The Iconic Shades: A Cultural Phenomenon in Eyewear Fashion
Introduction
Sunglasses have been an essential accessory for decades. They not only protect our eyes from harmful UV rays but have also become a fashion statement. However, some sunglasses have become more than just fashion accessories. They have become iconic and synonymous with a particular culture, time period, or even a celebrity. These legends are known as the “iconic shades.”
History of Iconic Shades
The history of iconic shades dates back to the 1930s when Ray-Ban introduced the Aviator sunglasses. The design was initially created for pilots to protect their eyes from the sun and glare at high altitudes. However, in the 1950s, they gained popularity among Hollywood stars, and suddenly the Aviator became a cultural icon.
In the 1960s, the Wayfarer was introduced by Ray-Ban. It quickly became popular among musicians such as Bob Dylan and Audrey Hepburn. By the 1980s, the Wayfarer was everywhere. TV shows such as Miami Vice and movies like The Blues Brothers showcased the sunglasses, making them a cultural icon of the time.
Another iconic shade that emerged in the 1960s was the Oakley Frogskins. The sunglasses became famous in the skateboarding and surfing communities due to their durable construction and unique style. The sunglasses were a critical part of the culture and had a notable place in the skateboarding fashion.
Types of Iconic Shades
The Aviator, Wayfarer, and Frogskins are just a few examples of the iconic shades. There is a vast array of sunglasses that have become cultural phenomena over the years. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Clubmasters
Introduced in the 1950s by Ray-Ban, Clubmasters were a popular choice among intellectuals and political activists. They became a part of the counterculture in the 1960s and gained fame among famous personalities such as Malcolm X.
Round Sunglasses
Known as the “John Lennon sunglasses,” the round sunglasses became famous because of the legendary Beatle’s fashion statement. The sunglasses saw a resurgence in the 2000s, with celebrities such as Mary-Kate Olsen and Kanye West sporting the look.
Cat Eye Sunglasses
The cat-eye sunglasses are iconic for their retro feminine look. They gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, with icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor sporting the shades.
Why do Iconic Shades become Popular?
The popularity of iconic shades is often attributed to the celebrity factor. Many celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, James Dean, and Tom Cruise, have helped popularize these sunglasses by sporting them on-screen, off-screen, or in popular culture. The association with celebrities, movies, and TV shows have made the shades a part of the cultural zeitgeist.
Moreover, iconic shades have unique designs that can withstand time. They have been around for decades and have managed to retain their popularity all this time. Many of them have become timeless classics, which makes them so popular.
The Business of Iconic Shades
It’s no secret that iconic shades are a lucrative business. Companies such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Persol have made a fortune from these popular sunglasses, which have become tradition and passed down through the years. Some of these sunglasses can be quite expensive, costing thousands of dollars. However, some companies have introduced cheaper alternatives, making iconic shades accessible to more people.
Conclusion
Iconic shades are not just sunglasses, but cultural phenomena of their time. They connect to a particular culture, a state of mind, or even an individual’s personality. They have been around for decades and have managed to stay popular through the ages, making them timeless classics. As long as there is popular culture, there will always be iconic sunglasses.
