Sunglasses have long been a crucial accessory in films. Beyond mere accessories, a pair of shades can shape characters and communicate their personalities and motives to the audience. They’re a versatile piece of costuming that’s effortlessly cool or adds a touch of mystique. In Hollywood, one brand has remained a popular source for iconic silver screen shades; Ray-Ban sunglasses have been featured in countless films throughout the years, and many of the looks they’ve been part of have transcended the screen into the real fashion world. For instance, Tom Cruise’s oversized button-up, sunglasses, and sans pants get-up in Risky Business has become a top look 40 years after its release, with stars like Dua Lipa keeping the outfit relevant, even for younger audiences. The movie even helped skyrocket the brand’s shades sales, helping it become the eyewear powerhouse it is today.
Ray-Ban sunglasses are timeless and versatile, making them the perfect Hollywood movie staple. Here are a few of their appearances in iconic films and how viewers can emulate the look:
Top Gun
Credit: @topgunmovie on Instagram]
After Risky Business helped save Ray-Ban from bankruptcy in 1983, another Tom Cruise feature — Top Gun — made the brand a household name. The Ray-Ban Aviators had long been a popular model, especially for actual aviators who found comfort in its design, but seeing it on Lieutenant Peter “Maverick” Mitchell made it the epitome of cool for everyone, aviator or not. When the sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, came out in 2022, Ray-Ban shades became trendy once again. Much like the scenario that occurred during the original movie’s run, the film drove a massive increase in sunglasses sales. The Aviators have been making waves since the 1930s, and films like Top Gun have been a driving force in keeping them in fashion.
A plethora of Aviator-style shades have popped up since, but you can still cop a pair of Aviators from the brand that popularized them today. Ray-Ban also offers them as prescription sunglasses for vision correction, along with other popular models like the Wayfarer and Clubmaster. Choose from the various colorways, or take cues from Cruise and stick to the classic gold and black.
Saltburn
Credit: @thorsunworld on Instagram]
Saltburn has been one of the most widely discussed movies of 2023 thanks to its star-studded cast, gut-wrenching scenes, controversial conclusion, and glamorous yet twisted depiction of high society seduction. With the characters spending most of the film in the titular estate during the summer, sunglasses are a fitting accessory to keep the sun at bay while elevating other posh pieces. The main stars, Barry Keoghan as Oliver Quick and Jacob Elordi as Felix Catton, both don Ray-Ban sunglasses in a handful of scenes. Oliver keeps it classic with black-framed Wayfarers that have been timeless for decades, attempting to blend into the richer crowd. With the movie set in 2006, Felix wore an archived Ray-Ban piece fitting for the time: the RB 4368. The bright pop of red gives his character a boyish pop of fun that contrasts the lavish lifestyle and setting.
Since the RB 4368 is an archival piece, it’s not as widely available as Ray-Ban’s other models. Fortunately, you can still rock classic Wayfarers like Barry Keoghan does in the film, but preferably with clothes to match. You can go for black frames or pick a unique hue to also channel Jacob Elordi’s pop of color.
Reservoir Dogs
Credit: @reservoirdogsmovieofficial on Instagram]
Sunglasses are practically a must for a neo-noir crime film like Reservoir Dogs. With identities needing to be concealed, dark shades provide a convenient mask that still looks suave paired with a suit. Aside from looking cool, the film uses sunglasses in a unique way to communicate a message to the audience. Most of the gangsters wear black Ray-Ban Wayfarers, except one who wears the Clubmaster model. Fans of the film may already have noticed this interesting detail and what it could mean, but for those who haven’t seen it, it’s something to keep in mind upon viewing.
The Clubmaster worn by Mr. Orange in the film is a classic vintage style that elevates any outfit. Dress it down with a casual look, or wear your best suit and tie for a classy look. You may not be a jewelry-stealing gangster, but you could look just as sophisticated and mysterious as one.
