80s America - Ray Ban Vision

For me the image that epitomises 80’s America would Ray Ban sunglasses. Originally introduced in the 50s, Ray Bans have enjoyed a lasting and successful relationship with culture and its consumers throughout the last half century in America. For me, it was the 80s that really allowed this product to shine. Ray Bans were frequently worn and advertised by celebs at that time, most notably Tom Cruise in Risky Business (1983) and Top Gun (1986) and even Madonna, Michael Jackson and The Blues Brothers (above) with their Ray Ban Wayfarers. On wearing this product, young people could look like their cultural idols and look cool, the coolness enhanced by the sheer size of these sunglasses that would hide the eyes, covering up human expression and emotion. In Ray Bans you were untouchable and culturally fashionable at the same time.