Randolph Aviators
Preparing for a photoshoot back in 2003 I met with the head of clothing design, Sid Mashburn, to review the styled outfits we were shooting for the new season. (Sid went on from Lands' End to create his own beautiful brand with his wife Ann. He has impeccable taste and I was very lucky to have worked with him and his team of talented designers on several campaigns over the years).
As we reviewed the outfits we discussed props, and it was during that conversation I first learned about Randolph Aviators.
Randolph Eyewear was founded in 1973 by two Polish immigrants, Jan Waszkiewicz and Stanley Zaleski. This pair of master machinists set up shop just south of Boston and within a decade had earned a US military contract. This relationship cemented Randolph as a trusted brand in America, and served the military through the Cold War, the Gulf War, and continues to provide US pilots with Aviators to this day.
I bought my first pair as soon as I got back from that shoot and have been wearing them ever since.
I love the classic styling, the military vibe, the history and authenticity.
If you'd like to learn more, or get yourself a pair, here's the link.
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