Ray-Ban introduced the Wayfarer sunglasses model in 1952 with a distinctive trapezoidal plastic frame.
Designed by Raymond Stegeman for Bausch & Lomb, the Wayfarer differed from the metal frames that dominated eyewear during the early 1950s. Its broad plastic construction made it visually bold and suited the new postwar style of consumer products.
The model became strongly associated with musicians, actors, and other cultural figures. It experienced a major revival in the 1980s after appearing in films, television programs, and music videos. That revival helped establish the Wayfarer as one of the most recognizable sunglasses designs.
The Wayfarer is sometimes confused with the Clubmaster, another famous Ray-Ban model. The Clubmaster uses a browline design, while the original Wayfarer is identified by its solid plastic upper frame and angled front.