Persol Icons: A Legacy of Style
From Turin to the world, Persol has crafted eyewear legends since 1917.
With unmatched craftsmanship and unmistakable design, these are the frames that have defined generations. Worn by cultural icons, shaped by artisanal hands — explore the styles that made Persol a symbol of timeless elegance.
For that masculine touch
From cinematic legends like Steve McQueen to modern tastemakers, Persol’s men’s styles combine rugged sophistication with artisanal detail.
Featuring sturdy acetate, the patented Meflecto temples, and the iconic Silver Arrow hinge, each model is made to fit — and to last.
Effortless Grace, Crafted in Italy
Persol frames for women balance subtle glamour with practical design.
Lightweight, sculpted, and versatile, they pair seamlessly with both tailored looks and casual styling.
Each frame celebrates refined femininity — without compromise.
The Craft Behind Every Icon
How a Persol icon comes to life
Building History by Hand
Each pair of Persol glasses goes through more than thirty individual processes — from naturally derived acetate shaping to lens polishing and final inspection.
The result? A frame that fits like no other and wears like a second skin.
Meflecto Temples
Flexible arms for a pressure-free fit.
Patented in the 30s, Meflecto is the first flexible temple system designed to adapt to the unique shape of each face. Today, it remains a technologically unsurpassed solution.
Silver Arrow
A symbol of Italian precision and design.
An unmistakable decorative element, this has become the symbol of the Persol brand: a hinge decorated with an arrow on the stem, inspired by the swords of ancient warriors.
Barberini® Lenses
Scratch-resistant, optically superior.
Their features and benefits include: a tailored fit, the unmistakable Persol logo, the original lens colors, and a range of high performance features.
Victor Flex
Ergonomically sculpted for comfort and style.
Introduced in the 40s, this eyewear innovation included a flexible bridge to create a comfortable curve.
Capture the Essence and Soul of Persol
Meet the Persol Icons
The Frames That Made History
Persol 649
Originally designed in 1957 for tram drivers in Turin, the 649 quickly transcended function to become a cultural icon — famously worn by Marcello Mastroianni.
With its keyhole bridge and thick profile, it remains one of the most recognized shapes in eyewear history.
Persol 714
Introduced in the 1960s as the first-ever folding sunglasses, the Persol 714 series are a technical marvel that was born as the foldable version of the 649.
The 714SM, inspired by Steve McQueen, remains a tribute to cinematic cool — now available in exclusive finishes with a signature case.
ICONS FOR EVERY DAY
If you’re looking for the perfect sunglasses for summer drives or prescription frames for everyday cool, Persol icons are part of a legacy that you can be a part of too.
Classic Persol Optical Frames
Discover iconic optical glasses by the beloved brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most iconic Persol sunglasses?
The Persol 649 and Persol 714 are the brand’s most legendary models. Known for their timeless design, artisanal craftsmanship, and pop culture legacy, they’ve become must-have styles for eyewear collectors and fashion lovers alike.
Who wore Persol 714?
Steve McQueen made the Persol 714 world-famous after wearing them on and off-screen. His signature folding shades became a symbol of effortless cool and continue to define vintage-inspired style.
Are Persol sunglasses unisex?
Yes, many Persol sunglasses are unisex. With classic shapes and a refined aesthetic, they’re designed to suit a variety of face shapes and styles for both men and women.
Are Persol glasses handmade?
Absolutely. Every pair of Persol eyewear is handmade in Italy, using high-quality acetate and meticulous, time-honored techniques passed down through generations.
Can Persol lenses be customized with prescriptions?
Yes, most Persol frames—including iconic styles like the 714 and 649—can be customized with prescription lenses for both sunglasses and optical glasses.
Still have questions?
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Send us a message by using our Contact Form, or chat with us directly for immediate assistance.