Smith Optics got its start in 1965, when Dr. Bob Smith sold the first thermal goggle lens out of the back of his van. Since then, Smith has been at the forefront of optics technologies and innovations, and in 1979 began its first foray into sunglasses.

The Smith Archive Collection. Photo by Christopher D. Thompson.

In homage to the days of sunglasses past, Smith is introducing its Archive Collection. The line of sunglasses are exact replicas of some of Smith’s most iconic frames of the past, and come in a variety of modern colorways, seamlessly blending the styles of yesterday and today.

To get a feel for the Archive Collection, take a look at Smith’s ad below, featuring a montage of different advertisements from the company’s 35 years of producing quality sunglasses.

Archive Collection frames:

Cheetah:
The Cheetah was first released around 1988 and gets its name from its cat-eye inspired shape. It comes in a medium fit, with impact resistant carbonic lenses, and an adjustable wire-core temple.

MSRP: $80 (non-polarized); $119 (polarized)

Mt. Shasta:
The Mt. Shasta frame is straight out of 1993, and is a piece of eyewear that can be rocked at aprés ski and brunch alike. Like the Cheetah, the Mt. Shasta features a medium fit, cat-eye frame shape, durable carbonic lenses and an adjustable wire-core temple.

MSRP: $80 (non-polar); $119 (polarized)

Marvine:
The Marvine is for those looking to stand out. It’s distinctive circular frame, and resembles something John Lennon would’ve worn, had he been around in 1993. The Marvine comes in a small-medium fit, as well as the standard features found in the rest of the Archives.

MSRP: $80 (non-polar); $119 (polarized)

Delano:
This medium-fit, minimalist frame from 1993 is great for those who love their shades, but don’t want them to weigh down their face. A red and gold mirrored lens gives off a fierce vibe.

MSRP: $80 (non-polar); $119 (polarized)

Cornice:

The oversized look of the Cornice is bold, but allows it to fit on a variety of face shapes. The Cornice dates back to 1991, and definitely gives off a confident, daring vibe.

MSRP: $80 (non-polar); $119 (polarized)