In one of the most exciting, if not surprising, turns of events this year, legendary sunglass house, Ray-Ban, has just appointed A$AP Rocky as its first ever Creative Director. Known not only for some of the catchiest, most recognisable rap songs for more than a decade, Rocky has carved out an equally successful career in fashion, and even film, so lending his wildly innovative style and creativity to one of the most iconic brands of the last century just makes sense.
Rocky’s first output with the brand will be the Blacked-Out Collection, a redesign of the Mega Icons with a brand new lens type, slated for release next month, April 2025.
“I’ve always admired Ray-Ban’s ability to stay true to its roots while constantly evolving,” said A$AP Rocky. “I’m excited to be part of the strong heritage and develop the next chapter for an iconic brand like Ray-Ban.”
“Ray-Ban transcends the eyewear industry; it’s not just a brand, it’s a lifestyle. For nearly 80 years, the brand has been on the faces of the most iconic musicians, artists, actors, and heroes, shaping and re-shaping the status quo and leading cultural revolutions of all the times. Today, we are welcoming A$AP Rocky into our family; he’s a visionary artist and creator. His ability to push the boundaries of the diverse worlds he explores, aligns with the Ray-Ban DNA. We are reinforcing the brand’s values of innovation, pioneering spirit, and courage. Let the future begin!” said Ray-Ban President, Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio.
It is now reported that one pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses sells every 1.6 seconds worldwide, but this wasn’t always the case. In the early ’80s, the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. Then came a film called Risky Business, starring a little-known actor named Tom Cruise, who donned the Wayfarers. Overnight, the brand skyrocketed in popularity, and the rest is history.
We can’t wait to see where Harlem’s finest leads Ray-Ban.
