AVIATORS IN MOVIES

At the beginning of the 20th century, thanks to the advances in technology, pilots were flying higher and higher, trying to brake existing altitude records. In order to do this, they had to fight extremely low temperatures and very bright lights. After a certain altitude, the pilots goggles would fog, forcing them to take them off for a better vision, which ultimately would cause great damage to their eyes. Having suffered from this himself and seeing good friends going through these painful experiences, John Macready began collaborating with Bausch & Lomb, an American eye-health company, to develop aviator sunglasses for the army. “My dad gave Bausch & Lomb the original shape, tint and fit” of aviator lenses, said Sally Macready Wallace. By the 1970s, a “ladies” version of the glasses came in pink, with rhinestones and spangles.

The aviator sunglasses became famous once General Douglas MacArthur was photographed wearing them in the Philippines, in World War II (see above photo). In time, the aviator model was adopted by many designers, each putting their own signature on this classic frames shape, as you’ll be able to see from sunglasscurator’s selection –  Cutler and Gross, DITA Eyewear, Thom Browne, Spektre, Victoria Beckham. This is to show the versatility of this amazing frame!

BRAD PITT IN "ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD"

With such a great pedigree, it wasn’t long since celebrities, singers and actors alike, starting embracing them. Since we love movies here at sunglasscurator, we wanted to bring back to you some of the most famous and enjoyable aviator sunglasses appearances in the moving arts.

ANGELINA JOLIE IN "MR & MRS SMITH"	JENNIFER LAWRENCE "JOY"
RAMI MALEK IN "BOHEMIAM RAPSODY"	JIM CARREY IN "ME, MYSELF, IRENE"

Classic aviator sunglasses featuring lightweight wire frames are versatile enough to accompany all kinds of outfit combinations. Part of this shape’s appeal is its masculinity, but as a proof that fashion is focused less on the binary most aviators are unisex. As seen in “MR & MRS SMITH”, “JOY”, “BOHEMIAM RAPSODY”, “ME, MYSELF & IRENE”. For more inspiration check our CUTLER AND GROSS.

AL PACINO IN "SCARFACE"	BENICIO DEL TORO "SNATCH"
LUKE WILSON IN "THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS"	ROBERT DE NIRO IN "CASINO"

Go beyond the norm and opt for a pair of chunky aviator sunglasses, featuring oversized options and statuesque silhouettes in thick acetate. Shield aviator glasses are flattering for both men and women. As seen in "SCARFACE", "SNATCH", "THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS" or "CASINO". For more inspiration check out DITA EYEWEAR.