Ray Ban Timberline

As part of a series oriented towards snow sports in the 80s the Ray Ban Timberline is typical of this generation. The frame evokes a large aviator style of design, but made in blue plastic, a material that is much more comfortable to wear in cold climates. This pair has the "changeable" blue lenses that go from a very light blue indoors to a medium dark blue in bright sunlight. With the cool blue lenses and the large somewhat nerdy frame you are left with a classic example of 80s style and flavor.

Vuarnet 502

The Vuarnet 502 has the distinctive "cateye" shape of one of their most popular models, the 002 but here it is offered in a folding variation that collapses into highly portable and compact form. The pair here also have the "Skilynx" lenses with a double gradient mirrored exterior for maximum eye protection in high altitude and high glare situations and also have a blue internal anti-reflective coating to reduce back reflections. The lenses have a strong yellow tint to them that take awhile to get used to but give significant glare reduction and increased contrast to the wearer and are very popular and effective for skiers.

American Optical Pilot

With a simple and classic form the American Optical Pilot has been the standard military issue sunglasses for pilots since 1958 and is classic example of form following function. This model features "bayonet" temples that hold onto to your head with a slight inward pressure and allows the user to quickly put them on or take them off, even when wearing a helmet or other head gear. The grey glass lenses are neutral in color to allow a true color rendition of the world while reducing glare and providing UV protection.

Persol 58230

The Persol 58230 combines a simple clean profile with a slight wraparound shape to create an elegant and sporting design. The front profile creates a slight V shape which is followed by thin temples to give a impression of speed. This frame is made in a honey brown acetate plastic and has the classic Persol brown lenses that lend a warmth to the world viewed through them. This model in black was used in the movie Terminator 2.

Ray Ban Outdoorsmen Fantasees

This Pair of Ray Ban Outdoorsmen are part of their special "Fantasees" series that is distinguished by their "changeable" variable density gradient lenses. The lens color is a light brown that gets lighter towards the bottom for a very complimentary look and gets darker when exposed to bright light. This pair also has the utilitarian cable temples for a secure fit during any activities and works to balance out the delicateness of the lenses.

Sutro Cinema

Sutro is a small San Francisco based brand of hand crafted sunglasses and use a unique hinge unlike any other pair of sunglasses made. The model shown here is called the Cinema and has a nicely shaped matte brown frame with high quality glass lenses made by Barberini in Italy. The hinge is not only a strong visual design feature but it is strong and very functional with a spring loaded ratchet mechanism with 3 détentes and a slight spring tension to keep a secure and comfortable fit. These sunglasses have a nice simple contemporary look with vintage touches that allow for a very wearable pair of sunglasses and are good for every day type of wear. I purchased these at my new friend Dimitri's store, called Glare situated on 24th St. in San Francisco, go check them out they have a fabulous collection of sunglasses for sale.

Persol 103 Manager

The Persol 103 is part of their special "Manager" series and is a limited edition.This model features a large frontal face that is contemporary and strong and is balanced by gold trim on both the top of the frame and then on the temples in a rendition of the classic Persol arrow. With a large and shiny black frame accented with gold the Persol 103 are a modern and elegant accessory that can be worn on any occasion from formal to play.

Cazal 607

The Cazal 607 is a classic whose roots originated in the early days of hip hop. This model has a large thick black frame accented by a strong metal hinge that extend from the temples to give a pop of flash. Wearing these makes a strong statement, one that gives an idiosyncratic in your face attitude that exemplifies the owner as a unique individual.

Ray Ban Outdoorsman Changeable Rose

The Ray Ban Outdoorsman is a classic variation of the aviator with the addition of the "brow bar" over the bridge and is at home in the woods or the city. This pair has the "changeable" variable density rose colored lenses that darkens in the sun and it is the contrast between the rose colored lenses and the rugged frame style that makes these truley stand out.

Persol 09219

With a straight forward and clean design the Persol 09219 has a timeless quality that never goes out of fashion. The pair shown here have a dark blue with red frame for a little extra flavor and with their full mirror lenses they have a touch of toughness for that extra level of cool.

Ray Ban Olympian I

The Ray Ban Olympian I is one of the first "wrap around" style sunglasses ever made and was designed in the early 60s. The metal frame has an aggressive stance and gives the side protection missing in other sunglasses of it's time. Peter Fonda wore a pair of these in the movie "Easy Rider" and helped to establish this style in the counter culture.

Persol 806

The Persol 806 is very similar in form to the classic 649 but has the added utility of being able to fold into a very compact size, perfect for dropping into your pocket. This pair has the traditional tortoise pattern plastic frame and the warm tone brown lenses that gives you the "golden hour" glow to the world.

Oakley Frogskins

The Oakley Frogskin was originally made in 1986 and have been retro-ed this year using the original molds from the 80s. The model shown here are the "Trevor Andrews" special collectors edition and are limited to 3000 pairs manufactured. The unique aspect of this edition are the glow in the dark frames, check out the video to see their secret.

Ziess

Ziess Optics is widely known as the manufacturer of some of the highest quality optics in the world and their approach to sunglasses continues this tradition. The model shown here has a beautiful translucent red tortoise frame that has a distinctive almost art deco shape.

Ray Ban Outdoorsman Chromax

This version of the Ray Ban Outdoorsman is part of their specialty driving series of sunglasses. The lenses on this pair are the Chromax B-20 which is designed to increase contrast, especially for the colors typically encountered while driving. while at the same time reducing glare. This pair shown here has the an all black frame that lends a tough no nonsense attitude to an incredibly functional pair of sunglasses.

Persol 649

The Persol 649 combines a variety of attributes that defines the identity of this brand. Starting at the keyhole under the bridge and followed by a distinctly sculptured shape that utilizes the unique functionality of the "Meflecto" joints, a standard has been set. The model shown here is manufactured at the pre-Luxottica "Ratti " factory known for the highest standard of quality in the sunglass world and is an example of a timeless classic that still makes a fashion statement.

Cazal 902

When it comes to classic brands in the world of eyewear there is one brand that stands out when it comes to creativity and extravagance, that is Cazal. The model shown here is the 902 which is a large aviator type of design in stunning white and well matched with blue gradient lenses. This model is a collaboration with Targa design and made in West Germany back in the 80s when East and West Germany were stil separate countries.

Ray Ban Aviator 12K

The Ray Ban Aviator is an absolutely timeless design, it was originally designed for pilots on a request by the military in the 1930s and has transformed into a fashion icon. The version shown here is an older model known as the 12 K which stand for the heavier 12 karat gold fill used on the frame. This model also has the green lenses that was common on the older models and gives a pleasant tint to the world. It is the aviator design's direct functionality that defines it's form absolutely, a form without any frivolity yet elegant with the wire thin frame that belies the overall cool toughness that it projects onto the wearer. The Ray Ban Aviator's design is the biggest selling design in the history of sunglasses and is a true classic.

Persol 69600

The Persol 69600 is part of their sports series from the 80s. This model combines a variety of compound curves to create a wrap around style that offers both eye protection and sophisticated style. This model in semi-transparent tortoise plastic pairs the classical with the modern.