Ray-Ban Wayfarer: A Journey of a Lifetime

It's no secret that all Ray-Ban models are unique, interesting, and unforgettable in their own way. But only a few of them hold the honor of being LEGENDARY. Wayfarer sunglasses are exactly that exception! =)

The Plastic Revolution

So, it’s the year 1952. American optical designer Raymond Stegeman creates the innovative Wayfarer model, whose name literally translates to traveler or wanderer.



What was innovative about it? To a 21st-century consumer, it might not seem so groundbreaking, but for consumers of the mid-20th century, this innovation was truly exciting: for the first time, glasses were offered not in the familiar metal frames but in what would you think — PLASTIC!

Hello, Popularity!

Wayfarer was instantly recognized as a symbol of the modern era. Thus began the craze, which only subsided by the late 1960s.

It didn’t stay quiet for long, though. In 1980, the movie “The Blues Brothers” was released, and the “traveler glasses” regained popularity: in 1981 alone, 18,000 pairs were sold.



What followed was even more, and in 1982, Ray-Ban signed a product placement contract (Unique Product Placement of Burbank, California) for its products in films and TV programs.

Over five years, Ray-Ban glasses appeared in more than 60 different shows and movies: only after the release of “Risky Business,” in which Tom Cruise was spotted wearing Wayfarers, did the company’s sales soar to 360,000 pairs per year.



Thanks to smart marketing and undeniable comfort, the model became loved not only by ordinary citizens but also by celebrities: Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Madonna, Elvis Costello, U2, Billy Joel, Jack Nicholson, Woody Allen, and many more preferred Wayfarers for sun protection.



Around the same time, in 1989 to be exact, the Folding Wayfarer model was introduced — a more practical version that also helped the brand stay on top of its fame.

A Miniature Comeback

Even great love needs a break, which happened in the early 90s: Wayfarer sales sharply declined. Then, the Ray-Ban team decided to go for another trick — reshaping the model itself.



What was the rebranding about? The frame became smaller, its angles softer, and the plastic was replaced with a lighter version. Thus, in 2001, the Ray-Ban Wayfarer New collection was born.

Even Vampires Wear Wayfarers

By the end of the 2000s, an interest in vintage items awoke among celebrities and society in general. And once again, the “wanderers” were at the peak of popularity.

Rihanna, Mary-Kate Olsen, Bruno Mars, and even “the best vampire” of modern times, Robert Pattinson, all wear Wayfarers.



Despite its popularity, this model continues to evolve and modernize, offering consumers variations with different plastics and lenses. For example, by summer 2013, the Original Wayfarer Ice Pops collection was released, resembling a summer’s favorite — ice cream.



Strangely, after all these years, through the rise and fall of countless subcultures and trends, Wayfarer, like a true traveler, continues its journey of a lifetime...

And we, as true romantics, are helping it along the way =): Ray-Ban Wayfarer in our store.



Katy Perry wears Ray-Ban Wayfarer in her music video for "Teenage Dream"