The origins of the Ray-Ban brand date back to 1853, when opticians Bausch & Lomb set up their research and ophthalmology company in the United States. Supplying the US Navy with binoculars and telescopes, the company was commissioned by Lieutenant John A. Macready to design "wraparound panoramic protective" eyewear. This marked the birth of RB3 lenses, developed to filter out ultraviolet and infrared light. Initially called Antiglare, this lens was later patented under the Ray-Ban name.
The Ray-Ban brand was officially born in 1937, with the release of the Aviator model, created especially for US Air Force fighter pilots.
In the 1940s, these glasses became as much a signature item as the Levi's jeans, Zippo and chewing gum that arrived in Europe with the GIs.
In the 1950s, the brand launched another iconic model, the Wayfarer, which quickly became a symbol of pop culture and fashion. Wayfarers were worn by many celebrities, contributing to their immense success.
"With my sunglasses, I'm Jack Nicholson. Without them, I'm fat and 60."
In the 1960s, Ray-Ban expanded its range with the introduction of Olympian sunglasses, which also became very popular. The 1980s marked a turning point for the brand, with the launch of Clubmaster sunglasses, which met with great success in the music and fashion worlds.
