The Ray-Ban sunglasses story starts with an explorer named, Lieutenant John MacCready, who after returning from a balloon flying adventure, complained that the sun had permanently damaged his eyes. He contacted Bausch & Lomb (the founders of Ray-Ban) setting them the challenge to create sunglasses that would provide protection but also look elegant. On May 7, 1937, Bausch & Lomb took out the patent. The prototype, known as ‘Anti-Glare’, had an extremely light frame weighing in at just 150 grams. They were made of gold-plated metal with green lenses made of mineral glass to filter out infrared and ultraviolet rays.

Using the patent, Ray-Ban continued to develop their patented technology, but this time round, for the US Air force pilots who adopted the Ray-Ban Aviator due to its light weight frame but innovative UV protection, providing them with the clearest vision whilst flying, yet. Sworn by heroes of the skies, the Ray-Ban Aviator sparked the beginning of an iconic sunglasses brand that has become a global household name, recognized by all ages and fashions.