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The Ray-Ban Wayfarer: A Style Staple’s History

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Photo: Courtesy of Ray Ban

Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses are the coolest, trendiest shades right now, but did you know the style’s been around for almost 60 years? The style that was originally intended for pilots has been seen on the faces of everyone from politicians to movie-stars over the past half-century and has gained the title of most popular sunglasses of all-time. Here are a few of the super-cool shades biggest moments.

Presidential Style

John F. Kennedy in the original Wayfarers

Wayfarers made a huge impact when they were first released in 1952 and were actually one of the first pairs to feature plastic—instead of metal—frames. They remained popular throughout the ’50s and ’60s and even made it onto the beloved head of President John F. Kennedy.

1980s Comeback

Photo: Courtesy of Universal

The style went out of style during the 1970s, but came back on the scene when singin’ and dancin’ duo The Blues Brothers sported them in the 1980 movie.

On-Screen Accesory

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Photo: Courtesy of Universal

Photo: Courtesy of MGM

In 1982, Ray-Ban made a deal that may just be what catapulted the Wayfarers to everlasting notoriety. The company signed a $50,000 a year deal with Unique Product Placement to put the sunglasses in movies and TV shows, and over the next five years they showed over and over again on-screen. Some famous appearances included on Tom Cruise in Risky Business, Michael Anthony Hall in The Breakfast Club, and Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan. Unsurprisingly, sales sky-rocketed off-screen as well. 2000s Comeback

Photo: Splash News

Photo: Courtesy of Summit

Though Wayfarers were out of style for most of the ’90s, celebs started to rock them again in the mid to late 2000s, and they even showed up on Edward Cullen in the original Twilight film (released in 2008). Nowadays, we regularly see the pairs on our favorite girls and guys, including the always on-point Emma Watson.
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