Ray-Ban Aviator

Ray-Ban Aviator is one of the most recognizable eyewear designs in history, originally developed in 1937 by the American company Bausch & Lomb. The design was specifically engineered for U.S. military pilots to protect their eyes from the intense glare experienced at high altitudes while maintaining clear vision. This heritage is what gave the brand its name—effectively 'banning' the sun's rays.

In 1999, the Italian eyewear giant Luxottica acquired Ray-Ban, marking a significant shift in the brand's history. While Ray-Ban was founded in Rochester, New York, modern production has moved away from the United States. Today, most Ray-Ban Aviators are manufactured in Italy, though Luxottica also operates high-standard facilities in China and Brazil to meet global demand.

In 2018, Luxottica merged with the French lens manufacturer Essilor to form EssilorLuxottica. This merger created the world's largest eyewear company, which now oversees the entire lifecycle of Ray-Ban products, from design and frame manufacturing to specialized lens technology. The brand remains headquartered in Milan, Italy, under the stewardship of EssilorLuxottica.