Ray-Ban

Ray-Ban was established in 1937 by Bausch & Lomb, emerging from the development of eyewear for American pilots. Protection from glare gave the brand its original purpose, while the Aviator supplied a shape that would move far beyond the cockpit. That passage from equipment to personal style became a recurring part of Ray-Ban’s history.

The Wayfarer arrived in 1952, introducing a heavier frame and a different attitude from the fine metal construction of the Aviator. Together, the designs offered contrasting ways to frame the face. One retained its association with aviation; the other became closely connected to cinema and popular music. Their recognizability helped sunglasses become an expression of identity as well as a practical accessory.

Luxottica acquired Ray-Ban in 1999, placing the American-founded label within an Italian eyewear group. The collection includes optical frames alongside sunglasses, with variations in scale, lens treatment, and material revisiting established shapes. The continued use of those forms gives new releases an immediate connection to the archive.

Ray-Ban has also moved into connected eyewear through its work with Meta. In 2025, A$AP Rocky became the first creative director of Ray-Ban Studios, extending the label’s relationship with music into creative projects and product releases. Its history remains anchored in a small number of frames that different generations have made their own.