Randolph Engineering
As Summer peeks around the corner, peek back in style while protecting your eyes. Randolph Engineering aviators ($99) were first brought to my attention by Michael Bastian (they are one of his five summer essentials for every guy’s closet). It is a solid aviator by an outfit who’s been supplying sunglasses to the U.S. Military and Air Forces world wide since 1982. They’re meticulously handcrafted using only the finest materials. Though lightweight, they feel like they could withstand mission after mission over Iraq...because they do. It’s a no brainer for guys. But for the ladies? Absolutely. You can customize frame, lens and temple configurations, ensuring a proper fit for your smaller frame.
Photographed in New Canaan, CT
Spring for a classic American silhouette (in gold with gray flash mirror lenses) in lieu of overpriced designer aviators this summer. Configure your own pair at Randolph Engineering's website or just drop by Sid Mashburn’s place in Atlanta and try on a pair in person.
left a comment on 5/13/2010 at 8:29 PM:
American Optical is the exact same (I have a few pairs of each) for half the price. No brainer.
For the record, American Optical invented the sunglasses in ‘58, and they went to the moon in ‘69. Randolph was started by an employee of AO in ‘82 because he thought he could manufacture the glasses cheaper and get the military contract. He succeeded and RE holds the contract to this day, however in the last couple years they’ve been trying to market them to civies and jacked the price up to $100 (they were $40 when I got my last pair in 2004). It also appears they got Don Draper to wear them.
left a comment on 5/3/2010 at 10:29 AM:
I have smashed them flat w/o breaking the lenses, and bent them back into shape. The best made sunglasses I have ever owned.
left a comment on 4/27/2010 at 10:33 PM:
Those are really nice sunglasses and the girls is really beautiful. I like her ripped sweater.
left a comment on 4/27/2010 at 9:18 PM:
Extremely comfortable, stylish and very well made. I have Raybans, Persols, Costas and others but all I wear is RE. I do suggest the Aviator with the bayonet temples.
left a comment on 4/27/2010 at 5:40 PM:
So glad that you posted this! I have wanted aviators for the longest time, but they never seem to fit my face. I am hoping this will solve that issue.
left a comment on 4/27/2010 at 4:21 PM:
Someone once gifted me a pair ... long story short: I lost them and you helped me solve a mystery!
http://www.constantstateofgrace.blogspot.com/
left a comment on 4/27/2010 at 3:47 PM:
My friend who is in Naval OTS picked me up a pair of these from his base in Quantico, VA. I highly recommend them for an alternative to Ray Bans!
MainLine BlueBlood left a comment on 5/19/2011 at 10:26 PM:
I’ve worn the same pair of RE Concorde aviators for years and they are hands down the best aviators available. Spend the extra money - your eyes will thank you.