Persol. A brand you may know by name. In the world of eyewear, Persol is a brand synonymous with excellence and uncompromising style. Handcrafted in acetate to this day, mymonture tells the story of this brand straight out of the Italian workshops.
The beginning
Persol was created in 1917 by photographer and inventor Giuseppe Ratti. Initially, he founded the "Ratti" company, which manufactured eyewear for racing drivers and streetcar drivers. His main aim was to create avant-garde frames, and he was determined to differentiate his products from those of his competitors. It wasn't long before his aviator-style eyewear was spotted and used by the army: Protector eyewear, his dazzling success was launched.
Ratti Protector
The birth of Persol
The popularity of these frames also reached civilians after the air force. By 1938, Ratti was a household name, worn by the biggest stars, and it was in this year that the brand took the name Persol, after 21 years of innovation. But what does Persol actually mean? The name actually comes from the contraction of "Per il sol", which in Italian means "For the sun", as Persol is first and foremost a brand specialized in sunglasses.
In 1957, the 649 model appeared, designed for streetcar drivers in Turin, to protect them from the air and dust. At the time, they had a distinctive design that made them popular with everyone. The model was often copied by other brands.
Persol 649
World-famous stars flaunted the brand at the tip of their noses, including the great actor Marcello Mastroianni in the 1961 film "Divorce à l'Italienne", who wore a pair of 649s that he particularly appreciated.
In 1962, Persol moved to the United States, where it began producing sunglasses and eyewear.
Persol and Steve McQueen
Nevertheless, when we talk about Persol, we can't help but mention Steve McQueen, who undeniably popularized the brand. Indeed, on numerous occasions and in a number of films, he sported the 714 model he was particularly fond of. If you'd like to find out more about Steve McQueen and his affection for Persol, please read our article on Icons and Eyewear.
Persol 714
From the 1980s to today
In the 1980s, Persol continued to persevere in a field close to its heart: technological innovation, with research and development into new design materials. The brand takes part in various expeditions to test its lenses in extreme conditions, i.e. at high altitude and in the desert, with the aim of having the most suitable and best performing materials for eyewear lenses.
Persol now belongs to optical giant Luxottica and continues to offer original acetate models. How do you recognize a Persol frame? The brand has some very distinctive features on its frames, such as the metal arrows on the hinges and the metal cylinders on the temples, designed to improve flexibility.
Persol is an absolutely fascinating brand in terms of its history, the models it offers and their quality, and that's why at mymonture we've decided to offer them to you at the fairest price. You can also find our selection of Persol frames.
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