Cat-Eye Readers are Perfect for Delivering Retro Look

When people think of vintage spectacles, they typically think of the distinctive cat-eye readers, which seem to be linked with vintage beauty and the Hollywood era. However, where did the cat-eye shape originate? The story is incredible.

What are Cat-Eye Glasses?

Cat-eye glasses are comparable to "browline glasses" in that they have bold style on top and lighter detailing on the bottom of the frame, with the upper corners of the glasses sweeping upward for a slimmer look. They're also usually wider at the top than at the bottom, and the higher corners may have unique styles and embellishments.

Cat-eye glasses were first popular in the 1940s, so they're a throwback style that works well with a vintage aesthetic. Although some forms of cat-eye-inspired spectacles are available for males, they are nearly exclusively used by women.

A Brief Story of Cat Eye Glasses

It all began when Altina Schinasi, an American heiress, socialite, and artist, passed by an optician's office and saw the lack of fashionable options for ladies. She had traveled to Europe as a young woman to study art and was influenced by the exaggerated mask shapes she saw in Venice. As a result, she set out to create a frame with the same playfulness as the masks she adored, with an emphasis on the eyes.

However, the journey to production was long. She ultimately got her to break at a spectacles store in New York City after being rejected by several opticians. Then the department store agreements came thick and fast, and she eventually moved her business to the West Coast. Schinasi finally received recognition for her efforts in 1939, when she was awarded the Lord & Taylor Annual American Design Award for her role in transforming the basic, functional cat-eye reading glasses frame into a must-have fashion piece. Furthermore, Vogue magazine commended her for revolutionizing the eyewear market.

Tips For Styling Your New Cat-Eye Glasses

• Choose the adequate frame shape — If you have a rounder face, cat-eye glasses with bold, sharp lines are a good choice. This helps to define your jawline and facial characteristics.

If you have prominent features or an angular face shape, search for cat-eye glasses that are more spherical, with soft lines and wide "wings." This will aid in the enhancement of your face's form.

• Wear with Vintage Outfits— Oversized cat-eye reading glasses are very "retro," and they look best with more formal attire from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. For a more unified style, pair them with vintage blouses, dresses, and skirts.
• Wear eyeshadow that contrasts with your spectacles – Cat-eye spectacles are striking, and in the mid-twentieth century, ladies wore strong red lipstick and bold eye makeup to make their look even more unusual and bold – so switch up your beauty regimen to go with your new glasses!
• Wear Cat-Eye Glasses with Confidence — Cat-Eye Glasses are asking to be recognized, so wear them with confidence! Accept your new spectacles' retro appeal that makes your look completely new.

You will find thousands of pairs of cat-eye glasses that will fit almost anyone. Moreover, you can browse eyewear online. Hence, you'll discover everything you need to change up your style and feel good about yourself!