So you wanna feel like an A-lister, so fricken’ bad? Slip on a pair of Ray Ban Original Wayfarers. Done. Hot celeb sunglasses styles come and go, but the Wayfarer has proven to have serious staying power. What’s the story behind these iconic shades with the distinct shape, oversized metal hinges and traditional Ray Ban signature logo on sculpted temples? The Wayfarer design has been manufactured by Ray Ban since 1952. The style enjoyed early popularity in the 50s and 60s, especially after they were worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 classic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Though the sunglasses had somewhat faded from the limelight by the 1970s, they saw a mega-resurgence in the 80s. Who can forget ingenious marketing product placements in films like Risky Business (“Looks like the University of Illinois!”) and the beginning of the Madonna era when Wayfarers were a staple accessory in her videos, movies and the red carpet (ahh the memories). Wayfarers were brought out of the shadows and into official style icon status. Today, Wayfarers are quite simply the most recognizable style in sunglasses and often cited as the best-selling design of sunglasses in history.
Since the mid-2000s, Ray Ban has continued to introduce a new take on the old classic. The same retro model, but in “yummy” contemporary colors–solid and two-tone–that enable the wearer to express their own style and personality like blue, lime, orange, yellow, purple, red, and pink. Ray Ban also offers prints, with the latest being their limited edition “Rare Prints” including subway map, kaleidoscope-like florals, comic strip, tie dye, and multi-colored buttons.
A symbol of youth, fashion and creativity for over 50 years that has endeared itself to Hollywood celebrities, musicians and artists, the Ray Ban Original Wayfarer has solidified its iconic status for years to come. –rpuccia
Buy these now: Ray Ban RB2140 Original Wayfarer, $109
