Persol shades: designed for the sun
Born in 1917 in Turin, Persol is one of the oldest eyewear brands in the world. Giuseppe Ratti was working as an optician when he met pilots who complained of the glare of the sun. This set Ratti on a mission, experimenting with smoked lenses and developing them alongside a chemist. The final product, ‘The Protector’, became popular with race car drivers and launched the brand.
Following Ratti's original vision, Persol sunglasses are crafted for those who live beyond style, beyond eras. Whether it’s the refined functionality of Persol sunglasses for men or the understated elegance of Persol sunglasses for women, each design embodies the brand’s commitment to timeless Italian craftsmanship. And it’s impossible to look at the history of the brand without mentioning Steve McQueen, the brand’s unofficial ambassador. When McQueen walked on the set of The Thomas Crown Affair wearing Persol 714 folding sunglasses, one of cinema’s most enduring images of cool was born. In 2008, Persol released the 714 SM — a replica of McQueen’s look that reflected his rebellious nature.
Want to bring that same iconic spirit to your everyday look? Discover our collection of Persol eyeglasses.
