Cat's eye frame: History of design ICONS
According to legend, cat eyes can be traced back to a fashion-savvy New Yorker. That said, Altina Schinasi ordered her first custom-made cat-eye frames from her optician. She is said to have been inspired by harlequin masks from the carnival celebrations in Venice, Italy. In the early days, cat eye prescription glasses were mostly worn as prescription glasses. But in 1961's Breakfast at Tiffany's, things changed overnight. In the cult film, Audrey Hepburn can be seen wearing a pair of oversized cat eye prescription glasses. To clarify, this is Oliver Goldsmith's "Manhattan" model.
Suddenly, women can't get enough of tinted cat eye prescription glasses. After all, they quickly became a staple of the sunnies segment. Famous cat-eye lovers include Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, and Barbara Windsor. Subsequently, the historic successor to the cat-eye frame became the oversized insect-eyed glasses of the 1970s. However, the cat's eye never completely disappeared from the eyewear design. Today, confident superstars such as Rihanna, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner are subverting classic styles with new energy.
What is the real "cat's eye" frame?
Also known as "butterfly glasses," cat eye prescription glasses are defined by pointed lenses that hang upward along the brow line. In terms of material, a cat's eye tends to acetate. And the classic natural horn. Recently, a new generation of metal cat eyes appeared on the scene. In addition, these newcomers have added titanium. Historically, cat eyes first made a splash as a prescription frame and later set off the trend in the field of sunglasses. Subsequently, since the early 21st century, cat eye prescription glasses have ushered in a brilliant return.
A modern interpretation of cat-eye frames
From day one, the signature upturn along the brow line has been a definite feature of the cat's eye. But in terms of size, since the 1960s, cat eyes have evolved from petite at first to increasingly generous sizes. Along these lines, contemporary cat-eye prescription glasses frames from high-end brands are moving towards an oversized look, for example, the future cat-eye style rimless frames. But there are exceptions, like micro-framed cat eyes. Despite these changes, one thing is certain: these classic photo frames are far more than a passing trend. All in all, they have maintained their sensuality in the field of eyewear design over the years.
What type of wearer is best suited for cat eye frames?
Currently, in the world of eyewear, the lines between the sexes are blurring. Cat eye frames, however, are a big exception: while a few bold men could be seen wearing them in the halcyon days of the 1950s, in the wild we mostly see women wearing them. In general, butterfly frames can be decorated with any shape of face. But be warned: size matters! Oversized cat eyes are good for anyone, but smaller cat eye prescription glasses and prescription cat eyes should be worn by a professional optician.