The Iconic Sunglasses of Dan Aykroyd in The Blues Brothers: An Ode to Ray-Ban Wayfarers

In the cult classic 1980 film The Blues Brothers, Dan Aykroyd portrays the character Elwood Blues, and in doing so, he famously dons a pair of distinctive black Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses. These iconic frames have cemented their place in pop culture and continue to evoke the spirit of the film. The Wayfarer style, characterized by its bold angular shape, has become synonymous with both fashion and film throughout the decades.

Popularity and Iconography

The Ray-Ban Wayfarers have transcended their status as mere eyewear and have become a symbol of 1980s style. This trend continues to this day, with men and women alike praising the timeless design. The sunglasses are not just a fashion statement but a nod to a bygone era. Remember, the The Blues Brothers had its box office and cultural impact well before the age of Instagram and viral videos, making the film a cult hit and the sunglasses a particularly memorable part of its history.

Illuminating the Mystery

Conversations around the iconic sunglasses worn by Dan Aykroyd in the film often revolve around whether the glasses were indeed Wayfarers. In fact, there is a peculiar detail that stands out: the decorative hinge rivets. While the glasses donned by the characters in The Blues Brothers are touted as resembling Ray-Ban Wayfarers, there is a clear distinction to be made. The hinge rivets used on the frames worn by the characters in the film originate from a different optical company, Liberty Optical, in the 1960s and 1970s. This detail adds a layer of authenticity to the question, as it challenges the common assumption that the glasses were simply Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

Design and Proportions

The frames worn by the characters in The Blues Brothers are visibly different in their design compared to the more modern Wayfarer style. The upper frame is notably flatter and features a different ratio between the horizontal and vertical dimensions. This difference is subtle but significant. By examining vintage catalogs and reaching out to experts, we aim to uncover more details about these iconic frames. Hub, a lab owner with an exceptional memory for vintage optical frames, will be consulted to provide more accurate insights into the design and availability of these frames from the era in which the film was set.

Conclusion

The Ray-Ban Wayfarers worn by Dan Aykroyd in The Blues Brothers remain a lasting symbol of the film’s enduring appeal. From the distinctive hinge rivets to the unique frame design, these sunglasses have captured the hearts of film enthusiasts and fashion lovers alike. Whether they are true Ray-Ban Wayfarers or a unique style of their own, the sunglasses displayed in the film have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on popular culture. The story of these iconic sunglasses is a fascinating blend of fashion, film, and the power of cultural icons.