Google Doodle Honors Altina Schinasi, Designer of Iconic Cat-Eye Glasses, Know All About Her

Today, August 4, Google Doodle commemorates the 116th birthday of Altina Schinasi, an American artist and designer recognized for her work in textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. In the 1940s, she is also credited with creating the Harlequin cat-eye glasses. Harlequin cat-eye spectacles are distinguished by their huge, almond-shaped frames with upturned tips. Her glasses were inspired by Venetian carnival masks, and they had big, almond-shaped frames with upturned points.

Who was Altina Schinasi?

Altina was born in Manhattan, New York on August 4, 1907. She has always loved painting since she was a child. Her artistic odyssey began in Paris, and she has made significant contributions to the worlds of film and fashion. She passed away on August 19, 1999. Altina had a lifelong interest in art, which prompted her to pursue her passion for painting in Paris after finishing school. She honed her skills at The Art Students League in New York.

The idea for Cat-Eye Frame Came

When Schinasi was working as a window display designer, she noticed a paucity of trendy options for women's eyeglasses and came up with the idea of the Cat-Eye Frame. She was inspired by the harlequin masks used at the Carnevale festival in Venice, Italy since she was determined to upset the status quo. They thought the mask's pointy edges would look lovely on a woman's face. Despite rejections from large manufacturers, Schinasi persevered and was rewarded when a local shop owner recognized the potential of his concept.