Top Gun and our aviator sunglassess obsession

Aviator sunglasses are back, well for us they never really left, with the release of Top Gun: Maverick this month, so don’t lose that loving feeling and fall in love with vintage aviator sunglasses all over again.

a little Aviator sunglasses history

During World War II the military procured glasses for pilots that enhanced vision and reduced glare at altitude. There’s some debate about who was first to design aviator sunglasses. American Optical (AO) supplied essential goggles to US military pilots. 

The US Army Air Corps enlisted another eyewear master Bausch & Lomb who developed the iconic Ray-Ban Aviator in the 1930s. They hit the mainstream in 1950s and then had a surge of popularity in the 1970s and 1980s with the release of Top Gun.

Top Gun 2 Maverick

It was 1986 when Top Gun was released and we all fell a little bit in love with Tom Cruise as Maverick (not to mention Val Kilmer and Kelly McGillis) but it was really the gold aviator sunglasses he wore that stole the show (along with the shirtless beach volleyball).

So now Maverick’s back and if you’re after an action packed adrenaline rush, aerial scenes and songs by Lady Gaga, this could be one of your movies of the summer.

why we love aviator sunglasses

Not just for pilots we love aviator sunglasses as it’s such a classic timeless look that will never date. Freshen things up and wear them as your glasses frame. Choose from 70s square acetate aviators or the iconic 80s metal pilot teardrop style.

Adored by celebrities like Al Pacino in Scarface, Robert De Niro, in the 1976 film Taxi Driver and feminist Gloria Steinem in her 70s aviators.

Take a peep at our curated collection of vintage aviator sunglasses, add in your prescription or change up the tint colour and make like a maverick this summer.

I’m off to book my movie seats.. you?

Jo

Pair your eyewear with vintage jewellery

If there’s one thing we love more than eyewear, it’s vintage jewellery and the two make perfect partners. Team your eyewear with authentic vintage and preloved jewellery - we’ve teamed up with jewellery experts William May Jewellers to get their take on the hottest retro jewellery styles to wear with your vintage frames.

Aviators, squares and hoops

For an authentic 70s luxe look (think BBC’s The Serpent), pair your oversized Aviators with classic gold hoops. Oversized thin hoops or smaller creole hoop earrings both work well with aviators and other 70s large wire and acetate frames.

gold creole and skinny hoops from William May

Oversized 80s frames with big bold jewellery

If you want to channel the Lady Gaga’s look from House of Gucci (and frankly who wouldn’t) go with oversized round or square glasses from the late 70s and 80s, team them up with chunky yellow gold jewels.

Big bold chains are having a moment, are oh so retro and are best-sellers at William May, from classic yellow gold, to chains set with sparkling crystals.

chunky gold chains from William May

And to complete the full on House of Gucci look, go for big yellow gold bracelets, dress rings and chunky gold earrings.

vintage gold selection from William May

I’m currently obsessing over gold jewellery and I’d be happy waking up to any of these in my stocking on Christmas morning.. or you could just treat yourself.

Jo