I can’t quite remember when my love affair with mirrored aviator sunglasses began.  I think growing up in Los Angeles in the 80s is the first clue.

Living in a place that receives nearly 300 sunny days per year, sunglasses aren’t just an accessory or a fashion statement, they are a necessity to function outdoors.  As far as the type of sunglasses I favoured, I blame Top Gun, Slash, Robert Redford and Freddie Mercury.

Fashions have come and gone, but I never paid attention to what was in style at the moment.  I liked to view my life through a pair of mirrored aviators.  

These sunglasses have been with me through every stage and era of my life.  It’s one thing I am never tempted to stray from.  I don’t pass by trendy boutiques and fawn over sunnies in the window.  I don’t go into eyewear shops to try on the latest styles.  Nope.  You used to find me at the gas station convenience store, twirling the showcase to find the exact combination of silver frame and silver mirror.  Then you’d bump into me at the newspaper kiosks in Venice doing the same.  Now, because I treat my sunglasses like family, I buy them in bulk from Amazon so I always have a pair nearby.  The average pair costs around 8 bucks and lasts me about a month.

You’ll find a pair in the car glove box.  I’m certain there are at least 4 or five scattered in different purses.  There’s one or two in the sunglass bowl in the entryway.  Sometimes there will be a pair on my head while I’m searching for a pair.  

For International Sunglasses Day, I want to pay tribute to an everlasting bond, a steadfast loyal companion:  my cherished mirrored aviators.  No matter how many times I drop ’em, no matter how much sand gets in the hinges, they never give up on me. Their commitment is unparalleled and I love them for it.

So if you happen to be rocking some sunnies today, take a moment to appreciate all of the good times they’ve given you. From the beach days spent soaking up the sun with your best friends, to those late night drives with the windows down… your sunglasses have been there for it all! Happy International Sunglasses Day! 

Pax tibi,