Every now and then, something new comes to our attention here at Sheinman. This week, it came in the form of Brummell magazine’s editorial supplement on the history of the world’s most iconic sunpec ranges featuring Ray-Ban and Persol; some of our most beloved brands here in the practice.

Brands like Ray-Ban and Persol which have both earned their place in the wardbrobes and hearts of the famous and non-famous alike for their timeless looks and undeniable quality. It took me back to when I joined Sheinman in 1999, I could not wait to own my first pair of Ray-Bans, it seemed like such a rite de passage at that tender point of my career!  I can remember them now, and how amazing it felt to own such an iconic pair of sunspecs!

The Brummell supplement, entitled “Beau” delves into the history of both brands, some of which I’ll quote for you here.

“The Ray-Ban story began with the United States Army Air Corps in 1929, when pilots began complaining about excessive glare and eye-strain caused by sunlight at high altitude. The USAAC put out requests for a solution. In the early 1930s, one company produced a range of protective sunglasses with a dark green, teardrop-shaped lenses designed to cover as much of the human eye as possible, with this, yet robust frames and arms….in 1937 these glasses were released to the public under the brand name Ray-Ban and the model became known as the Aviator.” The Aviator has been immortalized by famous wearers such as Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Michael Jackson, Brad Pitt, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson and Lady Gaga. Ray-Ban consequently introduced more models which have also gone on to earn their place in the sunspec Hall of Fame: the Wayfarer, the Outdoorsman and the Clubmaster, there really is something for everyone in the range and we are happy to offer Ray-Ban’s new relaunched prescription programme here at Sheinman, too.

Another icon featured in Beau is the folding Persol 714, as worn by Steve McQueen the The Thomas Crown Affair. Still made by hand in the original factory in Turin, Italy; founder Giuseppe Ratti’s patented arrows (inspired by the swords of ancient warriors) still adorn the sides of each Persol frame today. The 714 was the world’s first folding sunspec and required the introduction of 10 extra manufacturing steps in its production. The lenses are of the finest quality and the unique Meflecto hinge system makes theses some of the most comfortable frames to wear.

Call in to view both of these amazing ranges now, more info on Brummell magazine can be found here. Original article credit to Robert Ryan.

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