10/09/2015
"Behind the Cat Eye Glasses" exhibition
For a costume party, we choose a mask according to our taste. More than that, we choose it according to our personality and how we wish to be seen. Eyeglasses, like a mask, dress us up as a character as much as they translate what we wish to convey to others.
The case of the cat eye glasses is very special because they originated exactly from this awareness of the persona that we construct from an object that will become part of our body in society. Their original name, Harlequin, was inspired by the Venetian character’s masks, imbued with the romanticism, mystery and fun associated to such accessories. The party, the colours, the power and sensual freedom the carnival celebrations suggest are certainly present in this eyeglass design, created in 1939 by American designer and artist Altina Schinasi.
More than a simple pair of glasses, the cat eye glasses have been a favourite model for many generations. They were a hit in the 40s and 50s, the indisputable trademark of the 60s, symbol of elegance in the 70s, the revival of the 90s and, today, are the most admired and used model by those who love fashion and understand the historic transformation design can represent.
Alexandre Dias Ramos
curator
