Lava lamps, and pet rocks were all the rage during the 1970s. As fashions changed from the flower power of the Sixties to the anti-war movement and then the late 70s' disco mania, so did the style of sunglasses. Now 70’s vintage sunglasses are making a comeback in a big way. Available from specialty retailers and on-line auction websites, many of those in the know are rediscovering these retro sunglasses.

A big part of the appeal of 70's vintage sunglasses can be attributed to advances in lens making technology. Now the lens could be thinner and just as strong as older style thick plastics. A thinner lens meant that the sun glasses could get bigger and more outrageous. Features like the colorful frames and ambermatic lenses that darkened according to the intensity of the light were novel introductions during this era.

Trend setters like Jackie Onassis heralded in the 70's style of big bold square frames while films like Smokey and The Bandit popularized the aviator style. Some of the top designers of sunglasses during this time included Christian Dior, Playboy, Carrera, Dunhill and Paloma Picasso. These are the same brands collectors of vintage sunglasses go after in their search for a taste of the golden 70s.