Future's so bright for these shades
One of the ultimate symbols of the 80s, Ran-Ban sunglasses are making a comeback in the fashion world.
One prominent men's fashion publication, DNR Magazine, recently named the sunglasses as its "Retro Comeback of the Summer." Ray-Ban has even re-released its vintage "Wayfarer" style for its 2007 Spring/Summer line.
Though Ray-Bans had been around since the 1930s, they became the glasses of choice in the 80s for Tom Cruise, Elvis Costello and Morrissey. These days they're likely to be worn by celebrities including Drew Barrymore, Kate Moss and Chloe Sevigny.
"Summer 2007 has seen the comeback of the black, thick-framed Original Wayfarers on celebrities and hipsters alike," Newsweek International recently reported. "If this keeps up, fanny packs and scrunchies will be back in style next summer."
Want ultimate proof that they're cool again? People are making viral videos about them on Youtube. Check out this incredible video.
Meanwhile, here's the unofficial Stuck in the 80s betting guide for fashion comebacks:
Fashion statement / Odds of a comeback
Legwarmers: Already back
Rubberbands: 2 to 1
Blue Eyeshadow: 5 to 1
Feathered hair: 10 to 1Stonewashed jeans: 50 to 1
Parachute pants: 100 to 1
Rhinestone gloves: 1,000,000 to 1
Odds that former Times TV critic Chase Squires' 80s hair-dye job and OP shirt fashion will come back in style: None.
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
E-mail Steve Spears:
THIS JUST IN ....
"2007 Online Journalism Awards - Finalists
New York, (September 11, 2007) – Finalists for the 8th annual Online Journalism Awards, honoring excellence in digital journalism, have been announced by the Online News Association and the USC Annenberg School for Communication ....
Online Commentary (Medium)
Newsday, Walt Handelsman
Delaware Online, Pulp Culture
Tampa Bay, Stuck in the 80s
Denver Post, Al Lewis, Talk Back to Al"
Posted by: chase | September 12, 2007 at 01:25 PM
It must be true. I saw Audrina wearing them on the Hills the other night.
Don't hate me because I watch the Hills.
Posted by: Pam from Rochester NY | September 12, 2007 at 12:26 PM
Sorry Steve, but I had several sightings of parachute pants in the wild earlier this summer and even found a few pairs in a department store (either Dillard's or Penney's).
Posted by: Morris | September 12, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Hey, Huey Lewis wore them too. Just because Cathy hates the News......doesn't mean that all of us stuck in the '80's do.
Saw him live last year, spectacular show, with Jacob's Ladder, mmmm.
Posted by: Al | September 12, 2007 at 01:03 AM
did i cover everything? polkadot hair, leopard skin jacket with the sleeves pushed up, spiked bracelet, OP shirt ... and if you look closely, upsidedown cross earring ...
not sure where we're going here, punk/surf/new wave .... lost dude from suburbia.
rock on.
Posted by: chase | September 11, 2007 at 11:20 PM
You are correct, sir! I won't disclose how I know, but I've seen more than my share of 40 and 50 something men putting their bi-focal prescriptions in the RayBan Wayfarer.
The truly nerdy chic (a term used loosely) go for the clear lens in the Wayfarer. ARGH!
Posted by: Marissa | September 11, 2007 at 10:39 AM