Though earlier fact-finding missions concluded that the Chinese and the Inuit peoples were early adopters of the eyewear commonly known as sunglasses, new evidence has the stylish scientific community abuzz.

The climate and living conditions in Southern California have contributed to a highly evolved, indigenous species of the sunglass called Dita.

Exhibit A: Inhabitants of the area have been sighted wearing Dita’s Pretender and Scandal to shield eyes from the oftentimes blinding rays of the sun.

Exhibit B: Inhabitants have also been seen using the large molded plastic frames and darkly shaded lenses exemplified by the Supadupa (see Diaz, Cameron; Olsen, Mary Kate and Ashley; Foxx, Jamie) to protect eyes, identity, or possibly pacemakers from the paparazzi flashbulb effect.

Exhibit C: Breakthrough — a heavy concentration of Dita eyewear has been found on Melrose in Dita Legends. The new headquarters holds the entire collection as well as a signature line of leather flight bags, retro Carreras, lifestyle items like shell jewelry from New Zealand, and cult brands from Japan such as Hysteric Glamour.

After taking all the factors into consideration, one can predict Dita will continue to flourish.

Survival of the fittest, indeed.

Dita Legends, 7625 Melrose Avenue, between Stanley and Curson Avenues, West Hollywood (323-658-7078). To see styles, go to dita.com.