The history of sunglasses dates back to prehistoric times. The Inuit wore whalebone eye covers with horizontal slits to prevent snow blindness caused by sunlight’s reflection on snow. In the 12th century, Chinese judges wore glasses with smoky quartz lenses to hide their expressions while witnessing court testimonies.
Fast forward to 1929: American Eyewear brand Foster Grant mass-produced sunglass frames from plastic injection molding. These sunglasses’ affordability made them a huge hit, kickstarting their journey to becoming the major fashion accessory it’s known as today. However, not all sunglasses are created equally. Thanks to some of history’s most influential people, some sunglasses have become nothing less than iconic. Below are a few of them.
The Jacky O
The Francois Pinton Spa 2 is notable for its large, plastic frame and slightly oval shape. Because of the large lenses, it looks fashionably oversized on a person’s face. This pair of sunglasses became iconic after often being seen on one of the most influential fashion icons in history —former American First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Kennedy prefers wearing iconic oversized sunglasses to complement her shifts and pillbox hats, and the French Eyewear brand made this pair after learning about her love for the accessory. As a result, this particular model is also endearingly known as the Jacky 2.
Today, this timeless pair comes in the classic black color Jackie Kennedy is known for, as well as tortoise and purple.
The Panto
The Algha Works Panto 45 features round lenses and a thin metal frame. Though its design is simple, it’s very popular because it looks versatile and gender-neutral. Its claim to fame can be credited to John Lennon, one of the greatest figures in popular music. Best known for both his solo work and for being part of The Beatles, Lennon was often seen sporting these sunglasses, which were given to him to use in the black comedy “How I Won The War.” Not long after, they became part of his everyday style.
Many people still wear these sunglasses at present because of their classic design. It’s sold by Savile Row—previously known as Algha Works—in various colors, such as gold and black.
The Cat-eye
This oversized take on cat-eye sunglasses was an instant hit due to Audrey Hepburn’s character, Holly Golightly, wearing a similar pair in the classic film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961). Oliver Goldsmith, an Eyewear brand all about freedom and no limits, created the Manhattan to be a replica of the iconic glasses from the movie. It features round lenses caged by a frame similar to a cat eye, making it look feminine and classy—yet unique.
These sunglasses are still popular and sold in many colors, including black, dark tortoiseshell, mocha, and Tokyo 50—a light tortoiseshell. You can also customize the lens color, with choices ranging from solid colors to gradients.
The Aviator
The origin of the aviator lies in its functional properties, namely, protecting the eyes against wind, dust and light. Around 1890 we see the model for the first time, marketed as the “Warren Eyeguard”. In this period, the model offered a solution to motorcyclists and cyclists, since
automobiles were still mainly made with open roofs. The airplane had also just been invented and had no cabin. That is why in these last 2 means of transport, a goggle was used more often, which also shielded the side of the face.
In the years before the Second World War, when cars and planes were often manufactured without roofs, these frames were simply called “Driving Glasses”. It was not until 1935 when the United States Air Force placed an order with “American Optical Co” for sunglasses for its pilots, which eventually gave the model the nickname “aviator sunglasses”. Apart from the fact that aircraft from this era were equipped with a cabin, and thus no longer needed the “goggle”, the aircraft flew much higher, exposing pilots to large amounts of UV rays. The model “D1” was used as the standard by American pilots until WW2. It was equipped with plastic lenses and again the hinged nose bridge, covered with a steel deco engraved with USAC (US Air Corps), and simple steel glasses with a layer of plastic.
After the Second World War, model AN6531 was offered to the general public by the contracted manufacturers American Optical and Bausch & Lomb, which ensured that the model has become one of the best-known sunglasses in the world.
Sunglasses are a staple fashion accessory that elevates your outfit and makes you feel more confident. Check out these iconic sunglasses for fashion inspiration!
Written by Ayze Myrtle Cohen
Exclusive for theeyewearforum.com
