In the world of fashion, some designs stand the test of time, captivating generation after generation with their timeless appeal. One such design is the iconic ‘cat-eye’ eyeglass frame, which owes its existence to the visionary American designer, Altina ‘Tina’ Schinasi. On August 4, Google celebrated her 116th birthday with a Doodle, commemorating her remarkable career and life that left an indelible mark on the fashion world.
Born in 1907 in Manhattan, New York, to immigrant parents, Schinasi’s artistic journey began at an early age. After completing her high school education, she ventured to the vibrant art scene of Paris, where she pursued her passion for painting. Later, back in New York City, she honed her artistic skills at The Art Students League while working as a window dresser for prestigious stores along Fifth Avenue. It was during this time that she had the privilege of collaborating with artistic giants like Salvador Dalí and George Grosz, who played a pivotal role in shaping her creative vision.
The birth of the ‘cat-eye’ eyeglass frame can be traced back to Schinasi’s time as a window display designer. Observing the limited options available for women’s eyeglasses, which mainly consisted of round and uninspired designs, she set out to create something fresh and unique. Drawing inspiration from the alluring shape of Harlequin masks worn during the Carnevale festival in Venice, Italy, she envisioned eyeglass frames with pointed edges that would accentuate and flatter the wearer’s face. Despite facing multiple rejections from major manufacturers, she persevered, cutting paper prototypes of her innovative design.
Her breakthrough finally came when a local shop owner recognized the potential of her ‘cat-eye’ eyeglass frames and requested an exclusive agreement for six months. The eyeglasses swiftly gained popularity, becoming a fashion sensation among women in the US during the late 1930s and 1940s. Schinasi’s invention earned her the prestigious Lord & Taylor American Design Award in 1939, and her contribution to the world of fashion was acknowledged by esteemed publications like Vogue and Life.
Schinasi’s creativity extended beyond designing eyeglass frames. She delved into filmmaking and produced a compelling documentary titled “George Grosz’ Interregnum” about her former teacher, the celebrated artist George Grosz. The film received widespread acclaim, earning an Academy Award nomination and winning first place at the Venice Film Festival in 1960.
Throughout her life, Schinasi continued to explore new artistic pursuits. In her later years, she penned her memoir, “The Road I Have Traveled,” providing a glimpse into her extraordinary life journey. Moreover, she embraced her passion for art therapy, volunteering as an art therapist to help others.
Today, almost 100 years after its inception, Altina’s ‘cat-eye’ design remains influential in fashion accessory trends worldwide, a testament to her timeless vision and creativity. Her legacy lives on not only through her iconic eyeglass frames but also through the impact she had as an artist, filmmaker, and art therapist.
As Google commemorates her 116th birthday with a Doodle, we celebrate Altina ‘Tina’ Schinasi’s groundbreaking contributions to the world of design and her remarkable journey as a visionary artist who forever changed the face of fashion. Her legacy continues to inspire and shape the creative landscape for generations to come.
