Vuarnet

When Sporoptic Pouilloux created the Skilynx lenses that were bright enough to allow skiers to see any ground undulations in white-out snow conditions, they gave a pair to Jean Vuarnet - the first man to strap metal skis to his feet and the inventor of the tuck position in downhill racing. He wore that pair of 002 Skilynx lenses as he flew gracefully down Squaw Peak at the 1960 Winter Olympics in California to win the men’s alpine gold for France. The company knew they had aligned themselves with storied prestige. US and international style icons were paying attention and wanted those Vuarnet sunglasses. Changing their name to honor the hero of cool, the French company continues to craft eyewear that accentuates the best style while maintaining the functional excellence of which they’re known.

Read more about Vuarnet in our Back-Story, Feel Fast and Stay Cool