Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re likely well aware of the newfound partnership between Ray-Ban and A$AP Rocky. Since appointing the rapper as their creative director back in February, the legendary eyewear brand has already unveiled the Wayfarer Puffer frames that played off the iconic silhouette but with a streetwear twist.
However, this latest drop plays things a little less safe with a trio of sunglasses that lean heavily into futuristic aesthetics and honestly look nothing like anything we’ve ever seen before. Already debuting at Rocky’s AWGE runway show during Parish Fashion Week last month, the Next Generation Collection is now available for purchase.
Ultra Wrap 001: The Future Is Here
Needless to say, the sunglasses industry is in dire need of a shake up. Most modern silhouettes are simply some variation of timeless classics, but don’t ever push the needle too much. The Next Generation Collection consists of three Ultra Wrap models (001, 002, and 003), which are each about as far from traditional Ray-Bans as you can get without abandoning the brand’s ethos entirely.
First off is the 001, which is arguably the collection’s most approachable silhouette. Although, “approachable” is relative, as the wraparound sunglasses feature frames that look like they’ve been literally inflated, creating a sort of seamless shield across your face for max coverage. This looks like something you’d expect from Oakley but not necessarily Ray-Ban — and we’re totally here for it.
Available in four colorways at the moment, the continuous lens structure eliminates the typical bridge and creates an almost mask-like aesthetic, but the frame still contours naturally to facial geometry.
Ultra Wrap 002: Maximum Impact
The Ultra Wrap 002 sort of expands upon the 001, with a taller shield lens and pronounced block temples that create the most intense silhouette of the trio. The perfectly curved lens looks both futuristic yet familiar, and is the most aggressive of the collection. This is where Rocky’s hip-hop heritage becomes most apparent, taking the bold approach of modern streetwear and translating them into eyewear, even if it’s a bit less versatile for the everyday wearer.
Ultra Wrap 003: Something More Familiar
The 003 might be the most familiar design, featuring bold wraparound lenses with thick, curved temples that almost feel like they have a consistent figure-8 flow around both eyes. Unlike its siblings, the 003 maintains separate lenses rather than a single shield, which will create better visual definition and perhaps more flattering proportions for a wider range of face shapes. The temple design will also give you a secure, comfortable fit that won’t rely solely on nose bridge pressure like a single-lens design might. Again, we couldn’t help but think of Oakley’s performance shades when looking at these.
Spec Sheet
Models: Ultra Wrap 001, Ultra Wrap 002, Ultra Wrap 003
Construction: Wraparound silhouettes with sculptural temples
Frames: Nylon
Lenses: Single shield (001, 002) or separate wraparound lenses (003)
Price Range: $874 to $901
Limited Edition?: Yes, unspecified
Pricing & Availability
The Next Generation Collection is available now on Ray-Ban’s website, with pricing between $874 and $901 depending on the model and colorway. Each pair comes housed in a rigid plexiglass cube that doubles as both protective packaging and display piece. The Ultra Wrap models are each limited, although edition size hasn’t been specified.
Recap
A$AP Rocky x Ray-Ban Next Generation Collection
A$AP Rocky puts a futuristic, streetwear spin on Ray-Ban sunglasses with a trio of new wraparound models that are unlike anything we’ve seen before from the brand.
