New Delhi: Today's Google Doodle celebrates Altina Schinasi, a famous American artist and designer, on what would have been her 116th birthday. Schinasi is most known for designing the stylish Harlequin cat-eye glasses during the 1940s. These unique glasses, with their distinctive almond-shaped frames that turn upwards at the corners, were inspired by Venetian masquerade masks and became symbols of elegance and charm.
The doodle pays tribute to Schinasi's remarkable contributions to art and design. She was not only a creator of fashionable eyewear but also excelled in textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. Her creations were influenced by various artistic sources like Native American Art, African Art, and Modernist Art, resulting in eye-catching designs featuring vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and abstract shapes.
Altina Schinasi, born on August 4, 1907, was a multi-talented artist and inventor. She learned her craft at The Art Students League in New York City and worked as a window dresser for prestigious Fifth Avenue stores. Collaborating with renowned artists, she continually refined her skills, evolving into a respected artist herself.
Schinasi's breakthrough moment came with the Harlequin eyeglass frame, which she introduced in the late 1930s. Disappointed by the dull eyeglass frames she saw in a store, Altina decided to create frames that exuded playfulness, intrigue, and romance. She took inspiration from the Harlequin mask and skillfully integrated its essence into her frame designs. Establishing her own office, she managed production, distribution, and struck deals with department stores. Her success led her to expand her operations to the West Coast after moving to California.
In 1939, Schinasi's innovative eyewear earned her the Lord & Taylor Annual American Design Award. Vogue and Life magazines also credited her with revolutionizing the eyewear industry and its aesthetics. Today, her legacy lives on through her artistic contributions, especially her iconic cat-eye glasses that continue to be a timeless symbol of style and sophistication.