Persol Eyewear

Persol Eyewear is made by one of the oldest eyeglasses companies in the world, and it has stayed true to its roots for more than one hundred years. Do you want to invest in glasses that are hand made with high-quality? Even today, this luxury brand manufactures all their glasses in the place they were born: Italy. Explore the designs by these pioneers in luxury glasses.  Persol glasses and Persol sunglasses can all be customized with prescription lenses, just like all of our glasses.

Made In Italy

Persol is one of the few companies that haven’t outsourced the manufacturing of their glasses to China. When you shop for Persol glasses, you should know that every pair is handmade in Italy. Persol glasses rank among those with a record of popularity that reaches back for almost one hundred years.

The frames are truly classic; glasses are known for quality in materials and manufacture with stylized metal hinges at the temple, designed for maximum comfort, make them unique and easily recognizable and enduring.

Persol Eyeglasses

Persol frames use only high-quality materials, such as cellulose acetate, to provide a range of vibrant colors and fashionable styles. Also, on all Persol eyeglasses frames, you’ll find their distinguished silver arrow along the hinge. This is a hallmark feature that commemorates their history, excellence, and prestige in the eyewear industry. The eyeglasses collection adheres to a very strict, classic style which have not changed much in 100 years. Rectangle frame shapes, round frame shapes, double bridges, and an emphasis on acetate materials distinguish the line. Round and almost round frame shapes are crafted with extraordinary durability and safety in mind.

Persol Sunglasses

Having a pair of Persol sunglasses is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a partnership with a company that will always stay true to their roots. So remember, as you look for the perfect pair of Persol sunglasses, whether they are regular or prescription sunglasses, remember that all purchases include free shipping in the US. And, you can use your vision insurance, HSA, or FSA account to enjoy additional savings.

Sunglass Lenses

Because the company's history derives from the practical application of its lenses to everyday activities, the lenses have glare reduction, gradient coloring, and other services that you will not find in most high quality sunglasses lines these days.

Persol Eyewear

Roots In History

From its very beginnings, Persol Eyewear has been known for creating luxurious eyeglasses and sunglasses. Founded in 1917 by Giusseppe Ratti, Persol grew to become a brand favorite for their timeless designs, commitment to aesthetics, and ongoing innovation.

Giuseppe Ratti was the owner of Berry Opticians, and he began the great adventure which had destiny written all over it. He began by making technologically advanced eyewear, specifically for the needs of airplane pilots and fast-car drivers who required a high quality vision, as well as protection from the elements and vicissitudes of the inclemencies of the weather.

Protector Model

Thus was developed the Protector model, which was guided by a strict focus to create truly revolutionary products both for the high-quality material and workmanship, and also the comfort of everyday wearing. This led to the formation of the now-famous word “Persol”, which is derived from the Italian “Per Il Sol” which means “For The Sun”.

Turin Tram Drivers

The first model in 1957 was named “649”, and it was designed for the Turin tram drivers because they needed eyewear large enough to protect their eyes against both the elements including the air and dust. The design of this first effort was so novel, that it became an instant success, and was copied for a long time by a succession of imitators. But these sunglasses became truly immortalized in 1961 when Marcello Mastroianni donned them in his feature film “Divorce Italian Style”.

Technological Innovation

Technological innovation became the hallmark of the Persol brand in the 1980s, even before the popularity of contact lenses, which continued to garner significant attention. The lenses and frames were tested in several extreme environments, including the desert, and in high altitudes.

In the early 1990s Persol's female image was entrusted to Italian actress Ornella Muti, for whom Persol purposely created a pair of incredibly popular glasses (the elegant 830 model), and then in 1993-94 with super model, Carol Alt. She too was dedicated a personalized model (the Carol 853 model).

Ownership

Persol is owned by the Luxottica Corporation, the world's largest eyewear company.

Who is behind the Persol company? 

Persol eyewear counts among the oldest and most iconic brands of sunglasses, representing over 100 years of Italy's style. Nowadays, the Silver Arrow logo, which represents the swords of Roman warriors, has become synonymous with luxurious acetate frame and designs that prioritize both style and comfort. But how did Persol start its unique journey in the sunglasses market? 

Giuseppe Ratti - the man who wanted to protect pilots from sun glare

Giuseppe Ratti began his career as an optician in the modest family firm on Via Cabatto in Turin, Italy. During the First World War, he met pilots who complained to him about the sun reflections when they were flying and fighting. Giuseppe Ratti used his skills as an enthusiastic photographer to experiment with lenses. He started designing sunglasses as a protective item in the backdrop of WWI, and registered his first pair called "The Protector" in 1917. This introduced his experimental smoked lenses technology, which could be worn to reduce glare. 

The Protector marked the first sunglasses revolution

The first Persol model rapidly became a hit among pilots, thanks to the quality of protection the lenses provided and the comfortable fit around the temples. Ratti managed to create smoked crystal lenses out of silica with the help of a German chemist. For comfort and a tight fit that prevented dust disruption, the Persol model was edged with rubber and elastic band straps. The frames and the following versions were met with enthusiasm by men in the air forces worldwide. 

Thanks to the money Persol received from supplying the military with the specifically designed Persol frames, the Silver Arrow brand was able to market itself across Europe. This helped take Persol eyewear out of Italy and reach out to international customers. 

The brand also caught the attention of other vehicle professionals, namely motorcyclists and sport racing drivers. Fangio, the Argentinian sport car driver is said to owe his success to his pair of Persol sunglasses, allowing him to drive faster while maintaining visibility. 

Giuseppe Ratti - an inventor dedicated to quality

Ratti pursued his experiments with sunglasses to discover further essential innovations. With a strong focus on comfortable and practical sunglasses, Ratti brought new designs to the Persol glasses collection. 

He is praised for his dedication to innovation, and that's how he could discover new ways of designing comfortable frames. He patented and registered a hinges and arms design for the Meflecto sunglasses, introducing flexible arms that can bend and metal spring-loaded hinges that can fold. The patented concept evolved later to create the Victor Flex system, ensuring the Persol bridge can fit to any face shape and nose. The system uses flexible notches to adjust the bridge. 

Ratti also worked to discover and design groundbreaking protective frames in acetate during the post war era, helping establish the brand further. The most famous Persol frame of the era, Cellor Clubmaster remains a favorite for vintage glasses lovers for its stylish details and his protective lenses. It features a rimless bottom half and an acetate brown line on top. 

The bottom line: Persol glasses do not just create a timeless style. They create practical comfort everybody can wear day after day. 

Rise to international fame

In 1995, Luxottica, the eyewear conglomerate, purchased Persol and continued the brand's international expansion. Luxottica also owns Ray Ban. The conglomerate owns approximately 80% of the eyewear shops and brands, including places like Sunglass Hut. 

All Persol glasses and Persol sunglasses are still produced in Italy, according to the standard of quality set up by Giuseppe Ratti in an effort to remain faithful to their values. 

Perhaps the most important thing one can say about Persol, is that the brand initially designed eyewear to support men in Italy and elsewhere through their occupational work. The first pair, The Protector, was built with Air Force in mind (similar to the Ray Ban's Aviator), for example. 

But countless other Persol sunglasses started their lives as practical frames:

• Ratti designed the 649 Persol model for tram drivers in Turin, ensuring dust protection with the large frame. With an eye for design, the stylish acetate eyewear elevates the sunglasses to a fashionable item.

• The Persol 714 may not ring a bell. But if you don't know the name, you know the wearer Steve McQueen, who showcased the Persol sunglasses in Thomas Crown affair. Piers Brosnan was also wearing the same frames in the remake. Many name Steve McQueen as the person who helped make the international audience discover and fall in love with Persol sunglasses. 

• The vintage 830 Persol eyewear remains today one of the best acetate sunglasses made for women, with the legendary Silver Arrow metal logo. 

Author of this article: 

Mark Agnew
CEO of Eyeglasses.com, which he founded in 1999.  For over twenty years, he has educated consumers, improved their vision choices, and reduced costs in eyewear.  Mark authored The Eyeglasses Buying Guide, the most comprehensive and best-selling glasses buying guide in the world.
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