Raquel Welch revives her '60s-era role as a Foster Grant sunglasses girl

Raquel Welch left her shredded cave-girl dresses in the '60s, but she's poised to revive another of her beloved looks from the era -- Foster Grant sunglasses.

The 70-year-old actress and legendary sex symbol was a model for the brand's long-running "Who's That Behind Those Foster Grants" ads in the '60s (named one of Advertising Age's Top 100 Advertising Campaigns of all time), and will soon be starring in a "Who's That" TV campaign, launching April 12.

Other celebs who've modeled behind Foster Grants include Peter Sellers, Louis Jourdan, Carroll Baker, Claudia Cardinale, Elke Sommer, Anita Ekberg, Mia Farrow, Robert Goulet, Julie Christie, Woody Allen and Vanessa Redgrave.

At 81 years old, Foster Grant is the oldest American sunglasses company. Founder Sam Foster sold his first pair of sunglasses at a five-and-dime store on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. Who knew the brand had such a storied history?

-- Emili Vesilind

A new Times database puts readers on the sidewalks of Hollywood, using more than a century of archives to track the lives Raquel Welch and hundreds of other stars, including new Oscar winners Jeff Bridges and Sandra Bullock.

Photo: Raquel Welch modeling Foster Grants in the 1960s. Credit: Foster Grant

Comments

[Paul]

Be careful going to the Foster Grant site. The Raquel Welch link appears to be hacked, as a notice to install antivirus software popped up on my screen.

[chip]

Go, girl! She is an icon, and deserves some work even today. Foster Grants are my go-to cheap brand, have been for many years (why the heck would I pay $100 for Oakleys that I will break within 6 months?).

[John Tussey]

Way to go Foster Grant!! The ads rock, and while I do remember them from my youth I also remember that they made great, yet affordable, sunglasses. Then again I did work for them in the mid 80's until early 90's after they had been sold to a competitor (prior to current ownership). FG's led the way in style, fashion and functionability!! We had many 'firsts' in styles as well. One thing that has continued is the quality of the product and styles. Kudos to the new ownership as they've done a great job to revive a great name in sunglasses, and I love the ads!! Keep up the great work!!