 50s and 60s, they became the choice of so many - Bob Dylan, Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe, Roy Orbison, John Lennon and, of course, all those who just wanted to look stylish.