Altina Schinasi: Google Doodle Celebrates Iconic Cat-Eye Glasses Designer and Filmmaker
Altina Schinasi was a sculptor, filmmaker, entrepreneur, designer, and inventor who revolutionized eyewear with her iconic "Harlequin eyeglass frames," now known as cat-eye glasses.
Google pays tribute to Altina Schinasi, an exceptional American inventor, designer, and artist, on her birth anniversary for her groundbreaking contributions to eyewear and fashion design.
Born on this day in 1907 in Manhattan, New York, Altina Schinasi was the daughter of immigrant parents. Her extraordinary journey led her to create the iconic "cat-eye" Harlequin eyeglass frame, revolutionizing the eyewear industry and leaving a lasting legacy.
Altina Schinasi - A Multifaceted Talent
Schinasi's passion for art blossomed during her studies in painting in Paris after completing her education. Upon her return to the US, she honed her artistic skills at The Art Students League in New York. While she was working as a window decorator for different stores on Fifth Avenue, her artistic path suddenly changed.
Through this opportunity, she delved into the world of design, finding inspiration while collaborating with renowned artists such as Salvador Dalí and George Grosz.
The Birth of the Cat-Eye Glasses Idea
Schinasi noticed the limited fashionable options available for women's eyewear during her time as a window display designer, which sparked the concept of the cat-eye frame. Drawing inspiration from the harlequin masks used at Venice, Italy's Carnevale festival, she aimed to challenge the conventional eyewear designs.
Envisioning that the masks' sharp edges would accentuate a woman's features gracefully, Schinasi persevered despite initial setbacks from major manufacturers. Eventually, a local retailer recognized the potential of her invention, and in the late 1930s and early 1940s, the Harlequin glasses gained immense popularity among women in the US.
Her innovative creation garnered widespread attention, and in 1939, Schinasi was honored with the prestigious Lord & Taylor American Design Award. Her prominence in the eyewear fashion industry led to appearances in notable publications such as Vogue and Life.
Beyond the Cat-Eye Glasses: Schinasi's Other Achievements
Altina Schinasi's creativity extended beyond eyeglass frames. In the film industry, she produced the acclaimed documentary "George Grosz' Interregnum" in 1960, offering a captivating portrayal of her former mentor and instructor, George Grosz. The film earned recognition at the Venice Film Festival and received an Academy Award nomination.
Apart from films and eyewear, Schinasi's ingenuity extended to the creation of unique portrait chairs and benches, aptly named "Chairacters." These unconventional pieces exemplified her diverse talents as an inventor and artist.
Altina Schinasi's birth anniversary serves as a reminder of her remarkable contributions to art, design, and eyewear innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion and beyond.