Porsche Design is releasing a limited edition of its P’8478 aviator sunglasses (the world’s first pair of sunglasses with replaceable lenses) to celebrate 40 years of activity.
Remodelled as the ‘Heritage 40Y Edition’, the sunglasses are based on the original design but have been updated using improvements in manufacturing. New materials include sand-blasted titanium in matt silver grey, combined with brown and silver mirrored, progressive tint lenses. Each of the 40,000 pairs (which come in sizes small, medium, large, and extra-large) is laser-marked ‘40Y Edition’ and has the 40Y emblem on the bridge.
Four decades on, the sunglasses (made by Munich-based glasses manufacturer Rodenstock) are still recognised as one of the world’s most sought-after luxury accessories and have been worn by celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, David Beckham and Brad Pitt.
The Porsche Design brand was founded in 1972 by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, whose products intended to stand for functional, timeless and purist design. The brand’s product range consists of men’s accessories, a sport and fashion collection, electronic products, a men’s cologne line, as well as a spectacles collection for women.