Sunglasses, Italian Style: How Persol Became a Silver-Screen Icon

"Marcello Mastroianni propelled the sunglasses brand Persol into the stratosphere by wearing different frames in La Dolce Vita and Divorzio All'Italiana, exposing the brand to a glamorous audience."

"Founded in 1917 by Giuseppe Ratti, Persol was initially aimed at creating professional optical tools for racing drivers and military pilots, featuring larger frames and innovative designs."

"The 0649 model, made famous by Mastroianni, was developed in the 1950s for Turin's tram drivers, addressing their need for protection against dust and glare."

"Steve McQueen's adoption of the 0714 aviators in The Thomas Crown Affair showcased Persol's innovative folding design, further solidifying the brand's status in the sunglasses market."

Persol sunglasses gained fame through Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni, who wore them in films like La Dolce Vita and Divorzio All'Italiana. Founded in 1917 by Giuseppe Ratti, Persol began as a maker of optical tools for racing drivers and pilots. The brand's name combines Italian words for 'for sun.' The 0649 model, developed for tram drivers, became iconic thanks to Mastroianni. Steve McQueen also popularized Persol with his 0714 aviators in The Thomas Crown Affair, showcasing the brand's innovative designs and technology.

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