Cat eye glasses are a popular style of eyewear that was synonymous with the fashion of the 1950s and 1960s and got its name because of its unique shape, which resembles a cat’s eye. The typical feature of these women’s glasses is that the outer edge faces up and the frame arm is fixed to the lens. Although the corners of cat eye prescription glasses can be either pointed or rounded, their defining feature is the elegant upward slope of their edges.
A brief history and revival of cat-eye glasses.
Cat-eye glasses originated in the 1930s and 1940s, but the cat-eye glasses we know today began to appear in the 1930s and became popular in the 1940s. The design was originally created by Altina Schinasi Miranda.
Cat-eye glasses peaked in popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. During this time, their popularity has increased significantly. Celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn became famous for wearing cat-eye glasses, cementing their status as a fashion accessory for women.
Design variations include more feminine frame designs, often decorated with rhinestones, intricate patterns, or unique color patterns. They were made of plastic, a relatively new framing material at the time, allowing for more delicate and colorful designs.
The popularity of cat-eye glasses declined in the 1970s as fashion trends shifted towards a more neutral and minimalist style of eyewear.
The revival of cat-eye glasses:
With the revival of retro fashion, the popularity of cat-eye glasses has started to rise again:
Late 20th century: Vintage styles occasionally come back into fashion as a new generation discovers them.
21st Century: In the early 2000s, cat-eye glasses began to make a comeback as a fashion statement. Designer brands have reintroduced them on the catwalk and have been welcomed by fashion-forward people.
Post-2010s: The rise of social media and online shopping platforms has made it easier for retro and vintage trends to catch on. The cat-eye style is back in fashion, and many celebrities and fashion influencers have embraced the trend.
2020s: This trend continues into the 2020s, as eyewear designers blend modern materials and techniques with classic cat-eye aesthetics that both pay homage to the past and are rooted in contemporary fashion.
The revival of cat-eye glasses was part of a broader fashion and cultural Renaissance in the mid-20th century. They remain a popular choice for those looking to show off a bold and vintage style through glasses. Cat eye contours have also influenced the design of sunglasses and prescription glasses, further expanding its influence in the modern fashion field.
