In the setting of a bright, dazzling, and scorching sun, the frames and glasses of the corporation are an islet of pleasant and calm light, safe for the eyes. This message is carried by the Ray-Ban logo. The emblem also hints at products for successful flights.
Ray-Ban started in 1929 after US Army Air Corps officer John MacCready reported vision problems during high-altitude flights. He contacted Bausch & Lomb, an optics company founded in 1853 by John Jacob Bausch and Henry Lomb.
In 1936, engineers developed the Anti-Glare prototype with green mineral lenses and a lightweight frame. In May 1937, the patent was registered, and the name Ray-Ban appeared. In 1938, the metal-frame Aviator became standard issue for US pilots.
During World War II, a photo of General Douglas MacArthur in an aviator uniform in the Philippines spread worldwide. Returning soldiers brought the model into civilian life.
In 1952, Bausch & Lomb introduced Wayfarer, designed by Raymond Stegeman. Its angular plastic frame differed from existing styles. In the 1950s and 1960s, it appeared in films starring James Dean, Audrey Hepburn, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles, including “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.
By the late 1970s, demand had declined. In 1982, Bausch & Lomb signed product placement deals with Hollywood studios. In 1983, Tom Cruise wore Wayfarers in “Risky Business”. In 1986, Aviator appeared in “Top Gun”, boosting sales. In 1997, “Men in Black” reinforced the image.
In 1999, Luxottica Group acquired Ray-Ban for $640 million, adding it to its portfolio alongside Oakley. In 2001, Wayfarer was redesigned with lighter materials. Distribution expanded globally.
In 2007, prescription lines launched. In 2018, Luxottica merged with Essilor to form EssilorLuxottica. In 2021, Ray-Ban Stories were launched in partnership with Facebook Reality Labs.
Meaning and History
The first and only Ray-Ban trademark was registered in 1937, coinciding with the American brand’s debut. It is a simple inscription without graphic additions. To make it brighter, designers combined contrasting colors: red and white. They also used a font that mimics calligraphic handwriting. The minimalist and simple logo makes the brand recognizable.
Ray-Ban products are adorned with emblems that testify to their originality. On the left lens, there is always an unpainted “RB” engraved in the corner, and on the right, a white “Ray-Ban.” The absence of logos or their poor quality indicates counterfeiting. There are also variations with the inscription “Ray-Ban P”. This is found in models with polarized lenses.
What is Ray-Ban?
Ray-Ban is a luxury sunglasses brand. It was founded in the USA in 1963 and represented a line of special aviator glasses from Bausch & Lomb. This company owns the invention of the famous “aviators” – frames with downward slanted corners and protective lenses made of special glass. In 1999, the Italian company Luxottica Group bought the trademark and moved its headquarters to Milan.
Sunglasses in a metal frame have the manufacturer’s trademark in the center of the nose bridge. In this case, it is embossed. The signature also decorates cases, cleaning clothes, and other related accessories.
The design of the Ray-Ban emblem reflects the style of the glasses: it is as restrained, sophisticated, and minimalist. The inscription is placed diagonally from bottom to top. This symbolizes the brand’s development, the growth of its popularity, technological advancements, and the aspiration for progress. A large dot between the words divides them into two parts.
Despite the lack of flashy graphic elements, the logo has become fashionable and timeless. Thanks to it, the Ray-Ban name, registered in 1937 at the US Patent and Trademark Office, has gained wide recognition. Sometimes, it is complemented by the slogan “Genuine since 1937”. The phrase is positioned at the bottom to emphasize the brand.
Font and Colors
In the classic version, the white, slanted “Ray-Ban” inscription sits on a red rectangular background. This color combination was chosen not only for contrast but also for its deep symbolism. The red color embodies the emotional sphere, and white represents refinement and purity.
Following the same principle, the designers chose a single font. Simple lines and light curves carry a deep meaning. The inscription looks “flowing,” conveying freedom, dynamism, and energy. Perhaps this is why the Ray-Ban corporation has never changed its corporate style throughout its history.


