One thing hardly anyone knows is that not only were the Byrds’ Roger McGuinn’s little rectangular sunglasses probably made in Japan, they were very likely branded as “Pat Boone” sunglasses. Here are some originals, which folded up into the little pen-style case with Pat’s signature on it. McGuinn nixed the visor. I wonder if he kept the case?
One could argue this was the genesis of the Granny Glasses fad of 1965-68. It was also likely the influence of the Victorian/Western Dandy look of a band called the Charlatans on San Francisco hippy fashion played a role.
Either way appropriate eyewear was needed to go with hippy fashion and mod wraps weren’t going to work as well with fringed jackets and granny dresses. It’s possible those who pioneered the look wore real vintage from 120 years earlier. But soon manufacturers like A Sutain and Foster Grant were all over the trend.
Half eyewear influencer, half digital strategist… Glassesrating is my passion and my special world of fun, beauty and style!
