The story of cateye style glasses

The cat-eye represents the first explicitly feminine eyewear style. It also represents so much more: from revolutionising the eyewear industry, to breathing new life into a fading craft, the cat-eye shape characterises the endless possibilities of design, and the human desire to be playful. 

In 1930, American artist and sculptor Altina Schinasi designed the Harlequin frame, also known as cat-eye frame, which was an explosive breakthrough at the time.

The servile status of that era is probably unimaginable to us now. In most cases, women are the vassals of men. The society believes that the best position for women is to stay at home and take care of their husbands and children. Mid-level and senior-level positions at work are almost always monopolized by men.

Schinasi took her inspiration from the masks of Venetian Carnival and began experimenting until she came up with the form she dubbed Harlequin after the classical character from the Italian Commedia dell’arte. Although Schinasi’s designs were initially rejected by mainstream manufacturers, she soon found a boutique optical shop on Madison Avenue that sold her designs to high-profile women. By the end of the 1930s, harlequin glasses had become so popular that Schinasi started her own company to distribute them. In 1939, she was given the American Design Award from Lord and Taylor for revolutionising the eyewear industry and transforming optical glasses into a fashion accessory, and the rest as they say was history.

The 1950s proved to be a significant year for cat-eye glasses but it was only in the 60s that this style gained popularity especially after Audrey Hepburn donned them in Breakfast At Tiffany’s. Wearing a pair of Oliver Goldsmith Manhattan sunglasses, this style catapulted oversized cat-eye sunglasses to fame and iconic status. By now, a smaller cat-eye frame began to transform into a larger, oversized frame and commanded oomph. 

Sophisticated, feminine, romantic and seductive all in one this larger silhouette opened up the cat eye design to a whole new audience thanks to the addition of tinted lenses. As a result, cat-eye glasses appeared in every shape and form — often bedazzled with crystals and other embellishments for a standout effect. After the surge in popularity of the 60s, in the 70s the cat-eye trend saw a downfall. The style was overshadowed by funky large square and circular.

The Renaissance

Sixty years later, a designer collaboration proved the cat-eye look hadn’t lost any of its lustre. The blockbuster success of Adam Selman x Le Specs’ The Last Lolita, was unprecedented and the retro cat-eye trend could be seen everywhere and on everyone. This time the frame is more geometric and considerably smaller than what we’ve seen in previous years. With its iconic narrow cat-eye silhouette and flat profile, it has been worn by Gigi and Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Rihanna and more, thus sparking a cat-eye sunglasses revival and putting the style firmly back in the spotlight. From the catwalk to the streets and pop culture, the trend has seen a revival today.

In contrast to the past, cat eye frames of today have a more subtle, chic and elegant approach and are available in many variations from thicker dark or coloured frames to thinner, more playful ones to flatter any type of face shape. It was in 2021, that the Spring Summer runway was filled with modern incarnations of the cat-eye shape from all the big fashion houses. Today, the small narrow frames have got more geometric, oversized frames too have cat eyes and clear frames can’t be missed out. Every season’s offerings showcase a stronger hold on the design staple – think vintage, retro, Audrey-inspired styles and more.

They remain a popular choice for those looking to showcase bold and vintage-inspired styles through their eyewear. The cat eye silhouette has also influenced the design of sunglasses and prescription glasses, further expanding its influence in the modern fashion realm.