• Website: persol.com
• Founded: 1917, Turin, Italy
• Founder: Giuseppe Ratti
• Owned By: EssilorLuxottica
• Known For: Persol 649, Persol 714, Silver Arrow, Meflecto Technology, Steve McQueen Collection
• Category Focus: Luxury Sunglasses, Optical Eyewear, Heritage Collections, Accessories
Persol is one of the world's oldest and most respected luxury eyewear brands, renowned for its Italian craftsmanship, timeless design, and cinematic heritage. Founded in 1917 by Giuseppe Ratti in Turin, Italy, Persol originally developed protective eyewear for pilots and racing drivers before evolving into one of luxury fashion's most iconic eyewear houses. Its name comes from the Italian phrase "per il sole," meaning "for the sun."
Known for combining handcrafted acetate, precision engineering, vintage-inspired aesthetics, and innovative comfort technologies, Persol has created enduring icons including the 649, 714, 9649, Steve McQueen Collection, Riviera Collection, Protector, PO3288S, and PO3310S. Signature elements such as the Silver Arrow motif and patented Meflecto flexible temples remain defining characteristics of every Persol frame.
Today, Persol is part of EssilorLuxottica, continuing to manufacture its eyewear in Italy while preserving more than a century of artisanal expertise and understated luxury.
Persol 649
Persol 714
Persol 9649
Steve McQueen Collection
Riviera Collection
Protector
PO3288S
PO3310S
Giuseppe Ratti, owner of Berry Optical, founded Persol in 1917 by producing protective eyewear for aviators, athletes, and racing drivers. The first model, known as the Protector, featured elastic head straps, smoked lenses, and durable construction that quickly earned adoption by the Italian Air Force and international pilots. During the following decades, Persol pioneered innovations including the Meflecto flexible temple system, one of the first comfort-oriented eyewear technologies, and the now-famous Silver Arrow emblem inspired by ancient swords.
By the 1960s, Persol had become closely associated with Hollywood after stars including Marcello Mastroianni, Steve McQueen, and later Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig, and numerous contemporary actors embraced its timeless designs. Since joining Luxottica (now EssilorLuxottica) in 1995, Persol has continued producing handcrafted eyewear at its historic Italian manufacturing facilities while carefully evolving its classic collections.
Key Milestones:
• 1917: Giuseppe Ratti founds Persol in Turin, Italy.
• 1938: Introduction of the Persol brand name and the Silver Arrow signature.
• 1930s: Development of the patented Meflecto flexible temple system.
• 1957: Launch of the iconic 649 sunglasses for Turin tram operators.
• 1968: Steve McQueen popularizes the folding 714 sunglasses in The Thomas Crown Affair.
• 1995: Persol joins Luxottica (now EssilorLuxottica).
• 2026: Introduction of the Spring/Summer 2026 Riviera Collection, featuring new handcrafted acetate frames inspired by the Italian Riviera while modernizing Persol's signature design language.
Persol continues proving that authentic Italian craftsmanship and timeless design remain the defining qualities of luxury eyewear.
“Persol proves that true icons never need reinvention. Its strength lies in pairing more than a century of Italian craftsmanship with timeless designs that remain as relevant on today’s streets as they were in Hollywood’s golden age.”
Persol matters because it transformed performance eyewear into timeless Italian luxury.
Its influence can be seen across:
• Luxury Eyewear
• Italian Craftsmanship
• Hollywood Style
• Heritage Design
By combining more than a century of innovation, handcrafted Italian production, and understated elegance, Persol continues creating eyewear that transcends trends while remaining instantly recognizable.
Persol vs Oliver Peoples
Persol vs Jacques Marie Mage
Persol vs Moscot
Persol vs Cutler and Gross
