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The Aviator Shape and Its Iconic G15 Lenses: A Journey through Time
Discover the story of their creation and how we were inspired to create our own version.
03/20/2023 | Laury
The aviator shape and G15 lenses are two of the most recognizable features in fashion, especially in the eyewear industry. They have been worn by countless individuals over the years, including pilots, military personnel, movie stars, and fashion icons.
But where did these models come from, and why have they remained so popular for so long?
The story behind this iconic shape
The history of the aviator shape dates back to the early days of aviation.
In the 1930s, the American company Bausch & Lomb developed a new type of glasses specifically for US Army pilots to protect their eyes from the glare of the sun and wind. This model featured large, drop-shaped lenses and a thin metal frame that wrapped around the wearer's head. This shape was initially designed to provide maximum eye coverage due to its rather wide shape.
It was in the 1940s that the aviator shape became very popular outside of the military. Hollywood actors such as Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable often wore them on and off-screen, which further popularized this style.
Tom Cruise's portrayal of fighter pilot Maverick in the movie Top Gun (1986) also greatly contributed to the popularity of this model. We all remember that iconic scene where Cruise puts on his sunglasses and flashes a million-dollar smile, which made him a symbol of style and rebellion.
The G15, timeless lenses
The G15 lenses, on the other hand, were developed by eyewear manufacturer Ray-Ban in the 1950s. Designed primarily to offer high levels of clarity and contrast, they are also used for aesthetic purposes.
The "G" stands for "green" for the color of the lens. The "15" refers to the percentage of visible light transmission, which means that the lens only allows 15% of visible light to pass through to the eye.
In addition to the aesthetic side, these lenses also aim to reduce glare and eye fatigue while allowing enough light to enter the eye for clear vision.
JET, our version
Featuring a lightweight metal and nylon frame, our JET sunglasses are a perfect blend of new and vintage.
It's our way of paying homage to the classic shape by combining the timeless style of the aviator shape with our cutting-edge technology: a super slim case, high-quality materials, and ultimate protection.
The aviator shape and G15 lenses have a long history in the eyewear industry. From their military origins to their popularity among Hollywood celebrities, these models have stood the test of time. Our desire to create our own version of this classic is a testament to the power of timeless design.
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