Persol Eyewear

Persol was established in a small courtyard in Via Caboto, Northern Italy in 1917 by Guiseppe Ratti photographer and owner of Berry Opticians. Guiseppe began to make technically advanced eyewear designed to satisfy the demands of pilots and sports drivers who required comfort, protection and optimum vision.

The name Persol is derived from "per il sole," which, in Italian, means "for the sun." Its trademark is the silver arrow (often referred to as the "Supreme Arrow"). The silver arrow Persol’s unmistakable symbol, a hinge decorated with an arrow on the stem, is inspired by the swords of ancient warriors.

The late 1930’s saw the introduction of the Meflecto system, the world’s first flexible stem that is still today a distinctive feature of the Persol brand. The stem’s flexibility derives from the introduction of nylon or metal cylinders intersected by a stainless steel core providing absolute comfort and adaptability to any face.

Persol became a favorite with many celebrities, most notable was Steve McQueen, the “King of Cool”. Steve McQueen wore Persol sunglasses in The Thomas Crown Affair, they have been among the most iconic sunglasses ever since.

The video below is an insight into The Magnificent Obsession of Hand making Persol:

Persol - Made by Hand from Luca "Wo" Siano on Vimeo.

For further information on Persol visit the Mortimer Hirst web site:

http://mortimerhirst.co.nz/Content/BrandPage.aspx?BrandID=21