Sunglasses have come a long way since their inception and their evolution is an interesting reflection of changing fashion, technology and culture. Originally, sunglasses were considered a luxury item, worn only by the rich and aristocratic to protect their eyes from the glare of the sun. Today, they are a ubiquitous accessory worn by people of all ages and backgrounds, for both practical and aesthetic reasons.
The earliest known sunglasses were worn by the Inuit people, who carved fine slits in bone and ivory to create lenses that would reduce the glare of the sun reflecting off snow and ice. The ancient Chinese also used sunglasses, using flat smoked quartz panels to filter out UV rays. However, sunglasses as we know them today didn't become popular until the early 20th century.
The first modern sunglasses were created by an American inventor named Sam Foster in 1929. Foster was inspired by the shiny sunglasses worn by Hollywood movie stars and decided to mass produce his own line of sunglasses. He named his company Foster Grant and sold his sunglasses on the sidewalks of Atlantic City.
Sunglasses quickly became popular with Americans, but it wasn't until the 1930s that they began to gain worldwide recognition. This was largely due to the popularity of aviator sunglasses, which were originally designed by Bausch & Lomb for pilots in the United States Army Air Corps. The aviator style included large tear-shaped lenses that provided excellent coverage and protection from the sun. They became a symbol of American military might and were soon adopted by civilians around the world.
In the 1950s, sunglasses took on a new dimension as a fashion accessory. Movie stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe popularised oversized sunglasses and they quickly became an essential item for fashion-loving women. The 1960s saw the rise of the "hippie" culture and sunglasses became an integral part of this lifestyle. Round wire-frame sunglasses were worn by many hippies and remain popular today as a retro style. In the 1980s, sunglasses took on a new life as a status symbol. Designer brands such as Ray-Ban and Oakley became highly sought after and people were willing to pay top dollar for the latest styles. Mask-style sunglasses became popular forsports enthusiasts and mirrored lenses were a must for those who wanted to stand out in a crowd. Today, sunglasses continue to evolve as technology advances. Polarized lenses reduce glare and provide better visibility, while photochromic lenses automatically adjust to changing light conditions. Sunglasses with Bluetooth technology allow users to listen to music and take phone calls while on the go. Sunglasses with built-in cameras and heads-up displays are now available, providing even more functionality.
In summary, sunglasses have come a long way since their early days as a tool for Inuit hunters and Chinese emperors. Today, they are a ubiquitous accessory that reflects changing fashion, technology and culture. From their humble beginnings as a practical tool for pilots and fishermen, sunglasses have grown into a multi-billion dollar industry that caters to the needs and desires of people around the world. Whether you prefer the classic aviator or the latest high-tech models, one thing is certain - sunglasses will continue to evolve and adapt to consumer needs for years to come.
