Altina Schinasi: The Visionary Artist and Inventor Who Created the Cat-Eye Eyeglass Frame
Altina Schinasi was born on August 4, 1907, in Manhattan, New York City. Her parents were immigrants from Salonica, Greece. Schinasi showed an early interest in art, and she studied painting in Paris after graduating from high school. She returned to New York City in the 1930s and began working as a window dresser for Saks Fifth Avenue.
While working as a window dresser, Schinasi was inspired by the masks worn during the Carnival festival in Venice, Italy. She was particularly interested in the pointed edges of the masks, which she thought would be flattering to the face. Schinasi decided to create a pair of eyeglass frames that mimicked the shape of the masks.
Schinasi's design was met with resistance from major eyeglass manufacturers, who thought it was too edgy. However, Schinasi was determined to see her design come to life. She eventually found a manufacturer who was willing to produce her frames, and the Harlequin eyeglass frame was born.
The Harlequin eyeglass frame was an instant success. It was worn by celebrities such as Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn, and it quickly became a popular fashion accessory. Schinasi's design was also praised by fashion critics, who praised its originality and its flattering shape.
In addition to designing eyeglass frames, Schinasi was also a talented painter, sculptor, and filmmaker. She produced several documentaries, including a film about the artist George Grosz. Schinasi was also a philanthropist, and she donated her time and money to various charitable causes.
Altina Schinasi died on August 19, 1999, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was 92 years old. Schinasi's legacy lives on in her innovative design of the Harlequin eyeglass frame. The cat-eye frame is still a popular fashion accessory today, and it is a testament to Schinasi's creativity and vision.
Conclusion
Altina Schinasi was a visionary artist, inventor, and entrepreneur who made significant contributions to the world of fashion and eyewear design. She was a pioneer in the field of eyewear design, and her Harlequin eyeglass frame is still a popular fashion accessory today. Schinasi was also a talented painter, sculptor, and filmmaker. She was a philanthropist who donated her time and money to various charitable causes. Schinasi's legacy lives on in her work, and she is an inspiration to artists and entrepreneurs around the world.