Twenty-five days of Christmas: Day #5 (late edition)

Ray-Ban Sunglasses

I love sunglasses, and I personally would love to receive a pair for Christmas. (Disclaimer: This isn’t what I really want for Christmas.) So I figure other like-minded people would also like to receive a pair, too. My hands-down, all-time, ultimate favorite sunglasses brand is Ray-Ban.

There is nothing more appealing to me than seeing someone sipping a latte somewhere wearing Ray-Bans — they are the epitome of effortless chic. I instantly think they're famous. If you know someone who loves the classics, or who you think would benefit from the addition of a few classics into their life, what would be better than giving the Ray-Ban holy trinity — the Wayfarer, the Aviator and the Clubmaster?

These are the three most classic designs from the Italian eyewear maker and I assure you they flatter nearly everybody. (Not flatter in a those-suit-you-so-well way, flatter in a those-are-interesting-and-bold-and-slightly-off-kilter way.) I don’t think eyewear should look organic on a person’s face. It should look a little conspicuous. 

I always find it fascinating to see people from all walks of life — from models to seniors — wearing these three designs. Any it seemed like EVERYone in Italy was wearing Ray-Bans when I visited there this spring. Isn’t that reason enough to give them this Christmas? And please, if you’re wise, don’t tell me that you never buy nice sunglasses because you — or the person you give them to would — lose them all the time... To me that’s like saying you never eat good food because you digest it all the time. Who cares? I’d rather lose nice things than wear lots of ugly things any day. I wish everyone would adopt this philosophy.

Here’s a bit of history on these three iconic frames: 

Wayfarer

The Ray-Ban Wayfarer was designed in 1952 and is now considered a design icon. The Wayfarer ushered in a new look (plastic frames rather than metal) and were very successful from the get-go. Almost every celebrity has sported a pair over the decades (who can forget a Wayfarer-clad Tom Cruise sliding around in his underwear in Risky Business, or a fingerless lace-gloved Madonna fondling a pair in the Lucky Star video?) and their popularity is at an all-time high. Don’t let their current spike in popularity discourage you from owning or giving a pair this Christmas, though. They’re classics and will always be classics. The only consideration when buying them is colour and design. In the early 2000s the Wayfarer was redesigned, so buyer beware: you can go classic classic or new classic. There are also a host of colour options, from pink to tortoise shell. (I would go with the original design in black myself, because that’s what I have and I know it’s PERfection.)

Cecile and me (sporting my Wayfarers) at Villa la Massa outside of Florence. I am, in fact, wearing shorts

Clubmaster

Mark my words, the Clubmaster will have a surge of popularity in the next year or two (and it has, in fact, already begun... it usually takes a while longer for trends to make their way to Canada). Reminiscent of the Wayfarer, the Clubmaster is a metal and plastic design that looks preppy and rockabilly at the same time. I admittedly don’t know much about the history of this style, but I think it was introduced in the 1980s as a retro look. (Remember how the 1980s were nostalgic for the 1960s, the 90s for the 70s and now the 2000s are all about the 80s — how oh how will we recapture the spirit of the 90s in the next decade? I guess I’ll have to find some silk shirts and Doc Martins.) I really love my Clubmasters. It took me a while to get used to them, but they go with me everywhere I travel. Wearing them feels a little bit insider and unexpected. I would LOVE to make a pair into eyeglasses one day!

Cecile and me (wearing my Clubmasters) enjoying a leisurely afternoon in Milan

Aviator

This is how it all began, folks. The Ray-Ban Aviator was created originally created for the U.S. military fighter pilots in 1937. I love the thought that the same style of sunglasses that I own now were also worn by men over seventy years ago. The Aviator has since moved beyond its practical use into mainstream fashion. Sure, other amazing eyewear companies have created their version of the Aviator (often for triple or quadruple the price), but make no mistake, the Ray-Ban Aviator is the original. It continues to be the best-looking most authentic among the competition. Tip: the gold finish is classic and in my opinion the one to go with!

Lost in Florence wearing my Aviators. See, I took the Ray-Ban holy trinity to Italy with me!

I’m not pressuring anyone into buying all three pairs for Christmas, I’m just saying it’s a good idea. Ray-Ban sunglasses are surprisingly inexpensive. They’re also unisex (so they’re perfect for anyone), ageless and they can be found virtually anywhere.

www.ray-ban.com