The VALLON Surf Aviators bring classic style updated with modern materials. Photo: VALLON
Editor’s Note: The feature is presented by VALLON.
VALLON began in 2018 with two Swedish brothers, Richard and Marcus Franck, and their dissatisfaction with the state of sunglasses. At the time, it seemed that you needed to choose between sunglasses that looked good, or sunglasses that had all the functional features of sports eyewear such as strong UV protection, polarization, and curved lenses to protect against side-glare. And on both sides of the style vs performance spectrum, high-quality meant high prices to boot. Eco-friendly construction? Just forget about it.
With the goal of breaking this pattern in mind, VALLON was formed. And for design inspiration, the two brothers looked backwards to the timeless style of the 1970s and 80s. Taking an old pair of glacier glasses, the Franck brothers decided to give this classic design a modern update, and create glasses that were perfect for ski touring in winter and hiking in the summer. Thus, the Herons were born, pairing classically styled mountaineering glasses with shatterproof lenses and breathable leather side shields to keep the sun at bay without fogging. The temples are fully adjustable to ensure a secure fit during vigorous ascents and rapid descents.
The Herons were VALLON’s original frame, inspired by classic mountaineering glasses, worn here by Caroline Bild. Photo: VALLON
Another timeless style that VALLON is bringing back are the iconic Ski Aviators. This type of sunglass frame dominated the adventure sports community of the seventies, most famously featured by hotdog/freestyle skiing pioneer, Wayne Wong. Wayne was one of the first to break free from traditional ski racing to practice a more expressive form of skiing based on performing tricks rather than speed. Wayne oozed style, and his aviator sunglasses were one of his most recognized accessories. “To this day, people continue to associate me and my white sunglasses with the freestyle skiing movement,” says Wayne, who’s now partnering with VALLON on the storied sunglasses. The Ski Aviators sport a mirror-coated lens for maximum light reflection, and to up the retro vibes of course (they’re also available in Wayne’s classic white frames).
Wayne sporting his classic white aviators. Photo: VALLON
Their near-identical twins, the Surf Aviators are perfect for summer. Made from premium cellulose acetate, the frames are flexy and durable without relying on petroleum-based chemicals for their construction. The polarized, Category 3 lens provides 100 percent UVA and UVB protection surpassing industry safety standards, and are designed to reduce glare when on the water.
For other great summer styles, check out the Howlin’ and Heron Mountain sunglasses. The Howlin’s are one of VALLON’s best-selling frames, meant to completely bridge the gap between performance and style. With a detachable headstrap these sunglasses can be used for rigorous activities without fear of losing them, and still be able to clean up nice for a formal event.
Jump into summer with the timeless style of the VALLON Surf Aviators. Photo: VALLON
I got a pair of the Surf Aviators to try out and was super impressed with the style and construction. Flexy and light, they fit well, looked good, and as an added bonus came in one of the best soft-shell sunglass cases I’ve ever owned. Made of classy faux leather with an easy-to-use magnetic closure and a stiff molded body, when they’re in the case I have zero qualms about throwing my Surf Aviators into the bottom of my backpack, knowing I’ll retrieve them without a scratch.
Another thing to feel good about is VALLON’s commitment to sustainability. While avoiding petroleum-based materials in its design and plastic-free packaging, VALLON is a part of the Empower cleanup initiative. For each pair of sunglasses sold, one kilogram of plastic waste is collected and recycled, and every customer is kept up-to-date with images and information on the amount and location of the cleanup that their purchase helped fund. Learn more about VALLON’s commitment to sustainability here.
Equally at home on the beach, in the mountains, or behind the wheel of your favorite adventure mobile, VALLON’s line of classically styled sunglasses are ready to go wherever you happen to roam this summer.
