Sunglasses have become a staple accessory in our modern fashion, but they actually have a long and interesting history dating back to ancient times. In this blog, we'll take a journey through time and explore the history of sunglasses, from their humble beginnings to their place in modern fashion.
Ancient Times:It is believed that the first sunglasses were invented in ancient China, where judges used flat slabs of smoked quartz to reduce glare while in court. The Roman Emperor Nero was also known to wear emerald lenses to watch gladiatorial contests. The Inuit used flattened walrus ivory to make glasses to protect their eyes from the bright sun reflecting off snow and ice.
18th and 19th centuries:Sunglasses as we know them today began to take shape in the 18th and 19th centuries. James Ayscough, an English optician, experimented with tinted lenses, but they were mainly used to correct vision problems instead of blocking the sun's rays. It wasn't until the early 20th century that sunglasses began to be marketed as a fashionable accessory.
20th century:In the 1930s, sunglasses became popular among movie stars and celebrities, who wore them to protect their eyes from paparazzi. Ray-Ban introduced the iconic Aviator sunglasses in 1936, originally designed for pilots to protect their eyes while flying. In the 1960s, sunglasses became synonymous with cool, as stars like Audrey Hepburn and Steve McQueen wore them in movies.
Modern day:Sunglasses have come a long way since their ancient origins. Today, they come in a wide variety of styles, from classic Aviator to modern frames cat-eye. Not only do they protect our eyes from harmful UV raysbut they also serve as a fashion statement. Many fashion brands now offer their own lines of sunglasses and are an essential accessory for any stylish outfit.
The history of sunglasses is a testament to how an everyday object can evolve to become a fashion icon. From ancient China to modern fashion runways, sunglasses have stood the test of time and will continue to be an important accessory for both practical and fashionable reasons.
