Shades of Cool: A Scientific Journey into Sunglasses Style
In the 1st century AD, Emperor Nero was said to have worn polished gems to watch gladiator fights. This is the first time that sunglasses have been mentioned.
Since their beginning as eye protection, sunglasses have completely changed.
Although sunglasses are still used to protect the eyes from the sun, just like the latest
Ray-Ban sunglasses or Polaroid sunglasses, they have become a fashion statement and an item that people all over the world want.
Let’s see how it all evolved!
Sun's Glare - Nature's Sunglasses Challenge
People in deserts, frozen places, and open waterways had to get used to the sun's harsh glare. Inuit people wore goggles made of bone, wood, or ivory with narrow slots to protect their eyes from the strong sunlight that bounced off of ice and snow. Early Chinese eyeglasses had lenses made of smoked quartz.
In later years, science made shades. British optician James Ayscough made colored glasses to help people see better in the 18th century. In the early 20th century, new ways of making things made glasses that were mass-produced cheap.
Then, in the 1930s, polarized sunglasses with UV protection were first made. A lot more light wasn't getting through.
But thanks to new coatings, materials, and lenses, sunglasses are now a specialized type of eyewear. They keep UV and glare out.
From a small hole in the bone to a stylish way to protect your eyes and look good, shades have changed over time.
Hollywood Glamour - The Rise of Stylish Shades
At first, movie stars wore sunglasses for style and to hide their eyes. During the 1930s and 1940s movie boom, flashy sunglasses were a sign of wealth.
Famously, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Hepburn wore shades when they weren't in a picture.
Famous pilots were those in WWII and actors like Robert Redford in the 1960s and 1970s. Marilyn Monroe liked to wear CAT-eye glasses with bridges in the 1950s. Many people liked black frames because they made their eyes look sparkly and mysterious.
There were a lot of fans around famous people who wore sunglasses to hide their names and get more attention. That’s how famous people and models made shiny sunglasses cool.
Hippie Chic to Rocker Cool
As society changed a lot in the 1960s and 1970s, sunglasses and fashion also changed a lot. By wearing old, natural clothes, hippies and counterculture rejected the group that came before them. It was like John Lennon's "granny glasses" – round metal frames that stood for peace, love, and art.
Celebrities and artists who wanted to keep their identities secret liked wearing tinted aviators. Rock impacted how rebellious sunglasses were. Big sunglasses and weird patterns were what Jimi Hendrix wore.
In the 1970s, nonconformist views and gradient and reflected glasses came into style. To match their alien attitudes, glam rockers wore glasses from the future. By the end of the decade, sunglasses were a cool way to show who you were.
Sports Meets Fashion
During the 1980s and 1990s, most eyewear was made by sports and sporting brands. When tennis, cycling, and running became famous, people needed high-performance sunglasses. This is how Nike, Adidas, and Oakley came to be.
These brands used new lens technology to improve viewing and safety. For sports, people liked frames that were flexible, lenses that went all the way around, and polycarbonate lenses that could handle contact.
Aside from their usefulness, these bright, beautiful colors also influenced mainstream fashion.
Beyond Cool Looks - The Science of Lenses
Lenses and coatings are amazing feats of optical engineering that make shades more than just cool. Tint, color, orientation, and UV protection all help light pass through and protect your eyes.
Certain sunglasses help you see better:
* Photochromic glasses change from clear to dark when they are in the sun.
* Polarized sunglasses cut down on bright areas that reflect light, like water, snow, and flat surfaces.
To fix near- or farsightedness, lenses are used. Blue-light-blocking glasses ease eye strain caused by screens.
Celebs and Designers' Driving Trends
Sunglasses are part of new trends now. Modern eyewear is influenced by well-known designers and celebs.
In the 2000s and 2010s, styles backed by celebrities had a big impact. It was "cool" that Paris Hilton wore tiny sunglasses, and Kanye West looked modern in his shutter shades. Rihanna's cat-eye frames were trendy, and Lady Gaga's big styles were beautiful. Quay and JLo worked together only.
A lot of stars now have lines on them. Fenty frames are bright and stand out. Beyoncé presented Ivy Park with style.
Celebrity brands get people's attention and make new styles. Sunglasses no longer just protect your eyes; they now show off your whole personality.
The Future of Shades - Innovation and Sustainability
Sunglasses will do very well as fashion and technology change. People like using eco-friendly materials and high-tech designs.
There may be sensors, cameras, AR screens, and other things in smart sunglasses. Google, Snap, and Vuzix are all making stylish glasses that work well. There are uses for fitness, navigation, and photos. Early models aren't very good, but as they get smaller and batteries last longer, smart shades may get better.
New lens technologies make them clearer and safer for your eyes.