Radical by design, embraced across generations, the Ray-Ban Wayfarer stands the test of time. From James Dean to Meta smart glasses, a look back at the iconic frame that became a global visual standard.
With the RB2140, Ray-Ban lays down a statement. Dense and angular, the black acetate cuts sharply against the skin. Where metal frames soften the gaze, the Wayfarer frames it—projects it. Far from minimalist lightness, it asserts presence. A visible, urban, radical geometry.
In the 1950s and 60s, the Ray-Ban Wayfarer needed no slogan—it found its place on faces that became legend. James Dean, the rebel in uniform. Marilyn, framed by the black gleam of the lenses. JFK, glasses off, power behind the scenes. Without a media plan, the frame slipped into the collective imagination. It became image. It became style.
Rock, pop, punk—every rhythm gets its frame. Michael Jackson wears it on tour. Dylan, face veiled behind the lenses. Madonna and Debbie Harry: same lines, opposite energies. The Wayfarer becomes a visual instrument. It catches stage lights, styles music videos, defines icons.
Ray-Ban reshapes the silhouette without compromising its essence.
– RB2140: the original, angular, faithful to the 1952 blueprint
– RB2132 (New Wayfarer): slimmer, softer, built for everyday wear
– RB2185 (Wayfarer II): subtly rounded lenses, lighter temples
– Mega Wayfarer: oversized format, tailored for Gen Z
– Reverse Wayfarer: concave lenses, flipped aesthetic
– Ray-Ban Meta: tech-integrated, with cameras and voice assistant
Each version retains the core lines. Same DNA, angles reinterpreted.
The Wayfarer isn’t a relic. It’s a foundation.
Born in 1952, it became a standard—without forced shine, without fabricated storytelling.
It absorbs faces, digests eras, integrates tech.
Always aligned, never out of step.
A chosen continuity, not recycled nostalgia.
– 1952: The original Wayfarer frame (RB2140) is designed by Raymond Stegeman for Bausch & Lomb, marking the debut of thick plastic sunglasses.
– 1955: James Dean wears Wayfarers in Rebel Without a Cause (October 1955), embedding the model into the rebel mythos.
– 1980: Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi wear Wayfarers in The Blues Brothers while U.S. annual sales drop below 20,000 pairs.
– 1982: Bausch & Lomb signs a $50,000/year product placement deal with Unique Product Placement to feature Ray-Ban eyewear in film and TV.
– 1983: Tom Cruise sports Wayfarers in Risky Business—sales soar to 360,000 pairs that year.
– 1984: Miami Vice (Don Johnson) helps double sales to ~720,000. The song The Boys of Summer by Don Henley references “those Wayfarers on.”
– 1985: Wayfarers appear in The Breakfast Club and Moonlighting, pushing sales to around 1.5 million units annually.
– 1987–1989: Michael Jackson makes Wayfarers part of his stage persona during the Bad world tour.
– 1999: Bausch & Lomb sells Ray-Ban to Luxottica Group for ~$640 million.
– 2001: Luxottica launches the New Wayfarer (RB2132), a lighter, smaller redesign using injected plastic.
– 2007: Riding the vintage wave, Ray-Ban reissues the original Wayfarer (RB2140) and launches the global “Never Hide” campaign (March 7 official launch).
– Feb 2019: Release of Wayfarer II (RB2185), a slimmer, slightly rounded reinterpretation in nine colorways.
– Sept 9, 2021: Ray-Ban and Facebook launch Ray-Ban Stories, the brand’s first smart glasses (Wayfarer frame with dual cameras, mic, and speakers).
– Oct 2022: Introduction of the Mega Wayfarer (RB0840S), an oversized version with thickened frame and temples.
– May 18, 2023: Ray-Ban launches the Reverse collection, including a Wayfarer Reverse with concave lenses—first ever with inverted curvature and no optical compromise.
– Sept 27, 2023: At Meta Connect 2023, EssilorLuxottica and Meta unveil the new Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses with upgraded 12MP camera, enhanced audio, and integrated Meta AI assistant.
– May 2025: At the Met Gala, A$AP Rocky unveils a one-of-a-kind Mega Wayfarer in 18k gold and natural diamonds—Ray-Ban’s most luxurious frame to date.
Further reading :
Radical by design, embraced across generations, the Ray-Ban Wayfarer stands the test of time. From James Dean to Meta smart glasses, a look back at the iconic frame that became a global visual standard. Ray-Ban Wayfarer: A New Angle on Style Raymond Stegeman, designing for Bausch & Lomb, broke all the rules: gone were the […]
What if smart glasses became a fashion statement? That’s the bold — and ultra-stylish — bet Kering Eyewear is making by teaming up with Google. Together, they’re shaping a future where luxury and AI meet… with flair. A chic response to Meta While Ray-Ban and Meta are leading with camera-ready frames, Kering and Google are […]
What if sunglasses were more precious than jewelry? A$AP Rocky proved it at the 2025 Met Gala with a jaw-dropping Ray-Ban creation: Wayfarer Puffers in 18k white gold, fully encrusted with 60 carats of diamonds. A masterpiece that redefines luxury eyewear. A cult model turned fine jewelry The Wayfarer Puffer isn’t just a pair of […]
They didn’t need to try too hard. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky once again stole the show at the 2025 Met Gala. Chic, magnetic, and in total sync with the theme, they proved once more why they’re the ultimate fashion duo. A couple with undeniable style Rihanna stunned in a sculptural, romantic look. A$AP Rocky brought […]
A Visual Interface to Change Our Daily Lives Meta is preparing a new generation of smart glasses with Ray-Ban, and they could change everything. Mark Zuckerberg recently teased that these glasses may feature a display built directly into the lens, capable of showing information in the user’s field of view. Until now, Ray-Ban Meta glasses […]
They stole the spotlight on the Coperni runway—now they’re taking over the streets. The Ray-Ban x Coperni smart glasses are this season’s boldest fashion-tech fusion. Tech meets fashion-forward Launched during Paris Fashion Week FW25, these limited-edition Wayfarers blend minimalist couture with Meta’s next-gen tech: camera, voice assistant, AI… all hands-free and all style. A future […]
Ray-Ban levels up its most iconic frame. The Mega Wayfarer is here—with bolder lines and serious attitude. Go big or go home Thicker frames, sharper edges, and a silhouette that makes a statement. The Mega Wayfarer leans into the oversized revival, adding instant edge to your summer fit. Vintage roots, modern energy—this is what cool […]
When fashion DNA meets cutting-edge tech, magic happens. Ray-Ban and Meta join forces for an international campaign starring the iconic couple Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse. Their goal? To launch Skyler, a retro-chic frame powered by next-gen AI. Skyler: A 60’s classic reborn with AI power Inspired by the golden age of jet-set travel, the […]
Receive exclusive updates on the latest in the world of eyewear, our favorite selections, and unique offers reserved just for our subscribers. Join the Parisée community and elevate your style today!
Photo : Lumiprod
© 2024, Parisee. All right reserved
