Protector Sunglasses
Symbolizing the birth of Persol, one of today’s legendary eyewear brands, Protector sunglasses were worn by a world-famous pilot, Gabriele D’Annunzio, while flying over Vienna on August 9, 1918, and the pilot became almost the first ambassador of a newborn brand. When Francesco De Pinedo wore them during his 193-hour flight across the Atlantic, Protectors’ fame quickly spread around the world. Thanks to their high quality, Protector sunglasses were used over the years by many famous road pilots, sports motorcyclists and great aviators such as Ferrarin, Chiron, Nazzaro, Opessi, Bolognini, Ghersi and Juan Manuel Fangio. By 1924, Protector sunglasses had been awarded 14 different patents. In 1927, 200 Protectors were used by the Swiss military forces and they were even purchased by NASA.

The Growing Legend…
Giuseppe Ratti was a great botanical enthusiast. Together with a German chemist, they created the famous brown lens that was to be fitted in all Persol sunglasses around 1920. The peculiarity of this lens was that it was obtained through a production process called “in massa”, meaning that the color was in the material itself. The famous lens was characterized by excellent protection from all harmful sunlight. In the following years, Protector sunglasses would be characterized by a clean design, crystal lenses, the famous the Arrow logo and Meflecto, a unique system that made the stems flexible. The next step in the evolution of Protector sunglasses came from Giuseppe Ratti’s desire to create something innovative in terms of fit and quality. Thus, in 1938, the Persol brand was created. The Persol brand name means “for the sun” in Italian.
Introduced in the late 30s, the Meflecto are the first flexible temples in the history of eyewear and will remain timelessly a distinctive mark of Persol. Its flexibility was achieved by placing in the temple some small cylinders of nylon or steel stretched by a steel wire to ensure a perfect and comfortable fit on all faces. The greatest contribution to the realization of this model was made by Guerriero Vascellari, who worked at Ratti’s factory between 1937 and 1939 and was a mountaineer before joining the army. In the same period, the Persol Victor Flex, another implementation of the Meflecto concept, was also launched. These models were equipped with a flexible bridge that was comfortable, lightweight and ideally adapted to the face. Persol’s later designs incorporated a steel wire in the temples to allow for adjustments in length and curvature.

Famous Symbol: The Arrow
When the Second World War ended, a new icon was born: The Arrow. This is a special hinge in the shape of an arrow, inspired by the sword of gladiators. Designed by Ratti and his employees, this innovative product was immediately patented in many different countries. In the 80s, Guerriero Vascellari will be called to Turin to witness the renewal of the patent.
During all these years there were many different variants of the arrow (Victor, Invictor, Invictor, etc.), until the Supreme was born, which is still a distinctive aspect of Persol. Being very functional and decorative, it will lead Persol to be recognized and imitated all over the world.

 

Persol in the 50s and 60s
In 1957, the 649 model was born to meet the needs of tram drivers who needed sunglasses with large lenses to protect themselves from dust and wind. Its original design would lead it to become a bestseller until it reached its greatest success when Marcello Mastoianno used it during the filming of Divorzio all’italiana.
In the 60s Persol became a real source of pride for the whole Italian industry. Worker sunglasses, new protective sunglasses for welders, equipped with special filters for different purposes, were also produced during these years. 1962 is the year Persol enters the American market, not only selling sunglasses to NASA. In the 60s, Persol was not only preferred by road pilots and athletes, but also by world-famous stars such as Greta Garbo and movie stars such as Steve McQueen, and Persol sunglasses became one of the brands that set fashion trends. From time to time, Persol has entrusted its brand image to some exceptional figures, from Ornella Muti, Jean Alesi and Carol Alt to the extraordinary actress Maria Grazia Cucinotta, footballer Alessandro Del Piero and soccer player Filippo Inzaghi. These celebrities have shown their preference for the Persol legend and interpreted its style and character with elegance and originality.

Evolution Accelerates
As the decades passed with great success, Persol continued to innovate, but did not change its commitment to craftsmanship. The 1980s and 1990s saw the brand cement its status as a provider of luxury eyewear. In April 1995, Luxottica Group, a world leader in the industry, acquired the Persol brand, transforming Persol into a major international reality. Persol has thus become one of the most important brands on the world eyewear market, while maintaining its roots, tradition and commitment to quality. Indeed, Luxottica continues to produce Persol eyewear today in its historic factory in Lauriano, Turin, while still maintaining the care and attention to high quality, fine craftsmanship and high protection that have become synonymous with Persol.
As fashion changes rapidly in the twenty-first century, Persol remains committed to its traditions, emphasizing its handmade quality and timeless style. However, the brand does not shy away from modernity. It has continually reinvented classic models, introducing new colors, new materials and advanced lens technologies, appealing to a contemporary audience while keeping vintage enthusiasts captivated.
Collaborations with contemporary designers and limited edition products have further cemented Persol’s position in the fashion industry. These partnerships combine Persol’s iconic style with modern fashion sensibilities to deliver eyewear that resonates with both new and longtime fans of the brand.
Persol’s journey from its foundation to where it is today is driven by passion, innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The brand’s ability to evolve while honoring its historical past sets it apart in a saturated market full of ephemeral trends. Whether you are a fashionista, vintage enthusiast or someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, Persol sunglasses offer a slice of history wrapped in timeless style. Looking towards the future, there is little doubt that Persol will continue to cast its stylish shadow and captivate yet another generation of sunglass aficionados.

Chronology

1917: Home to the greatest symbols of Italian industry, this is where the history of Persol began.

1930: Persol’s unique features, the Meflecto system, the Arrow and the “3-notch bridge” were created during these years.

1938: “Persol” comes from “Per il sole”, meaning “For the sun” in Italian. This name, originally given to the first sunglasses created by Ratti, has established itself as the definition of the brand’s unmistakable functional character.

1957: Originally designed to protect the eyes of Turin’s tram drivers from dust and glare, it soon became a success. Then, a movie star when it featured in Divorce Italian Style in 1961. Today, it’s still one of Persol’s Icons.

1968: While starring in The Thomas Crown Affair, Steve McQueen didn’t know he was about to establish a new peak of his already well-known style by simply wearing his very own pair of Persol on set.

1980: The ‘80s saw Persol testing its technology to the next level.

1995: Persol entered an even greater phase of its history with the acquisition by Luxottica, world leader in eyewear.

2017: Persol celebrated its 100 years of history.

2023: Persol unveiled its Fall/Winter 2023 campaign during a launch event in New York City.

January 2024