In 1929, US Army Air Corps Colonel John A. Macready contacted the recognised medical equipment company Bausch & Lomb to develop dedicated aviation sunglasses that would reduce the effect of the sun and intense blue and white colours of the sky.
A prototype was created in 1936 and known as “Anti-Glare”, frames and green lenses that could cut out the glare without obscuring vision. The name “Ray-Ban” was hence derived from the ability of these glasses to limit the ingress of either ultraviolet or infrared rays of light. Other characteristics were added: Impact-resistant lenses in 1938, a metal frame, and patenting the product as Ray-Ban Aviator.
The product was not just a success within the US Army, but it also gained popularity in society. Bausch & Lomb capitalised on this success by creating new models or recalling old ones, applying a strong commercial policy, introducing new materials, new designs, and customising options.
In 1999, Busch & Lomb sold the brand to Luxottica Group, an Italian eyewear holding, for a reported $640 million. Nobody could imagine in the 30s how a technical need could become such a big business. Many factors occurred, but surely, a combination of the use of new technologies, the creation of high-performance products, and a well-driven marketing strategy helped it happen.
As the brand approaches its 100th anniversary, its most pressing concern is how to combat the proliferation of counterfeits that are appearing all over the world. This milestone is a testament to the brand’s enduring appeal and longevity.
