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Shades : The Right Stuff

Looking to take your style to new heights? Don one of this year’s hot retro aviators.

By: Nick Kolakowski
May/June 2007 , Page 102

When it comes to pilot eyewear, aviator glasses have the twin benefit of being both distinctive and practical. After all, decades before a young Tom Cruise sported them while strafing the unfriendly skies in Top Gun, real fighter pilots strapped on real aviator glasses during real missions — since a blinding glare is one of those things you don’t much need while performing high-speed combat acrobatics.

Granted, you’re presumably flying in less stressful situations (at least we hope you are), but the inimitable aesthetics and functionality of those original aviators has never gone out of style. Indeed, as the following throwback frames attest, they are arguably more au courant than ever.

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Those who long for the leather-jacket ethos of the 1950s should enjoy perching the {1} Oliver Peoples Farrell Aviators ($400; oliverpeoples.com) on the bridge of their nose. These bold, classic shades from the Peoples 2007 line boast titanium frames (subtly squared off around the eyes for a modern touch) and polarized gradient VFX lenses, which eliminate glare while still providing crystal-clear visibility. Likewise, the Italian-made {2} Gucci Classic Aviators ($260; gucci.com) merge that traditional style with ultra-lightweight, ultra-thin frames that fit seamlessly even under a headset — while the green gradient lenses lend total UVA/UVB protection. But when it comes to retro chic, it’s hard to go further back than Amelia Earhart (unless the Wright Brothers marketed a signature shade that we don’t know about). Thus the allure of the {3} Smith Optics Amelia Aviators ($99; smithoptics.com), which, although named for Earhart, are decidedly unisex in their aesthetic. They sport a sturdy wire frame construction and TLT Carbonic lenses, which are contoured to let light through without distortion — something any airman (or airwoman) can appreciate at 15,000 feet.