Ray-Ban Celebrates New Materials Collection With Blondie and MS MR

Pictured, clockwise from left: Debbie Harry; the new Wayfarer in denim and leather; George Kotsiopoulos; MS MR; Zosia Mamet.

Ray-Ban celebrated the launch of its New Materials collection with an exclusive, one-night only event in New York and special performances by Blondie and MS MR.

The warehouse space, renamed "District 1937" for the event, brought to life a unique interactive experience with several artist workshops inviting guests to explore the unexpected materials used for the collection: The iconic Wayfarer, for instance, got a makeover with some raw denim or genuine leather layering, while the classic Aviator style was reinvented in ultra-light steel. The new Erika style, covered in smooth velvet, and a pair of new titanium optical glasses, complete the range.

Throughout the evening, Ray-Ban invited guests to explore the five materials and to discover how contemporary artists and designers use them in creative new ways, like Ian Berry's specially-commissioned portrait of Debbie Harry, made in denim canvas.

From left: Artist Ian Berry and his denim portrait of Blondie; the velvet workshop; leather artist Mark Evans.

The legendary Debbie Harry took the stage for a special performance with Blondie, and received extra support from the alternative-rock duo MS MR, and a DJ set by Jack Novack. "We've had a lengthy love affair with Ray-Ban and have been wearing them for a long time," said Harry. "We love experimenting and pushing the boundaries, not only in our music but with our look, so we're excited to be working with Ray-Ban in celebration of their latest reinvention -- their new materials collection."

Interview: 40 Years of Blondie

"District 1937" also featured the Ray-Ban Remix Lounge, a zone dedicated to the brand's unique customization service that allowed guests to create their own bespoke pair of sunglasses. Celebrities such as models Gigi Hadid and Coco Rocha, musicians Katherine McPhee and Chromeo, and TV personalities Zosia Mamet and George Kotsiopoulos, were spotted crafting their ideal pair of shades.

The Ray-Ban New Materials collection will be available in stores and online at RayBan.com on August 1st.