Whether you’re talking about sunglasses or race cars, there’s something distinctly American about the marriage of precision engineering and bold, functional design. It’s that gestalt sweet spot where form and function create something greater than the sum of its parts.
Now, a limited-edition eyewear collab unites two icons that easily embody this level of American craftsmanship: Massachusetts-based Randolph, with its 50+ years of military-spec eyewear manufacturing, and Shelby American, the legendary performance brand that dethroned Ferrari at Le Mans back in ’65 (the only American manufacturer ever to clinch the World Manufacturers’ GT Championship). Let’s take a look at what their latest collection of sunglasses has in store…
RACING STRIPES FOR YOUR FACE
When two heritage brands with this level of pedigree team up, expectations run high, and the Randolph x Shelby Collection doesn’t disappoint. The collaboration transforms three of Randolph’s most iconic silhouettes – the Aviator II, Sportsman, and Archer – with new design elements that echo the bold styling of Shelby’s impressive racing heritage. Available in one of four finishes (gunmetal, bright chrome, black chrome, or matte chrome), each frame features signature racing stripes on the bayonet temple tips alongside co-branded details that will evoke nostalgia for both automotive and eyewear enthusiasts. Our personal favorite is the one inspired by the iconic blue Cobra.
Randolph’s military-grade construction has been trusted by U.S. military pilots since the early ‘80s, and now it’s been transposed for the open highway with Shelby’s performance-drive aesthetic and purpose-built engineering for visibility behind the wheel — not necessarily in the skies.
ENGINEERED FOR THE FAST LANE
Again, the technology packed into these frames goes well beyond stylistic flourishes and striking colorways. Although, color is an important factor as well. Made with the Randolph-favorite SkyForce nylon, the lenses come in one of three new colors that benefit from Zeiss LightPro Technology: Redline, Le Mans Blue, and Apex Gray.
Featuring semi-polarization, each lens has been tuned for specific driving conditions, whether on the road or track. For starters, the Le Mans Blue selectively filters polarized light to enhance the visibility of white road markings against asphalt, especially at higher speeds. Meanwhile, the Redline lens amplifies contrast with its reddish tint that makes subtle details pop for more split-second decisions on the open road. As for the Apex Gray, it’s been designed for the highest light transmission on sunnier days.
HANDCRAFTED AMERICANA
While many brands have outsourced production overseas, both Randolph and Shelby maintain their manufacturing on American soil. Randolph’s facility in Massachusetts still employs many of the same handcrafting techniques established by Polish immigrants Jan Waszkiewicz and Stanley Zaleski when they founded the company in 1973. Each frame in this collection undergoes over 200 manufacturing steps by skilled craftspeople. Coincidentally, this is the exact kind of meticulous attention to detail that Carroll Shelby himself would have appreciated in his lifetime.
The collection arrives with a custom perforated leather carrying case inspired by Shelby’s legendary seats, along with a co-branded cleaning cloth and historical info booklet detailing the collaboration. This is a complete package that’s as thoughtfully put together as the sunglasses themselves.
SPEC SHEET
Frame Styles: Aviator II, Sportsman, Archer
Frame Finishes: Black Chrome, Bright Chrome, Gunmetal, Matte Chrome
Temple Tips: Racing Stripe with Gloss Black, Hot Rod Red, or Cobra Blue accents
Lens Technology: Zeiss LightPro Technology with SkyForce Nylon
Lens Colors: Apex Gray (16.84% transmission), Redline (15.88% transmission), Le Mans Blue (16.37% transmission)
Polarization: Semi-Polarized with UVA/UVB protection
Limited Edition?: Yes, unspecified
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
Ranging from $329 to $389, depending on the model, the Randolph x Shelby Collection launches May 20. The brands have implied that this is a limited-edition release but have not specified the exact numbers for production. Either way, you should act fast if you want a pair.
Recap
Randolph x Shelby Sunglasses Collection
Randolph employs its three most iconic styles for these Shelby Racing-inspired sunglasses, featuring racing stripes on the sides and new driving-specific lenses.
