1980s Foster Grant Frames | Archive 0138

A bold silhouette defined by oversized geometric proportions and a distinctive two-tone translucent acetate. The broad lines and subtle gradient colouring create visual depth, while shifting from warm honey tones at the brow to a softer crystal finish below. The generous lens openings and sculpted bridge capture the confident design language of its time. 

Frame Model: Unknown
Decade: 1980s
Country of Origin: USA
Lenses: Empty, ready for custom lenses
Condition: Good vintage, slight scratching on arms
Measurements: Unknown

Historical Context
Founded in 1919 by Sam Foster, Foster Grant began as a manufacturer of women’s hair accessories before turning to eyewear as changing hairstyles reduced demand for its original products. In 1929, the company sold its first sunglasses at Woolworth on the Atlantic City boardwalk, helping establish affordable sunglasses as a mass-market fashion accessory. Foster Grant later became closely associated with Hollywood glamour, with celebrities helping popularise its sunglasses and the famous “Who’s That Behind Those Foster Grants?” campaign of the 1960s. 

Its vintage frames reflect an accessible American aesthetic, ranging from classic rounded and cat-eye shapes to bold oversized silhouettes and colourful molded-plastic designs. The brand’s early adoption of injection molding in the 1930s also helped it produce sunglasses efficiently and at accessible prices, contributing to its long-standing place in American eyewear history.