The Cool-Ray Comeback
Cool-Ray, the legendary 20th century eyewear brand, returns—reviving their iconic polarised sunglasses famously worn by Sean Connery in the 1965 classic James Bond film, Thunderball.
The Cool-Ray brand was originally a division of American Optical and was introduced following an agreement with the Polaroid Corporation (estd. 1937) to use their lens technology under license, producing the world's first polarized sunglasses—designed to screen out glare rather than simply darken the landscape.
Polaroid had originally manufactured polarizing sheets in 1937 for the windows of railroad observation cars, but by 1939, the majority of their $35,000 profit came from sunglasses and their introduction of the first 3D movie glasses that year. Although sales rose to $1 million in 1941, the company's 1940 losses had reached $100,000, and it was only World War II military contracts that saved the company. By 1942 the wartime economy has tripled Polaroid's size, and the post-war relationship with Cool-Ray continued to flourish.
Throughout the 1950s, Cool-Ray not only advertised the health benefits of their products, but also promoted an associated lifestyle, using images of open-top cars and sandy beaches. Fashion also became an important element of the brand, and in the 1960s, the company employed designs by Oleg Cassini, who had created the 'Jackie Look' for Jacqueline Kennedy. However, it was a model designed by Cari Michelle that became the most iconic Cool-Ray frame.
Photo: Getty Images
The Cool-Ray 'N135' by Cari Michelle was famously worn by Sean Connery in the 1965 Bond movie, Thunderball. The brand has been reborn, and the timeless frame has been recreated in collaboration with Connery's tailor, Anthony Sinclair, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the classic film. They are the perfect sunglasses for any occasion, or situation... I think you get the point.
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