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If you were lucky — which, in this case, means living in North America, Central America, the western coast of South America, or parts of East Asia and Australia — you bore witness to the lunar eclipse in the wee hours of March 3 (for some, the celestial event is only going to happen later this evening). But if you were among those who missed the chance to see the moon turn blood-red, American Optical, the brand behind JFK’s most-worn sunglasses, has just come out with a consolation prize: in the form of the all-new Blood Moon Aviators, only 999 pairs of which are available for purchase online.
The most important thing to know is that these sunnies, or at least their O.G. models, have already gone to the moon. To be sure, the Blood Moon style (standing apart from the crowd thanks to those Deep Wine–tinted lenses) takes advantage of what American Optical calls its “most iconic frame” — the Original Pilot, that is, which was designed for U.S. military pilots and later issued to astronauts, too, across the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. With the help of the silhouette’s innovative bayonet temples, these space explorers didn’t have to take off their helmets to remove the shades, and you better believe the made-in-the-USA accessories lived up to the highest standards of manufacturing when it came to durability and comfort alike.
Now, the moon landing–tested sunglasses have entered a fresh and exciting era, honoring the total lunar eclipses that happen every 18 months to three years. Blood moons have inspired awe and trepidation for centuries, so it’s quite fitting that American Optical’s most famous wearers (those of the Camelot administration, yes, but also Malcolm X, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Robert De Niro in “Taxi Driver,” and Neil Armstrong) have been both revered and feared throughout history.
Neil Armstrong wearing the American Optical Original Pilot sunglasses in March 1969, months before his moon landing.
Courtesy Ralph Morse—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
What to look forward to with the oldest American eyewear manufacturer’s latest rollout? Special AOLite SunVogue nylon lenses that evoke the lunar glow during an eclipse, etched with a minimalist moon illustration; matte armor black velvet frames representing the dark, mysterious skies above us all; an accompanying starry-sky cleaning cloth; a gift box, sleeve, and case; and a certificate of authenticity meant to serve as a constant reminder that you’re wearing a piece of history. Other reminders, straight from AO? “To not let anything hold you back” and “to explore your wildest dreams.” This time around, even the sky isn’t the limit.
These limited-edition Original Pilot sunglasses commemorate the blood moon. Last year, American Optical also came out with a highly popular Blue Moon style, which sold out as quickly as a shooting star falls from the sky.
Courtesy American Optical
The Original Pilot Blood Moon glasses are unisex and clock in at $265. While you’re at it, add the Kennedy-approved Saratogas to cart, as well.
(The former leader of the free world preferred their tortoise-print iteration.)
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Only 999 pairs available
American Optical Original Pilot Blood Moon Sunglasses
Price upon publish date of this article: $265
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Meet the Author
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on limited-edition accessory releases tied to key cultural (and celestial!) events.
