Collection: Persol

Persol is an Italian brand that combines functional design, craftsmanship, and understated aesthetics. Originally designed for pilots and athletes, its glasses are distinguished by their comfort, durability, and understated elegance. The Persol style is based on classic shapes (aviator, rectangular, pantos) revisited with noble materials, a high-end finish, and above all the silver arrow on the temples, “Supreme Arrow,” inspired by the swords of ancient warriors, an iconic visual signature.

Founded in 1917 in Turin by Giuseppe Ratti, an optician and photographer, Persol began with technical eyewear for aviators and racing drivers. The name comes from the Italian expression "per il sole," meaning "for the sun." In the 1930s, the brand innovated with the Meflecto system, a patented flexible temple mechanism. It achieved international renown in the 1960s, notably thanks to the 649 model, originally designed for Turin trams and later worn by Steve McQueen. Even today, production remains partially artisanal in Italy.

- Model 649: launched in 1957, rounded aviator shape, thick temples and metal arrow.

- Model 714: folding version of the 649, immortalized by Steve McQueen (notably in The Thomas Crown Affair).

- Model 8649: thick acetate, rounded rectangular shape, made in the 80s.

- Ratti 09202 model: rare, in black acetate, with metallic details on the hinges.

Vintage frames are mostly made of cellulose acetate, with flexible Meflecto hinges and the famous silver arrow inlaid or screwed in by hand. Some series produced before the end of the 1980s still bear the "Ratti" label, a guarantee of authenticity.

Steve McQueen's Persol 714 was not only foldable, but also designed to fit inside the inside pocket of a pilot's jacket. The actor owned several of his own, and reportedly insisted on wearing only this model on certain shoots—a gesture that helped cement the brand in popular film culture.

For their Italian craftsmanship, technical comfort (thanks to the Meflecto system), and timeless style, Ratti models are particularly sought after for their rarity and authenticity. Persol represents a unique part of the history of eyewear, combining technology and understated elegance, far from passing trends. A sure bet for lovers of well-designed eyewear.