Ray-Ban: Trite or Classic?

Ray-Ban was owned by Bausch and Lomb and sold to Luxottica in 1999.  They originated (or popularized) many iconic eyeglass frames, including Aviators, Wayfarers (probably what the original poster meant by "Ray-Bans"), Clubmasters ("Malcolm X glasses"), and Baloramas (wrap-arounds worn by Clint Eastwood in the original Dirty Harry).

The modern Luxottica versions of several frames (e.g., Wayfarers) now have a gaudy script "Ray Ban" logo on the temple.  Other than that, I would call them classics.

Paddle-temple square aviators are military-specification glasses designed to fit under flight helmets.  Randolph Engineering, American Optical, and other companies make them.

Ray Ban's are a classic brand.  I would vouch for the quality of the Luxottica manufactured ones as well, at least the Wayfarers and Aviators, mine have been fine.  There's no reason to put one brand in front of the other though, good glasses could be had across the spectrum of styles.  Anyone who is bagging on RayBans because they are "mainstream" is just the typical "Look how awesome I am because I am different" type, which honestly is more common than just buying what you like in the first place.

FWIW, my other glasses are Oakley Juliets which are absolutely awesome performance wise.  I went through a phase of thinking Oakleys were lame for being mainstream in the late 90's until I realized how ridiculous that notion is.

Cheers

This question is akin to asking a consensus on Coca Cola.  Some will like them, some won't.  The only opinion that matters is your own.  

To answer your question, Yes they are classics.  They popularized the two most iconic sunglasses; Aviator and Wayfarer.  My older siblings always had Raybans.  I have a Persol and RE.  

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonggoy 

This question is akin to asking a consensus on Coca Cola.  Some will like them, some won't.  The only opinion that matters is your own.  

 

 

Exactly