2008 Revival of the Aviator Trend
The Timeless Appeal of Classic Aviator Sunglasses
When to comes to sunglasses, everyone is wearing aviators this year. Back in style, with glamorous gradient lenses and embellished frames, aviators are right-on-trend.
Since their initial launch in 1937 by sunglass giant Ray-Ban, the classic aviator is still going strong but current styles vary slightly this season. Popular with celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham, these classic shades are now available in embellished versions, a 70s retro look or futuristic plastic frames. Think Tom Cruise in Top Gunn and Farah Fawcett in Charlie’s Angeles, retro metal is once again hip and hot.
Favored by the Hollywood set, from Marilyn Munroe to Madonna, Ray Ban sunglasses are the best selling (and probably the most recognized) eyewear in the world; with brands like the Aviator and Wayfarer, Warrior and Predator.
The History of Aviator Sunglasses
First designed by Ray Ban in 1937, Aviators were originally worn by U.S. air force pilots and that is how they got their name. Later they were spotlighted on the movie screen by James Dean and Tom Cruise, and today women are just as comfortable wearing this iconic status symbol.
Aviators are characterized by a distinctive double-bridge and their large, dark, often reflective drop-shaped lenses, which are two or three times the area of the eye. The size and shape of the lens prevents as much light as possible from entering the eye, no matter what the angle. Initially the design was based on the flying goggles which Ray Ban were selling to the Navy and the Military. Aviators are also popular with North American police forces, due to their extensive eye protection and reduction in glare.
How to Wear Aviators
Aviators are a good investment as they remain timeless. Classic sunglass styles of this type rarely go through a major overhaul like other areas of fashion, so they will transcend seasons.
However, whether it’s iconic Ray Bans or other designer labels, every year there are slightly new twists on the classic frame. 2008 sees colored drop-lenses with elegant gradients, embellishments, oversized retro or fun and flirty plastic frames.
Aviator styles are ideal everyday eyewear as they can toughen up a feminine frock or provide a touch of street style chic with jeans and a bomber jacket. Fashionising.com suggests breaking with convention and going for a unisex style or a style intended for the opposite sex, which makes a very individual fashion statement.
Other Brands
In addition to Ray Bans, other well-known designers such as Burberry, Dolce & Gabanna, Gucci and Prada have their own branded versions. One of the most stylish for 2008 is the large Burberry Retro Aviator 3020, with thick arm-frame. For something a little more delicate there’s Prada’s 56IS or 65IS with diamante studs along the arms. One of the hottest runway looks at the moment, being promoted heavily by online stores such as Net-a-Porter and Asos, is Matthew Williamson's oversized aviators. According to Net-a-Porter, "these oversized and super-chic classic aviators will last for summers to come." To get an idea of the many aviator styles available, and which best suit your face shape, dedicated online sites like SunglassHut offer a wide selection of designer brands and style advice.
