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A$AP Rocky’s Courthouse Sunglasses Were Part of Rapper’s New Ray-Ban Collab
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A$AP Rocky drew onlookers at his recent gun assault trial in Los Angeles, but it turns out there was more than meets the eye with the artist’s choice of wardrobe. While press and supporters clamored for the rapper’s attention outside the courthouse each day, Rocky mostly stayed silent, weaving his way past the crowd in a formal suit and a rotating collection of sunglasses. As it turns out, the shades weren’t just a style statement — they were also an in-your-face marketing campaign.
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Rocky has been appointed as the first-ever creative director of Ray-Ban. As part of his role, the fashion icon and artist will help lead new projects at Ray-Ban Studios, while “shaping the future of the brand’s image and design.” In a nod to the new collab, Rocky was wearing the brand’s iconic Wayfarers and Mega Clubmasters to the courthouse all month long.
SHOP THE LOOK: RAY-BAN MEGA CLUBMASTERS $241
The partnership kicks off with the launch of the Ray-Ban Black Out Collection, officially out in April. The capsule features bold, updated takes on classic Ray-Ban pieces — think oversized temples, gold-plated detailing and all-new “ultra-black”lenses. Ray-Ban says the collaboration introduces “disruptive frames that blend classic elements with bold and modern influences,” with the company, “blending its rich heritage with contemporary culture infused with Rocky’s signature style.”
That signature style was on full display during Rocky’s courthouse appearances, where he was photographed in both sunglasses and optical frames available on RayBan.com now (like the irregular oval metal style below).
SHOP THE LOOK: RAY-BAN RB3732V OPTICS $178
Ray-Ban says Rocky’s full involvement will be unveiled later this year, but fans can expect to see the rapper and producer directing campaigns and helping to redesign Ray-Ban stores, in addition to working on new product releases.
“I’ve always admired Ray-Ban’s ability to stay true to its roots while constantly evolving,” Rocky says in a press release. “I’m excited to be part of the strong heritage and develop the next chapter for an iconic brand like Ray-Ban.”
A$AP ROCKY-APPROVED
Mega Wayfarer Sunglasses
$191
ICONIC SILHOUETTE
Original Wayfarer Classic
$180
“Ray-Ban transcends the eyewear industry [and] for nearly 80 years, the brand has been on the faces of the most iconic musicians, artists, actors and heroes – shaping and re-shaping the status quo, leading cultural revolutions of all the times,” adds Ray-Ban President, Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio. “Today, we are welcoming A$AP Rocky into our family; he’s a visionary artist and creator. His ability to push the boundaries of the diverse worlds he explores, aligns with the Ray-Ban DNA. We are reinforcing the brand’s values of innovation, pioneering spirit, and courage.”
Rocky’s trial ended this week with the rapper found not guilty of two firearm assault charges stemming from an altercation with former friend A$AP Relli three years ago.
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