1937 – The Birth of a Legend in the Air
The pilot shape, also known as "Aviator," was born in 1937 when Ray-Ban developed a pair of glasses specifically designed for US Air Force pilots. Originally conceived as purely functional equipment, it stood out with its large, teardrop-shaped lenses, capable of perfectly covering the field of vision while effectively protecting against glare at high altitudes.
Very quickly, the Aviator transcended its military use to become a symbol of performance, freedom, and audacity. From the 1940s, it established itself as a strong visual icon, associated with heroism, exploration, and the spirit of adventure, laying the foundations for a shape destined to endure through the ages.
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1968 – Steve McQueen: Rebellious Elegance Becomes Iconic
In the late 1960s, the pilot shape definitively changed its status thanks to Steve McQueen. A charismatic actor and emblematic figure of masculine elegance, he popularized pilot glasses outside of the cockpit and military settings. It was notably with a pair of Persol glasses that he left a lasting mark on eyewear history, during the filming of The Thomas Crown Affair in 1968.
Worn on screen and in real life, the glasses associated with Steve McQueen embody a free, nonchalant, and authentic style. The pilot frame then became a true accessory of character, a symbol of natural sophistication and assertive attitude. Even today, this mythical collaboration continues to inspire Persol collections, blending Italian craftsmanship, timeless lines, and vintage spirit.
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1986 – Cinema Propels the Pilot to Mythic Status
It was in the 1980s that pilot glasses definitively entered popular culture. In 1986, the film Top Gun marked a major turning point: Tom Cruise, in the role of Maverick, made the Ray-Ban Aviator a worldwide object of desire.
This cult appearance firmly anchored the pilot shape in the collective imagination, associated with speed, confidence, and a certain idea of modern masculinity. A strong image that would continue to fuel the iconic aura of the Aviator for several decades.
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2000–2020 – The Pilot Becomes a Lifestyle Essential
Between the 2000s and 2020s, the pilot shape established itself as a must-have in the contemporary wardrobe. In cinema and lifestyle, Jennifer Aniston regularly adopted Aviator glasses in casual chic looks, often paired with simple and timeless outfits. She helped popularize the shape for everyday wear, moving it away from its military image to make it an elegant and universal accessory.
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2026 – The Aviator Affirms Itself as a Key Piece of the Contemporary Wardrobe
In 2026, pilot glasses are experiencing a true revival. More assertive and stylized, they are establishing themselves as a strong piece in sunglasses collections. The lines gain character, volumes assert themselves, and details become essential.
At Tom Ford, this evolution takes shape with emblematic models like the Bronson Aviator, perfectly embodying the balance between heritage and modernity. On covers or in summer photo shoots, Rihanna wears the Bronson Aviator with an ease that perfectly illustrates current style: audacious, glamorous, and versatile. This new generation no longer simply nods to the past: it asserts a strong identity, designed to accompany all silhouettes while retaining the iconic character of the pilot shape.
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Fashion houses are appropriating the Aviator silhouette, reinventing it without ever betraying its DNA. Gucci and Prada play with assertive lines, reworked volumes, or luxurious finishes, while Persol favors a more discreet and timeless approach, focused on craftsmanship and material quality. The pilot then becomes a field of stylistic expression, capable of adapting both to fashion trends and to a more classic wardrobe, confirming its status as an essential reference.