Two of the most recognizable style icons in the world, Ray-Ban and Dolce&Gabbana have created an exclusive collaboration. It offers the classic Aviator silhouette, the most memorable frame in the history of eyewear, as a stunning update using Italian luxury fashion style and modern features. The collection brings together classic elements with innovative design features and a full array of luxe materials, finishes, and colored lenses, all while staying true to Dolce&Gabbana's aesthetic. The collection consists of two interpretations of the iconic ray ban Aviator frame:
- The Shooter model
- The Outdoorsman II model
Both styles incorporate Ray-Ban's timeless DNA with the dramatic high fashion creativity of Dolce&Gabbana.
Why the Aviator is the Most Iconic Sunglasses Ever Made
Before you review the collaboration itself, it is important to comprehend the reason that the Aviator silhouette has remained as a strong presence for almost 90 years since it was originally launched. The Aviator was developed for pilots of the 1930's. The frame was composed of lightweight metal, had large teardrop lenses, and had a classic proportion. The Aviator quickly became a mainstream fashion statement among pilots and later, among the public. As the years have passed, the Aviator has transformed from military equipment to a fashion staple worn by celebrities, musicians, movie stars, and other fashion lovers around the world.
Some of the key characteristics of the classic Aviator sunglasses include:
- Thin metal frames
- Large teardrop-shaped lenses
- Double bridge construction
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Unisex and versatile
The Aviator continues to remain relevant due to its compatibility with a diverse range of clothing and facial shapes. Whether worn with casual attire or high-end clothing, this frame remains fresh and new. This is the main reason why iDolce and Gabbana and Ray-Ban selected the Aviator as the design for their collaboration.
Dolce&Gabbana Brings Italian Luxury to Ray-Ban Heritage
This collaboration is an initiative that merges both traditional and emerging methods of brand establishment. Ray-Ban supplies its renowned eyewear knowledge and frame designs, while Dolce&Gabbana supplies sophisticated elements of fashion inspired by today's luxury industry. According to the two companies' statements, the overall collection exemplifies:
- Italian heritage
- Unique design codes
- Ability to express
- Modern fashion culture
- Craftsmanship and art
With the emphasis of the new designs on updating their character, Dolce&Gabbana did not change Ray-Ban's well-known Aviator design as much as they enhanced the Aviator design's personality. While the new collection maintain its recognizability, frames convey a more fashionable and expressive nature. Therefore, this collection can be marketed to both long-time fans of Ray-Ban and luxury fashion customers searching for eyewear that provides a strong statement.
Shooter: The Bold and Fashion-Forward Model
The Shooter style is the first release in the series, and they haven't reinvented the wheel with these shades. There were added retro reference points with some futuristic looks.
One of the standout features of the glasses is the mother-of-pearl brow bar that separates this frame from standard Aviators. Another unique aspect is the integrated cigarette-holder feature, which was an original design element from Ray-Ban's archives.
The Shooter features:
- Bold teardrop lens shape
- Slim metal frame construction
- Mother-of-pearl brow bar
- Transparent colorful lenses
- Ray-Ban and Dolce&Gabbana dual-branding
- Rimless appearance around the lens
The lens colors are absolutely eye-catching! The collection includes brightly colored lenses in the following colors:
- Orange
- Pink
- Dark Green
- Light Blue
- Yellow
- Dark Brown
The colored lenses are also following the latest fashion trends of eyewear becoming a focal point of an outfit versus just a functional accessory. The Shooter's overall feel is of expression, art and heavy on the fashion side of optical design to grab attention as soon as you put the sunglasses on.
Outdoorsman II: Classic Style with Modern Elegance
The Aviator has been designed to create the Outdoorsman II, which has a more classic look as opposed to the more contemporary look of the original. Although still fashionable, the design elements of the Outdoorsman II lean towards a more classic elegance versus a bold statement piece. The Outdoorsman II incorporates an architectural profile made from two design elements: a brow bar and a lightweight metal frame. The space between the lenses and frames creates a clean, modern look for this style of sunglasses.
Design elements include:
- A solid brow bar
- A lightweight metal frame
- Minimal construction
- Mirrored and clear colorful lenses
- Classic, neutral colour options
- Stylish and versatile enough for every day
Lens colour options:
- Dark Brown
- Dark Green
- Green Mirror Green
- Dark Brown Mirror Rose Gold
- Clear Mirror White Gold
- Dark Blue Mirror Blue
Compared to the Shooter sunglasses, the Outdoorsman II feels more comfortable for all-day wear. In addition, it provides a luxurious detail without being too over-the-top in their look. This duality of the Outdoorsman II - old world, new world - is one of the strongest points of the collaboration.
Luxury Details Beyond the Frames
Accessories hint for the collaboration of Dolce&Gabbana and Ray-Ban. Every single piece includes:
- Case made of premium leather with Dolce&Gabbana and Ray-Ban inspired detail
- Metal gold-tone chain with carabiners
- Detached leather strap
- For some models, the case is offered in gold color
- Design to attach to bags or belts as a wearable accessory
All this creates a fashion accessory that reinforces the luxurious nature of the collection and exemplifies how much impact Dolce&Gabbana and Ray-Ban has on the aesthetic of the finished product.
The Dolce&Gabbana x Ray-Ban collection of eyewear shows that iconic eyewear continues to evolve while still retaining its identity. The Aviator is transformed into a luxury fashion object by using the Shooter and the Outdoorsman II, with both reinterpreting the silhouette both as a fashion item. However, they maintain the key elements that made this look so iconic in the first place. With a combination of craftsmanship, fashion and cultural relevance, the collection has produced one of this year's most celebrated eyewear partnerships, with bold colorful lenses, elegant metal construction and a reimagined version. Both models will be interesting for both collectors and fashion enthusiasts, and for those who wants ti create an atmosphere for timelessness within eyewear design through innovative ideas.
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