With many decades in the eyewear industry, Ray-Ban has become a hallmark of luxury and style through its quality craftsmanship and timeless designs. Even with the emergence of new designers like Kate Spade and Oliver Peoples, Ray-Ban continues to dominate the $4.1 billion luxury sunglass market under its parent company Essilor Luxottica. And while it’s known for its classic styles worn by fashion icons like fashion Kate Middleton and Emily Ratajkowski, Ray-Ban proves that it remains ahead of its time by releasing a new lens design.

Through the new Reverse Collection line, Ray-Ban updates its signature styles, mainly by creating a concave lens made out of bio-nylon material. On top of keeping up with environmental goals and pioneering new industry trends, the brand is also using a new anti-glare coating that further showcases its innovation.

Considering how iconic Ray-Ban sunglasses are, it should come as no surprise that they are going above and beyond when it comes to developing new technologies and innovation. This new collection brings these additions to models like the Wayfarer, Aviator, and Caravan. With Ray-Ban’s role as a trailblazer, it’s no wonder these concave lenses are set to shake up our glasses. But what makes these lenses so special—and how will this release impact the fashion world moving forward?

Why concave lenses?

Most glasses today make use of compound lenses. ExplainThatStuff writes that their shape protrudes outward but turns inward midway by combining convex and concave lenses. On the other hand, simple concave ones, or inverted lenses, bend toward you. Essentially, they both scatter light when refracting to prevent eye strain and damage.

Concave lenses, however, were a conscious development from Ray-Ban. They’re just as effective for eye protection, and the brand integrated them into its iconic sunglasses models to be more fashionable. Research and Development Director, Federico Buffa, explains that this new shape is intended to follow the way cheekbones curve, making them more comfortable and appealing to people. He also states that these new lenses aim to increase visual accuracy. Because it only utilizes one lens, the way light scatters will be less interrupted, leading to sharper vision.

This design choice was meant to disrupt the sunglasses market. It is certainly memorable, setting wearers apart from everyone else. In fact, Ray-Ban created a special 3D modeling system to achieve this look, creating a balanced surface from top to bottom. This model makes the glasses sit less awkwardly on faces while also delivering visual clarity. Ultimately, Ray-Ban pushed for a more modern approach to sunglasses design with these specs—and the Reverse delivers.

Modern sunglasses for modern fashion

This new Reverse Collection is not only pushing the envelope in terms of technology but also style. Its sunglasses have been the perfect accessory for elevating outfits, embodying the same timeless elegance exemplified by fashion brand Maleza. In the same way, Maleza features its modern designs for womenswear in quality and durable materials, Ray-Ban focuses on creating its famous Aviators, Wayfarers, and Clubmasters out of polycarbonate, bio-acetate, and bio-based nylon — making them last a long time whether worn with avant-garde fashion or paired with formal and casual wear.

Ray-Ban’s newest sunnies are also perfect for those who want to add something more to their modest clothing. Unlike other accessories that can get lost or hidden beneath articles of clothing, sunglasses easily shine through, bringing a simple yet bold statement to any look.

Pioneering change

Ray-Ban’s new line will undoubtedly bring change to the sunglasses industry. It’s widely known that the brand is an innovative market player, so it wouldn’t be surprising if other companies started to follow suit with concave releases soon. Getting a pair now will allow wearers to stay ahead of the curve.

With an aspirational price point of $185, buyers will certainly get a quality product worth that much. Ray-Ban’s glasses are known to last for years, and with this new line utilizing environment-friendly materials, they will definitely be a sustainable choice.