Google Honors 116th Birthday of American Designer Altina ‘Tina’ Schinasi, Renowned for her Iconic ‘Cat-Eye’ Eyeglass Frame Design

Google Commemorates Altina Schinasi’s 116th Birthday, Celebrating the Renowned American Designer Behind the Iconic ‘Cat-Eye’ Eyeglass Frame

Google’s homepage comes alive with creativity today, as it marks the 116th birthday of Altina ‘Tina’ Schinasi, a trailblazing American designer. Most celebrated for her revolutionary ‘cat-eye’ eyeglass frame, Schinasi’s life and contributions are showcased through a captivating Google Doodle on August 4.

Born in 1907 to immigrant parents in the heart of Manhattan, New York, Altina Schinasi embarked on an artistic journey that spanned continents. Her passion for painting led her from the bustling streets of Manhattan to the vibrant art scene of Paris, where she cultivated her skills following her high school graduation. The narrative, according to Google’s Doodle blog post, unfolds as her talents flourished at The Art Students League in New York City, simultaneously working as a window dresser for prestigious Fifth Avenue stores. In this role, she had the privilege of collaborating with artistic giants like Salvador Dalí and George Grosz, luminaries whose influence left an indelible mark on her creative expression.

However, it was her role as a window display designer that ignited Schinasi’s groundbreaking concept for the now-famous “cat-eye” eyeglass frame. Amid a sea of uninspired round frames, Schinasi envisioned a bold alternative for women’s eyewear. Drawing inspiration from the enchanting Harlequin masks of Venice’s Carnevale festival, she conceptualized frames with pointed edges, designed to accentuate and compliment the wearer’s features. Despite numerous rejections from major manufacturers who deemed her innovation unconventional, Schinasi remained undeterred.

Her perseverance paid off when a local shop owner recognized the potential and secured an exclusive agreement for six months. The result? The Harlequin eyeglasses became a sensation, igniting a fashion revolution among American women during the late 1930s and 1940s.

Schinasi’s ingenuity garnered widespread recognition, including the prestigious Lord & Taylor American Design Award in 1939. Vogue and Life, esteemed voices in the world of fashion, also acknowledged her game-changing contribution.

Not content to be confined within one artistic sphere, Schinasi delved into filmmaking. Her documentary “George Grosz’ Interregnum,” a compelling portrayal of her former teacher, earned her an Academy Award nomination and triumphed at the Venice Film Festival in 1960.

As time marched on, Schinasi’s creative explorations persisted. In her later years, she penned her memoir “The Road I Have Traveled,” offering a captivating glimpse into her remarkable life journey. Her creative spirit also found a purpose as she volunteered as an art therapist, using her talents to enrich the lives of others.

Reflecting on Schinasi’s legacy, Google’s blog post states, “Almost 100 years after its inception, Altina’s cat-eye design continues its influence in fashion accessory trends worldwide. Happy birthday to the woman who was a visionary in more ways than one!” Today, her legacy lives on, inspiring generations through her artistry and vision.

Altina Schinasi, Creator of the ‘Cat-Eye’ Eyeglass Frame, Honored in Google Doodle: Her full biography in short

On August 4th, a vibrant Google Doodle paid homage to Altina Schinasi, a visionary American designer renowned for her iconic ‘cat-eye’ eyeglass frame. The doodle commemorated what would have been her 116th birthday, capturing Altina within the chic contours of the cat-eye frame she ingeniously created.

Born in the heart of Manhattan, New York, in 1907 to immigrant parents, Altina Schinasi’s artistic odyssey carried her from the bustling streets of her birthplace to the illustrious art circles of Paris, where her passion for painting flourished. Growing up in a Jewish family, Altina’s educational journey encompassed tutoring at home, followed by attendance at the Horace Mann School.

She embarked on an early quest for knowledge, leaving home at 12 to study at Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Post her graduation, an enriching sojourn in Paris saw her hone her craft under the tutelage of her cousin, Rene Bensussan, fostering a profound appreciation for the world of art. Upon her return to New York, her artistic prowess was further cultivated under the guidance of Samuel Halpert at the Roerich Museum.

Altina’s design voyage set sail with her collaboration with Peter Copeland, a partnership that involved crafting window displays for Fifth Avenue’s upscale stores. This endeavor led her to cross paths with the legendary Salvador Dali, solidifying her imprint on the artistic scene. As her journey matured, Altina’s innovative spirit drove her to secure numerous patents, marking her foray into the realm of design.

Yet, it was her groundbreaking creation, the Harlequin eyeglass frame or the ‘cat-eye’ frame, that illuminated her legacy. Fueled by her dissatisfaction with lackluster eyewear choices, Altina embarked on a quest to infuse romance and whimsy into eyeglass design. Inspired by the allure of the Harlequin mask, she embarked on a creative endeavor to sculpt frames that would enhance facial features and exude glamour. Her passion culminated in the production and marketing of her exquisite designs, capturing the zeitgeist of the late 1930s.

In 1939, Altina’s innovation garnered the prestigious Lord & Taylor Annual American Design Award, a testament to her transformative influence on eyewear as a fashion accessory.

As her story unfolded, Altina Schinasi continued to break boundaries, pushing the envelope of design and aesthetics. Her legacy lives on, inspiring the world with her visionary spirit and enduring contributions.

FAQ(s) about Altina Schinasi

Q1. What did Altina Schinasi invent?

Altina Schinasi: Artist, Filmmaker, Entrepreneur, Inventor, and Designer of the Iconic Cat-Eye Eyeglass Frame

Altina Schinasi was born on August 4, 1907, in Manhattan, New York City. She was a renowned artist, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and inventor. She is best known for designing the Harlequin eyeglass frame, which became a trendsetter in the 1930s and 1940s.

Q2. How old was Altina Schinasi when she died?

Altina Schinasi was 92 years (1907–1999) old at the time of her death.

Q3. Who invented cat eye glasses?

Google Doodle Celebrates 116th Birthday of Altina Schinasi, Cat-Eye Eyeglass Frame Designer

Google is celebrating the 116th birthday of Altina Schinasi with a doodle on August 4. Schinasi was an American artist, designer, and inventor who is best known for designing the cat-eye eyeglass frame.