The 10 Best "One Hit Wonders" From The 1980s
January 9th, 2021
Ray-Ban sunglasses have always been popular, and perhaps part of the reason for this is the technology behind the brand. Ray-Ban was developed back in 1937, because the US Army Air Corps wanted sunglasses to protect aviators from glare. They also had to look good because military pilots cared about those things, and the Air Corps wanted to use pictures of pilots in sunglasses as recruiting tools. The pilots loved the Ray-Ban design when they first saw it, as it used anti-glare lens which protect the eyes from UV rays while also using lightweight gold-plated metal for the frame. They simply looked cool as well.
These were the famed “Aviator” sunglasses, and you’ll see a lot of military pictures with people wearing them. Among the most iconic pics are those of General MacArthur, especially the one he wore when he landed on a beach in the Philippines in order to fulfill his promise to return. Ray-ban also launched the Wayfarer, which became popular too especially when Audrey Hepburn never seemed to take it off in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
But there is “popular”, and then there’s 1980s popular. There’s a difference, and Tom Cruise was that difference. Of all the celebrities who have worn the iconic brand, it was Tom Cruise who made Ray-Ban a mega-success to this day. Ray-Ban was worn by countless celebs, and has been shown on numerous product placements in TV shows and movies. But Tom Cruise made the Wayfarer and the Aviators uber cool.