Unlike some other sunglasses, Ray Ban sunglasses were not developed in reaction to the success of other brands. Instead, they were developed by Bausch & Lomb at the request of the United States Army Air Corps in 1937. Combining stylish metal frames with tear-drop shaped green lenses, the Ray Ban Aviator was an instant success and the first to combine anti-glare with ultraviolet protection. Ray Ban introduced its second model, the Wayfarer, in 1952. Originally marketed solely to men, this plastic-framed design proved appealing to both sexes. Ray Ban has had its ups and downs in style since then, but since the 2007 reintroduction of the Wayfarer in designer colours, the company has grown in strength. There may be plenty of imitations out there, but there is no substitute for Ray Ban.