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The epitome of the fabulous ‘50s: double
flare cat-eye frames in smoke with
A swirl of black and rhinestone decorations, yellow lenses.
rhinestone feathers. $140-160.
$275-300.

original frames include major modern
shows, which attract dealers in vintage
fashion accessories. As an added advantage, some dealers specialize in
“New Old Stock” (NOS). These are unsold, never-used period frames,
just right for those who like their vision of the past dust-free.
New frame designs that embrace the look of the old are also
popular, echoing the twentieth century decade by decade. Among
today’s available choices are metal ovals similar to those of the 1920s …
the form and patterning of colorful butterflies, or had brow edges geometrics and rounds recalling the 1930s … 1940s-like tortoise-shells
reminiscent of soaring bird wings. Entertainer Dame Edna Everage … variations on the bejeweled plastics of the 1950s … and stylistic
referred to her highbrows as “face furniture,” and glasses like these do ideas that owe a debt to the designer lines of the ’60s, the oversized
seem to serve a furniture-like purpose: they complement (or in many frames of the ’70’s, and the tailored “yuppie” styles of the ’80s. Retro,
cases dictate) the overall decor. whether authentic or re-created, is in demand.
As fashion eyewear grew in popularity, it also grew in respectability. Most eyewear collectors buy glasses with the intention of at least
In 1961, the Fashion Eyewear Group of America was established, and occasionally wearing them. If that’s your intent, here are a few hints for
in 1962, Vogue devoted an entire section to the topic. Name designers successful spectacle shopping:
such as Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, and Pucci turned out their own
signature lines; less-expensive knock-off versions quickly followed. For • Although metal frames can almost always be adjusted or repaired,
those not yet ready to admit the need for glasses, manufacturers obliged plastic (or celluloid) frames cannot.
with sparkling “readers” (half-glasses), folding glasses, and even modern
adaptations of the trusty, hand-held lorgnette. Glasses became seen as • Make sure plastic frames ar a comfortable fit, with the bridge resting
an outer manifestation of the inner personality, with certain styles easily on your nose, and eyes centered.

indelibly linked to certain personalities. Think of oversize smoky oval • Temples, hinges, pads, and screws are almost always replaceable.
sun glasses, for instance, and the image of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
comes to mind. Imagine glittery, rock-and-roll eyewear, and Elton • Older glass lenses may not be shatterproof, and vintage plastic lenses
John takes the stage. Glasses may not have created the persona, but they are susceptible to scratches.
certainly enhanced it in the public eye.
• It’s often possible to replace original prescription lenses with your
Made in the Shade own prescription, or with sunglass lenses.

For those whose vision • Older sunglasses may not have UV-coated lenses. If ultraviolet rays
remained 20/20, sunglasses are a concern, have the lenses replaced.

were a highly visible alterna- • When trying on glasses, look your best. That way you’ll see the frames
tive. Here, extreme designs not at their most flattering.
right for the office could be
given full reign, with Eyewear of the 1950s and ’60s continues to make an extravagant
Hollywood serving as the fashion statement all its own. Whether on the face or simply on
inspiration. For years, count- display, one word sums up
less stars had masked their eyes their enduring appeal: they’re
with huge dark glasses in hopes “spec-tacular!”
of avoiding public attention. French import sun glasses by
Sunglasses created an instant “Anne Marie,” with rhinestone ‘unibrow.’
aura of glamorous mystery, a $110-120.
fact not lost on the buying public. The Hollywood link was played up
with great success by manufacturer Foster Grant in a clever ad cam-
paign of the ’60s. A variety of sunglass-clad celebrities were profiled, Photo Associates:
and readers were asked, “Who’s that hiding behind those Foster Hank Kuhlmann,
Grants?” Previously, sun glass ads had stressed the practical: sunglasses Ramón Piña
were “scientifically designed to eliminate the visual punishment pro- Donald-Brian Johnson (text)
duced by brilliant sunlight.” Now, the not-so-practical took center and Leslie Piña (photos) are
stage: sunglasses provided “an enchanting air that makes heads turn, co-authors of numerous books on
and gives you a very special place in the sun.” twentieth-century decorative arts,
including Specs Appeal: Extravagant
Second Sight 1950s & 1960s Eyewear. Please address
Today, vintage eyeglass frames continue to grow in popularity. inquiries to: donaldbrian@msn.com
Their revival began as far back as the late 1960s, when “The Outasight
Co.” capitalized on the then-popular “hippie” look by marketing round
metal frames from the late 1800s as “the original granny glasses.” More
recently, those with an eye for recycled fashion acquire highbrows, cat-
eyes, and other period frames, then have the original lenses replaced Making beautiful music: highbrows
with a new prescription, or restyled as sunglasses. Good sources for in the form of musical notes. $375-400.

42 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles