In a fitting tribute to the trailblazing inventor, Altina Schinasi, Google has dedicated its homepage today to a captivating Google Doodle celebrating what would have been her 116th birthday. Altina Schinasi is fondly remembered for her revolutionary contribution to eyewear design – the iconic ‘cat-eye’ glass frame that has become a timeless fashion statement.
Further, Born on August 4, 1907, in New York City, Altina Schinasi’s ingenuity and creativity left a lasting impact on the world of fashion. Her unique design, the ‘cat-eye’ frame, debuted in the early 1940s and rapidly gained popularity, defining the fashion aesthetic of an era and beyond.
Altina Schinasi (1907-1999) was an Italian-American sculptor, painter, and inventor. She was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and later moved to the United States. Schinasi is best known for her invention of the Harlequin eyeglasses, which became a popular fashion trend in the 20th century. Her artistic work often explored themes of geometric abstraction and surrealism. Schinasi’s legacy as an artist and inventor continues to be celebrated in the art world
Furthermore, One of her most significant contributions to the world of art was the invention of the “Harlequin eyeglasses” in the 1930s. These unique and stylish eyeglasses featured a distinctive shape and colorful patterns, inspired by the traditional Harlequin character from Italian theater. The Harlequin eyeglasses became a fashion trend during that era and remain an iconic representation of her inventive approach to art and design.
Moreover, Google is celebrating the life of Altina ‘Tina ‘ Schinasi , an American Artist , Designer and Inventor most known for inventing cat-eye glass frame with a doodle on Aug 4 ,which marks her 116th birthday.
Schinasi was born on 4 August 1907 in Manhattan, New York , to immigrant parents ,the Google Doodle said in blogpost.
The ‘cat-eye’ frame features a distinct upturned angle
The ‘cat-eye’ frame features a distinct upturned angle at the outer corners, evoking the playful elegance of a feline’s eye shape. Schinasi’s inspired design not only enhanced the wearer’s appearance but also became a symbol of female empowerment and confidence during a time when society was embracing change and gender equality.
Moreover, Apart from her contributions to eyewear, Altina Schinasi was also an accomplished artist, filmmaker, and philanthropist. She utilized her artistic talents to create thought-provoking works and documentaries that reflected the social and political issues of her time, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Schinasi’s mother was a native of Salonia and her father was Sephardic Jewish Turk. She studied painting in Paris after graduation from high school and that sparked her appreciation for arts . After coming back to US , she studied art at the Art Students League in New York and took a position as a window dresser for multiple stores on Fifth Avenue . During this time she found herself working with and learning from prominent artists she admired such as Salvador Dali and George Grosz , the blogpost said .
Further, While working as window display designer , she got inspired for creation of her now famous cat eye frames .
Her observations led Schinasi in creating a different option for women .
Schinasi was also get rejected by most major manufacturers who said that her designs were too edgy ,but she didn’t give up and her hardwork pay off when local shop owner beleived in her vision and asked for exclusive design for six months .
Altina Schinasi was awarded the prestigious
In recognition of her work, Altina Schinasi was awarded the prestigious Légion d’honneur, France’s highest honor, for her significant contributions to the arts and fashion industries. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of designers and artists, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion and creative expression.
As the Google Doodle pays homage to Altina Schinasi’s brilliance and innovation, millions around the globe will have the opportunity to learn about her remarkable contributions and be inspired by her exceptional journey. Through this celebration, Altina Schinasi’s pioneering spirit is once again brought to the forefront, inspiring a new wave of inventors and artists to make their mark on history.
Moreover, Schinasi ventured into the world of films and in 1960 she produced a documentary about the celebrated artist and her former teacher George Grosz . Titled George Grosz Interregnum , it was nominated for the Academy Award and won first place at the Venice Film Festival.
In her later years, she wrote and published her memoir ‘ The road I have travelled (1995) volunteered as an art therapist and even invented unique portrait chair and benches which she called Chairacters . Even today after almost 100 years of its inception , cat eye design continues its influence in fashion accessory trends across the world.
Cat-eye glasses frames
Cat-eye glasses frames are a popular style of eyewear that feature an upswept shape at the outer edges, resembling the eyes of a cat. These frames are characterized by their vintage and retro look, often associated with the fashion of the 1950s and 1960s. Cat-eye glasses are typically made of plastic or metal and come in various colors and patterns.
They have been a timeless choice for those seeking a bold and feminine fashion statement. Additionally, cat-eye frames can complement different face shapes, particularly those with round or square faces, as they add a touch of elegance and lift to the overall appearance. However, they can be a great choice for anyone looking to add some flair and vintage charm to their eyewear.
In conclusion, on this special day, we remember Altina Schinasi and the significant impact she had on the world. Her ‘cat-eye’ glass frame remains an iconic and enduring symbol of creativity and style. The Google Doodle serves as a reminder of her ingenuity and celebrates the remarkable life of an extraordinary woman whose contributions continue to resonate with generations worldwide.
Schinasi’s artistic legacy continues to be celebrated, and her works can be found in various galleries and private collections around the world. Her contributions to art and design have left a lasting impact and continue to inspire artists and designers to this day.
