Bausch & Lomb Ray-Ban Olympic Edition Sunglasses, 1992
View Similar Items
Bausch & Lomb Ray-Ban Olympic Edition Sunglasses, 1992
About the Item
Ray-Ban
Vintage Ray-Ban sunglasses remain practically synonymous with American cool. And although the brand has given us some of America’s most iconic sunglass styles — the Wayfarer, the Clubmaster are widely loved Ray-Bans — the Ray-Ban Aviator is in a class of its own.
As a pilot in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, Lieutenant John Macready had experienced the debilitating headaches caused by the bright sun high up. In the 1930s, he took action, partnering with eyewear manufacturer Bausch & Lomb to develop sunglasses specifically for aviators like himself and his colleagues. It was patented as the Ray-Ban Aviator in 1939.
“Aviators reflect the idea that form follows power. They express charisma and heroism — a pilot takes us forward through danger, and there is no going back,” says Patrick Michael Hughes, fashion and decorative-arts historian at Parsons School of Design.
When the Wayfarer was released, in 1952, it was the first sunglass frame made from acetate. With a design inspired in part by mid-century Cadillac tail fins, it caught on with silver-screen stars. Early adopters included James Dean and Marilyn Monroe, who were soon followed by other artists, like Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol. Indeed, celebrities have long held sway in the sunglasses realm — whether you’ve opted for vintage Ray-Ban sunglasses because you’re enamored with Marilyn Monroe’s celebrated Wayfarers or you’ve taken to classic Aviators because actor Jon Hamm wore them in the nostalgic TV smash hit Mad Men.
Of course, with all of this star power, that means they’ve become as popular with counterfeiters as they are with consumers. Do you know how to spot fake Ray-Ban sunglasses?
The center portion of a pair of Ray-Ban acetate sunglasses — which holds the lenses — is cut from a single block. If you feel a seam where two pieces of plastic, front and back, have been glued together, just say no. Also, look out for glue and uneven edges. These are telltale signs of counterfeit production. The final product should have a sturdy, substantial hand.
The lettering inside the temples, or arms, is another good indicator of authenticity. The text should be cleanly etched, perfectly centered and aligned. Ray-Ban’s faux-leather cases come in black, brown and occasional special-edition colors. What you won’t find on a real case is frayed or uneven stitching. What you will find, on newer cases, is a snap closure inscribed with a perfectly centered and executed signature logo and, at the left, a larger logo stamped on the case, sometimes in matte gold or black.
There will be a prominent Ray-Ban signature logo in the upper corner of the right lens and a very subtle BL (for glasses made before 2000) or RB (for those made in 2000 or later) etched on the left one. The logos appear on the opposite sides for prescription lenses.
If faced with Ray-Bans of questionable provenance, remember: The truth may hinge on the hinges. Ray-Bans will always have solid metal, not plastic, hinges, and they will be attached to the frame with screws or rivets, not glue.
A pair of classic designer sunglasses can be a game-changing finishing touch to your ensemble. Find your perfect pair of vintage Ray-Ban sunglasses on 1stDibs.
- 1990s Cartier Vintage Sunglasses Black with Silver LogoBy CartierLocated in North Hollywood, CAVintage Cartier classic black sunglasses with silver CC logo. Classic, timeless, sophisticated piece to add to your wardrobe Authentic, vintage, rare, Cartier Paris France Black Jackie O. Sunglasses Original 1990s Cartier sunglasses features black frame, both arms sport the CC from Cartier iconic logo signature temple adornment. These are like a pair of jewels on your nose. Beautiful design and a real sign of the times. Designed and produced in the 90's limited edition. Description: Classic vintage Cartier black resin sunglasses. Comes with original case. Period: 1990s Condition: Good, may show minor sign of wear due to age. All hallmarks. Classic sunglasses...Category
20th Century French Sunglasses
$760 Sale Price20% Off - Dolce & Gabbana Pastel made in Italy Butterfly Oversized Sunglasses NIBBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Boston, MACreamy peach pastel frame with flattering, butterfly-shaped lens. In boxes, with bag and everything included in the photos. Unused gift. Tag is still attached.Category
2010s Italian Sunglasses
$192 Sale Price20% Off - NEW S/S 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Pony Hair Appliqué SunglassesBy Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a fabulous pair of cow-print pony hair Versace sunglasses, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1999 collection, these sunglasses are covered in dotted po...Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- Exceptional Hermès Vintage Glasses Case Beige Ostrich Leather RAREBy HermèsLocated in FRRare Authentic Hermès Glasses Case Exceptional Piece, extremely rare Made in France No datation stamp, Vintage item Made of ostrich leather, inside lined with a soft material Co...Category
Late 20th Century French Sunglasses
- Early 1990s Gianni Versace Medusa Greek Key Medallion Brimmed Wool HatBy Gianni VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a chic Gianni Versace Couture hat, designed by Gianni Versace. From the early 1990s, this brimmed hat in black wool prominently features a large gold Medusa logo emblem on...Category
1990s Italian Hats
- 2000s Gianni Versace by Donatella Greek Key Enamel Buckle Wool Wide Brim HatBy Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a versatile floppy Gianni Versace hat, designed by Donatella Versace. From the early 2000s, this hat can be worn down as a floppy hat or with th...Category
Early 2000s Italian Hats