Over the course of its 76-year history, aviator glasses (or, as they are also called, droplets) have always had a huge impact on secular fashion. They occupy a legendary place in American culture and will never go out of style.
For James Dean, Audrey Hepburn, Michael Jackson and many other icons of cinema and show business, they were indispensable and continue to be so for those who want to definitely be noticed. From presidents to movie stars, from popular rock artists to clothing designers, there are no people who would not have (or don't have) this iconic accessory.
Aviator glasses are often associated with the Hollywood lifestyle. Their story began more modestly, but the main thing is that they were created for slightly different purposes. The largest company producing eye-friendly products, Bausch & Lomb, developed and launched the first droplets under the Ray-Ben brand (from “sun rays” (Ray) and “block” ( Ban)) for the US Army Air Corps, specifically to protect the eyes of pilots from sunlight. To a large extent, their idea belonged to Lieutenant John McCready.
In 1920, he returned from an 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 complete UV protection, but would be elegant and comfortable. These appeared in 1936 and were immediately accepted by the pilots. A year later, the company received a patent for the Ray-Ben model, created already for the commercial market. However, the term "aviator glasses" has become synonymous with them. Today they describe models that resemble the original design in form. The design included “non-glare” lenses (made of green mineral glass that can filter infrared and ultraviolet rays) and a metal frame weighing no more than 150 grams. The lens, with an area twice the size of the eyeball, did not allow light to enter its area at any angle.
During World War II, American pilots continued to rely on aviator sunglasses. And scientific research has led to innovations such as gradient lenses (with a special mirror coating on the top and without one on the bottom, which made it possible to clearly see the panel in an airplane). Originally developed specifically for military use, products have gained great popularity among civilians. The military influence at that time on fashion cannot be denied. So, army, navy t-shirts were considered one of the main products of the 1940s style. People, trying to imitate the military, wore aviator glasses with great chic. Men's accessories decisively captured the world of mass culture. Ironically, the “droplets” were very fond of women. Indeed, the sleek, shiny design is perfect for any face.
After the war ended, Hollywood began to exert an increasing influence on fashion. In the following years, many Ray-Ben styles appeared, some with new optical effects. In 1978, Bausch & Lomb introduced 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 was as wildly popular as the Ray-Ban Wayfarer (with a hard plastic frame). The model was developed by B&L optician Raymond Stegeman and introduced to the market in 1952. At that time, her design was a real revolutionary breakthrough. As soon as this accessory was seen on the screen, it instantly became the most recognizable.
The glasses "aviators" were worn by James Dean in the movie "Rebel Without an Ideal" (1955), later Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961). During 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.