The history of sunglasses
Take a trip down memory lane and check out the history of sunglasses as we celebrate International Sunglasses Day
It's International Sunglasses day and we think that's a day worth celebrating. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and check out the history of sunglasses…
Ocean vintage sunnies
Sunglasses or 'suncheaters' have a colourful history, from the Roman Emperor Nero who viewed gladiator matches through an emerald, to the Inuits ingenious snow goggles design, featuring small slits to limit the suns access and prevent snow blindness.
Inuit wooden snow goggles
The Chinese were known to use pieces of smoky quartz as vision aids. Known as Ai Tai, meaning ‘dark clouds covering the sun’, the scrolls say they were worn in court to conceal their facial expressions during trials - handy!
The first tinted sunnies 'Goldoni Glasses' appeared in Venice, Italy in the late 18th century. Named after the famous playwright Carlo Goldoni, they were worn by gondoliers on the sunny canals of Venice. At the same time 'eye preservers' were popular in Britain with peeps that suffered from light sensitivity.
In the 1920s sunglasses were sold off the Atlantic City boardwalk by Sam Foster and became a fashion staple amongst the rich and famous. Actors and actresses loved them as they shielded their eyes from the blinding movie set lights. Off screen sunglasses were perfect for remaining incognito.
During World War II, the military designed spectacles for pilots that would enhance vision and reduce glare at altitude. The US Army Air Corps enlisted the help of eyeglasses maker Bausch & Lomb, who developed the iconic Ray-Ban Aviator in 1939. They went on to use ground breaking plastic molding technology in the 50’s and the Wayfarer was born.
In the 60s and 70s everything got supersized and we have Jackie O to thank for making oversized sunglasses a thing - and the rest as they say is history (of sunglasses).
Photo by Hust Wilson on Unsplash
Sunglasses are so important for blocking the sun's ultraviolet light. Exposure to light and UV radiation is linked to serious eye conditions... cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis (corneal sunburn), and cancerous growths of the eye... ouch!
Protect your peepers by investing in quality sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB radiation. It's not the colour of the lenses, it's the percentage of UV protection that counts. Go for 100% every time. Although tiny 90s glasses are enjoying a revival, it's oversized or wraparound sunglasses that block the most sun, especially when those rays are bouncing off sand and sea.
Stay safe and celebrate those sunnies!
Check out our latest summer styles here.
Jo
Spring (sunglasses) have Sprung
It’s official, throw open the windows and let Spring in. Taking care of your skin and yourself this Spring…
Blooms by Veri Ivanova on Unsplash
It's official! Throw off your cardigans and throw open the windows. Blooms are abundant and so it's time to move things alfresco.
Spring is the season to start afresh. Get outside and get amongst nature; the extra daylight gives our senses a natural boost and the blue skies and warm air are sure to put a spring in our step.
It's also the perfect time to make changes and shake things up wardrobe wise. We've gone dotty about spots, flora + fauna and upcycling denim wherever we can.
Photo by Sarandy Westfall on Unsplash
We'll also be taking extra care of our skin with the help of BADs Sun Awareness Week raising awareness of skin cancer from sun damage with their 'Don't Bake' Bake campaign. Scarily skin cancer is the UKs most common form of cancer and worryingly 1 in 3 of us are still getting burnt by the sun!
Rates of melanoma in the UK have quadrupled since the 1970s. Over 15,000 new cases occur every year in the UK. So slap on the sunscreen peeps, pop on your sunnies and stay safe in the sun.
Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash
We can bespoke any of our vintage eyewear into sunnies, just in time for the next heatwave...
Metallics are having a moment for Spring/Summer, we're loving the recent influx of delicate metal frames in every shade of spring - think cornflower blues and mint greens.
Frames with botanical inspired patterns are also topping our lust list.
Ivy