P. Johnson Orbison Antique Black Sunglasses

Orbison - Counter to popular assumption, Roy Kelton Orbison wasn’t an inward, mysterious or reclusive man at all. He even remarked of himself - “I wasn't trying to be weird ... I didn't have a manager who told me to dress or how to present myself or anything, but the image developed of a man of mystery and a quiet man in black somewhat of a recluse, although I never was, really." Some even believed he was blind. However his strangely operatic and tremulous voice, vulnerable lyrics, perfectly static stage presence fledged with black hair, clothes and glasses certainly amounted to a peculiar mystique.

It could have been a different memory for all of us had Orbison not left his normal glasses on a plane while touring with The Beatles*. He had to wear his prescription Wayfarers that day in concert and found he preferred them. His image was sealed.

Polished black frames

Grey rounded lenses

Acetate frames from the best maker in the Veneto

Visually sharp tinted glass lenses

Handmade in Veneto, Italy