If the Aviator represented sleek, military-derived cool, the introduction of the Ray-Ban Wayfarer in 1956 was nothing short of a revolution. At a time when sunglasses were predominantly made of metal and followed a conservative, rounded design, the Wayfarer broke the mold. Designed by Raymond Stegeman, it was the first sunglasses model to feature a plastic frame. Its bold, trapezoidal shape, distinctive browline, and kick-out ends were a radical departure from anything on the market. Initially, its modern, almost architectural aesthetic was embraced by the jazz and Hollywood elite, including icons like Audrey Hepburn and Roy Orbison. However, by the 1970s, the Wayfarer had fallen out of fashion, perceived as outdated and square—a fate that seemed to signal the end of its brief reign.
The resurrection of the Wayfarer in the 1980s is one of the greatest comeback stories in fashion history. This revival was almost single-handedly engineered by its strategic placement in films and music videos. Its pivotal moment came in 1983 with the film Risky Business, where a young Tom Cruise danced in his underwear wearing Wayfarers. This scene injected the model with a new, irreverent, and effortlessly cool energy. Simultaneously, the rise of MTV created a powerful new promotional vehicle. Artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and most notably, the Blues Brothers (Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi), adopted the Wayfarer as a key part of their iconic look. It became synonymous with the creative explosion of 80s pop culture, representing a blend of retro charm and contemporary attitude that captivated a new generation.
The Wayfarer’s second act cemented its status as a true icon. Its universal, gender-neutral design and sturdy construction made it a perennial favorite. Unlike the Aviator, which conveys a specific aviation-inspired vibe, the Wayfarer is incredibly versatile, complementing a wide range of face shapes and personal styles. Recognizing its enduring appeal, Ray-Ban has continuously expanded the Wayfarer line, offering it in countless colors, patterns (like tortoiseshell), sizes, and collaborations. The model’s influence is immeasurable; it paved the way for plastic-frame sunglasses and demonstrated the power of pop culture in shaping fashion trends. The Ray-Ban Wayfarer is more than just a pair of sunglasses; it is a cultural touchstone that redefined cool for the 20th century and continues to be a symbol of confident, individual style.