JUNE 18, 2004

Ray-Ban and BAR

British American Racing has signed a sponsorship deal with the world's best-selling sunglasses brand Ray-Ban. The sponsorship is intended to be a key element in Ray-Ban's global communication programme which aims to reinforce Ray-Bans image of style, quality and cool.

Ray-Ban started out in the 1930s with its Aviator sunglasses, which were made for pilots in the US Air Force, but were quickly adopted by movie and show business celebrities. The company was acquired by the Italian eyewear industry leader Luxottica in 1999. Luxottica is not a wellknown brand in its own right by supplies eyewear to a wide variety of fashion brands including Brooks Brothers, Bulgari, Chanel, Salvatore Ferragamo, Killer Loop, Moschino, Prada, Sergio Tacchini, Emanuel Ungaro and Versace.