The Great Optical Brands: Ray-Ban

Is it really necessary to present the Ray-Ban brand? Being one of the essential brands of eyewear, few know its history. A story largely linked to his favorite model, Aviator . Do you know, however, that it is directly to be put in contact with another ophthalmology company? We tell you all about it.

Ray-Ban: the vision of Baush and Lomb

It was in 1853 that two ophthalmologists, John Jacob Bausch and Henry Lomb, founded their research society in ophthalmology. The company, now recognized as one of the leaders in the field, strives at all costs to protect the eyes from the sun's ultraviolet rays. It's the Ray-Banner project aimed at "banning the rays."

This problem of the sun's rays, if it is boring on a domestic scale, can turn out to be dramatic on a military scale. While Europe is constantly under the specter of war and the young America tends to become an international power, the rays of the sun can largely disturb the navy or the air force. Indeed, the altitude, like the reflection on the water, further amplifies the harmful effects of UV rays on the eye.

The Ray-Banner project is looking into the matter and a first glass, named "RB3" is born. In the interwar period, the United States became the leading military power and the army urged researchers to improve equipment to take a decisive lead over their adversaries and competitors.

The lens is placed on a frame that can be installed quickly, with thin temples to be light and not to interfere with Air Force pilots. The Ray-ban brand is launched and presents its Aviator model, which will become emblematic.

The Ray-Ban Aviator model: perhaps the most famous frame

The United States were the great winners of the Second World War. It is the only country, with the Soviet Union, to come out stronger. But unlike the latter, its territory was not devastated. Also, the return to the country of the Boys is triumphant. As American soft-power takes off, the country is united and arouses global envy.

Hollywood cinema, at the height of its glory, follows in the footsteps of its proud fighters. Actors then wore this emblematic frame, symbol of this triumphant return, on film sets and during interviews.

Other models followed suit, including the Wayfairers in the 50s or the Clubmasters . Ray-Bans continue to be worn above all by the biggest stars, from Ray Charles to Michael Jackson, passing by historical figures like Malcolm X.

The mythical firm will be bought out by the Luxottica group in the early 2000s.