About Persol: Handcrafted in Italy Since 1917
Persol is a luxury Italian eyewear brand that has been handcrafting stylish, high-quality sunglasses and optical frames since 1917. Founded in Turin by Italian photographer and optician Giuseppe Ratti, Persol began by creating technically advanced glasses to protect pilots‘ and sports drivers‘ eyes, with the name deriving from "per il sole", meaning "for the sun".
Over the past century, Persol has grown into one of the most iconic and respected sunglasses brands in the world, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, timeless designs, and signature arrow motif. Still made at the original factory in Turin, Italy, each pair of Persol glasses takes weeks to craft by hand using premium materials like acetate, gold, and crystal glass lenses.
Persol‘s sunglasses have been donned by celebrities and style icons for decades, from Steve McQueen and Marcello Mastroianni to modern A-listers like Ryan Gosling, Jay-Z, and Gigi Hadid. With over 321K Instagram followers, Persol has maintained its reputation as the eyewear of choice for effortlessly cool, sophisticated individuals who appreciate authentic Italian quality and understated luxury.
As a true heritage brand, Persol takes pride in its rich history of innovation. In the 1930s, Persol created the first flexible stem sunglasses with the patented Meflecto system. The Victor Flex design allowed the frames to adapt to any face shape for unparalleled comfort. Persol also developed special frames for the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, the first to use leather on the nose pads and cable earpieces.
While Persol has expanded its distribution globally through boutiques and upscale retailers, the company has stayed true to its roots after being acquired by eyewear conglomerate Luxottica in 1995. Every pair is still handmade in Persol‘s Lauriano workshop near Turin by skilled Italian artisans using a meticulous 30-step process that combines old-world techniques with state-of-the-art technology.
Persol Sunglasses Models and Best-Sellers Reviewed
Persol offers a wide range of sophisticated sunglasses styles for men and women, from the iconic 649 and 714 to modern classics like the 3019S and 3108S. Here‘s a closer look at some of Persol‘s all-time most popular models:
Persol 714SM – The Steve McQueen™
Persol‘s most famous model worn by the "King of Cool" himself, the 714SM is a timeless folding aviator shape that exudes effortless masculinity. First designed in the 1960s, the 714 became Steve McQueen‘s go-to both on and off-screen after he wore them in The Thomas Crown Affair.
Made from acetate with flexible Meflecto stem and bridge, the 714SM folds at multiple points for maximum portability when not in use. The durable crystal glass lenses offer 100% UV protection in polarized and non-polarized options. Featuring Persol‘s supreme arrow and signature hinge, the 714 is available in an array of frame/lens colorways for $480.
Persol PO 649 – The Original
Persol‘s bestselling model first created in 1957 for Turin‘s tram drivers, the PO 649 is an eternally stylish unisex frame with a slightly rounded shape and keyhole bridge. Crafted from premium acetate with flexible Meflecto arms, the 649 comes in a rainbow of frame colors and either polarized or standard crystal glass lenses.
Seen on countless celebrities over the years, the 649 Original is one of Persol‘s most recognizable and imitated designs. You can even add a custom engraved monogram to the temples for a special personal touch. The PO 649 ranges from $261 to $400 depending on lens type and colorway.
Persol PO 3108S – Typewriter Edition
For a bookish vintage feel, the 3108S Typewriter Edition puts a cool retro-inspired twist on Persol‘s round frames with a custom typewriter-key inspired bridge and engraved metal accents. The combination acetate and metal frames come with 100% UV protective premium crystal glass lenses in polar or standard options.
A favorite of celebs like Joe Jonas, the unisex PO 3108S Typewriter Edition makes a unique style statement with its mixed materials and literary-chic motif. The Typewriter is available in three colorways for $320.
Persol PO 3225S – The Calligrapher Edition
An artistic take on Persol‘s classic rounded silhouette, the PO 3225S Calligrapher Edition features engraved gold calligraphy accents on the bridge and temples inspired by the italics of ancient manuscripts. These bold unisex frames are handmade in Italy from acetate and metal with polarized or standard glass lenses.
One of the more recent and trendy additions to the Persol collection, the Calligrapher puts a modern spin on Persol‘s library while maintaining the brand‘s reputation for refined Italian elegance. Choose from black with gold, tortoise with gold, or Havana with silver hardware for $370.
How Persol Stacks Up to Other Luxury Sunglasses Brands
When it comes to investing in a pair of high-end designer sunglasses, Persol is often compared to fellow luxury eyewear brands like Ray-Ban, Tom Ford, and Oliver Peoples. Here‘s a quick breakdown of how Persol measures up:
Persol vs Ray-Ban
Both Persol and Ray-Ban are iconic Italian sunglasses brands with devoted followings, signature designs, and shared parent company Luxottica. But while Ray-Ban offers a wider variety of styles and price points for men, women and children, Persol is considered slightly more upscale and avant-garde with its bold retro-inspired designs.
Persol frames are still handmade in Italy using traditional techniques, while Ray-Bans are largely produced in China these days. Persols are crafted from premium acetate and crystal glass lenses, while Ray-Bans are generally made from slightly lower-quality acetate and polycarbonate lenses. However, Ray-Bans are more customizable with the option to build your own sunglasses online.
Overall, both brands offer timeless designs and great quality. Persols tend to be priced slightly higher ($250-500+) than Ray-Bans ($150-300) on average. Budget-conscious shoppers may get more bang for their buck with Ray-Bans, but discerning customers who prefer unique, artisanal Italian eyewear may find the craftsmanship of Persols worth the premium.
Persol vs Tom Ford
Persol and Tom Ford are both high-fashion designer eyewear brands with Italian roots, but each has its own distinct brand identity. While Persol is a heritage brand known for its vintage-inspired frames, Tom Ford is a relative newcomer to the eyewear scene with sleek, glamorous designs favored by models and Hollywood elite.
Both brands use premium materials like acetate, metal, and glass lenses. However, Persol frames are still 100% made in Italy, while Tom Ford sunglasses are made in Italy and Japan. Tom Fords are also considerably more expensive than Persols, ranging from about $400-800+.
Aesthetically, Tom Ford‘s designs are more modern, sexy and fashion-forward, while Persols are prized for their timeless elegance with retro flair. Tom Ford styling tends to be more overtly luxurious with bolder logos, while Persols have a subtle sophistication beloved by vintage aficionados and traditional dressers.
Persol vs Oliver Peoples
Persol and Oliver Peoples are both high-end eyewear brands with a reputation for vintage-inspired designs and superb craftsmanship. However, Persol is an Italian brand founded in 1917, while Oliver Peoples is an American brand founded in 1987 with frames manufactured in Italy and Japan.
In terms of aesthetics, both brands are known for their refined, retro frames with an intellectual flair. However, Oliver Peoples has more of a cool, contemporary vibe with lightweight designs favored by young celebrities, while Persols tend to have a more nostalgic, Old World feel with thicker acetate frames and metal embellishments.
Oliver Peoples frames are handcrafted from high-quality materials like titanium and acetate with anti-reflective lenses. Persol uses signature Meflecto flexible stems and premium crystal glass lenses for a truly luxurious look and feel. Price-wise, Oliver Peoples and Persol are similarly expensive with frames ranging from about $300 to $500 on average.
Persol‘s Impact on Pop Culture and Style
Throughout its illustrious history, Persol has made an indelible mark on film, fashion, and popular culture as the eyewear of choice for some of the world‘s biggest stars and style icons.
In the 1960s, Persols became synonymous with cool when actor Steve McQueen donned the 714 folding sunglasses in the 1968 caper film The Thomas Crown Affair. The brand‘s association with McQueen helped cement Persol‘s status as the ultimate pair of manly shades, and the 714s have been dubbed the Steve McQueen™ ever since.
Persols have appeared in numerous other films over the years, often serving as a shorthand for a character‘s timeless good taste and swagger. Cary Grant and Grace Kelly both sported Persols in Hitchcock‘s To Catch a Thief, while Marcello Mastroianni made the 649s famous in Fellini‘s 8 1/2. More recently, Nicolas Cage wore classic Persols in the popular National Treasure movies, and Daniel Craig slipped on a pair of 2720s as James Bond in Casino Royale.
Beyond the big screen, Persols have been a favorite of fashion designers, musicians, artists and connoisseurs of Italian craftsmanship for generations. Famed designers Yves Saint Laurent and Giorgio Armani have both been known to wear the brand‘s timeless frames. Pablo Picasso was also a fan, sporting Persols in his studio and famous Villa La Californie.
Today, Persols continue to be a red carpet staple for A-list celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Orlando Bloom, Zac Efron, Anne Hathaway and Reese Witherspoon. By staying true to its heritage while collaborating with top designers and trendsetters, Persol has managed to remain fresh and relevant to new generations after over 100 years in business.
The Final Verdict on Persol Sunglasses
After taking a deep dive into the history, craftsmanship, styles, and cultural significance of Persol, it‘s clear that this is a brand that truly stands the test of time. With their exquisite Italian artisanry, elegant vintage designs, and legendary associations, Persols are in an elite class of luxury accessories.
Of course, that level of quality and prestige comes at a high price. With frames ranging from $250 to over $500, Persols are certainly a splurge for many shoppers. However, the brand‘s impeccable attention to detail, premium materials, and handmade quality may be worth the investment for those who appreciate the finer things and want a chic pair of shades that never goes out of style.
Persol also offers impressive customer service and warranty coverage, including complimentary adjustments, cleanings, and minor repairs on all their sunglasses. The brand provides a generous 45-day return policy and a 2-year manufacturer warranty against defects, as well as replacement nosepads and screws for life. Considering how long a pair of Persols can last if properly cared for, the cost per wear can be quite reasonable.
Ultimately, the best sunglasses are the ones that fit great, feel fantastic, and make you look and feel like a million bucks every time you put them on. Based on their stellar reputation, timeless appeal, exceptional quality and legions of loyal celebrity fans, Persol passes that test with flying colors.
If you‘re looking to invest in an iconic accessory that exudes classic Italian elegance, effortless cool, and designer sophistication, you can‘t go wrong with a pair of Persols. Just be warned: once you experience that level of luxurious quality and style, you may never want to wear anything else!
