Persol Handcrafted Italian Eyewear: Over a Century of Craft, at Prism Eye Care

The most iconic sunglasses in Persol's collection were designed for tram drivers.

Not movie stars. Not fashion editors. Tram drivers. In 1957, Turin's public transit workers needed eyewear that could handle hours of direct sunlight, road dust, and wind from the open cab of a city tram. Giuseppe Ratti's workshop designed the Persol 649: oversized lenses for maximum coverage, a gently curved frame that hugged the face, and a flexible temple system that stayed comfortable over long shifts. The result was so good-looking that Marcello Mastroianni wore it in Divorce Italian Style in 1961, and the 649 became one of the most celebrated frame designs in the history of eyewear.

That is the Persol story in one frame. Form follows function, and the function just happens to look incredible. The brand's name comes from "per il sole" (for the sun). Founded in 1917 by photographer and optician Giuseppe Ratti in Turin, Persol started by making protective goggles for pilots and racing drivers. Today, the frames are still handmade in the original Lauriano factory near Turin, using many of the same hand-finishing techniques that Ratti developed.

At Prism Eye Care, we stock Persol sunglasses and optical frames for men and women. Every piece is sourced through authorized channels with full warranty and brand certification.

Three Inventions That No Other Brand Can Copy

Persol holds patents and designs that have been copied, referenced, and imitated for decades, but never truly replicated. Here are the three that matter most.

The Meflecto system, patented in the 1930s, was the world's first flexible temple mechanism. Small metal cylinders embedded inside the acetate temples allow the arms to flex and adapt to any head shape without losing tension. Your face does not adjust to the frame. The frame adjusts to you.

The Supreme Arrow is the silver arrow-shaped hinge connecting the temple to the front of every Persol frame. Inspired by the swords of ancient warriors, it works as both a structural reinforcement and a visual signature. If someone recognises your Persol frames for men from across the room, this is the detail they are seeing.

The 714 foldable frame is a collapsible version of the 649, with hinges at the bridge and temples that allow the frame to fold flat. It requires over ten additional production steps. Steve McQueen wore the 714 in The Thomas Crown Affair in 1968, and it became the most famous pair of foldable sunglasses in the world.

Persol Eyewear Men: Refined, Functional, and Built to Last Decades

Persol eyewear men's styles are designed for buyers who want frames that age well. The men's collection includes the classic 649, the 714 foldable, rectangular profiles, and rounded shapes, all handcrafted in Italian cotton acetate with Barberini premium crystal lenses.

Styles to look for:

• The 649 with oversized lenses, keyhole bridge, and Meflecto temples, available in Havana, black, and seasonal colourways
• The 714 foldable sunglasses with the Steve McQueen heritage and compact travel-friendly design
• Rectangular and squared Persol frames for men in matte and polished acetate with the Supreme Arrow at the hinge
• Metal-framed models from the Riviera collection with three-piece construction and Mediterranean-inspired lens tints

The Persol eyewear men's collection appeals to buyers who care less about what is trending and more about what will still look right in ten years. If your style leans towards things that get better with age (leather that develops a patina, denim that softens, watches that hold their value), Persol frames belong in the same category.

Browse more in our men's eyeglasses and men's sunglasses collections at Prism Eye Care.

Persol Eyewear for Women: The Same Italian Soul, Beautifully Proportioned

Persol eyewear for women carries the same craftsmanship DNA with shapes scaled and softened for feminine proportions. The women's range includes rounded, cat-eye, and oversized silhouettes in warm colour palettes like caramel, rose Havana, transparent grey, and classic black.

Styles worth exploring:

• Rounded acetate sunglasses with crystal lenses and the Meflecto flexible temples for a comfortable, secure fit
• Cat-eye frames with the Supreme Arrow at the hinge and gradient lenses in warm Mediterranean tones
• Oversized square optical frames in cotton acetate with keyhole bridges, ideal for prescription use

Persol eyewear for women works for buyers who want Italian quality without the overt glamour of brands like Dolce & Gabbana or Miu Miu. The aesthetic is warmer, more grounded, and rooted in function. Understated, personal, and built to last.

Check out our women's sunglasses and women's eyeglasses collections, or browse the dedicated Persol eyeglasses page for optical styles.

Persol Eyewear Price in India: What Handmade Italian Heritage Costs

Persol eyewear price in India at Prism Eye Care for sunglasses typically ranges from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000. Optical frames sit in a similar bracket. The 714 Steve McQueen editions and limited-release colourways tend to be at the higher end.

That positions Persol alongside brands like Burberry and Prada in pricing, but the comparison misses the point. Persol frames are still handmade in the same factory near Turin where the brand has produced eyewear for over a century. The lenses are premium crystal glass by Barberini. The Meflecto temples are assembled by hand. Most fashion brands at this price point are factory-produced at scale. Persol is not.

Persol eyewear price in India reflects a product where the manufacturing process has barely changed in decades, because it did not need to. When something works this well for this long, you do not redesign it. You refine it.

All frames at Prism Eye Care come with official packaging, full manufacturer warranty, and brand certification.

Ordering Persol: How to Buy Persol Eyewear Online at Prism Eye Care

You can buy Persol eyewear online through Prism Eye Care's website. The collection is listed with product images, frame dimensions, lens specifications, and transparent pricing.

A few tips before you order:

• Persol acetate frames have a distinctive warmth and weight. If you are used to TR90 or nylon frames, the heft will feel different but comfortable, thanks to the Meflecto temples distributing the weight evenly
• For prescription orders, Persol optical frames support single-vision, progressive, and photochromic lenses. Contact us via WhatsApp for lens guidance before placing your order
• If you are in Bangalore, visit Prism Eye Care at Indiranagar, Jayanagar, Rajajinagar, or HSR Layout. The cotton acetate, the Meflecto flex, and the Supreme Arrow hinge are best experienced in person

You can also buy Persol eyewear online by calling +91 9164203360 for phone orders with the same product assurance and warranty.

FAQs

Q1: What is the price range for Persol eyewear at Prism Eye Care?

Persol sunglasses at Prism Eye Care range from approximately Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000. Optical frames sit in a similar bracket. The 714 foldable model and Steve McQueen limited editions tend to be at the higher end. All frames are priced at official retail rates with full manufacturer warranty and brand certification.

Q2: What is the Meflecto system?

The Meflecto is Persol's patented flexible temple system, first introduced in the 1930s. Small metal cylinders inside the acetate temple arms allow the frames to flex and adapt to any head shape, providing personalised comfort without pressure points. It was the world's first spring hinge mechanism for eyewear and remains one of the most effective comfort innovations in the industry.

Q3: What is the Supreme Arrow on Persol frames?

The Supreme Arrow is Persol's signature hinge detail, a silver arrow-shaped element that connects the temple to the front of the frame. Inspired by the swords of ancient warriors, it serves as both a structural reinforcement and a visual trademark. It appears on every Persol frame and is the brand's most immediately recognisable design element.

Q4: Can I get prescription lenses fitted in Persol optical frames?

Yes. Persol optical frames are fully prescription-ready and support single-vision, progressive, photochromic, and blue-light filtering lenses. The keyhole bridge and Meflecto temples provide a comfortable, adaptable fit. Our optometrists at Prism Eye Care will ensure precise lens fitting at any of our Bangalore stores in Indiranagar, Jayanagar, Rajajinagar, or HSR Layout.

Q5: Does Prism Eye Care ship Persol eyewear across India?

Yes. You can order any Persol frame from our online store with delivery anywhere in India. Every order includes original brand packaging, warranty, and authenticity assurance. For prescription orders, contact us via WhatsApp or call +91 9164203360 before purchasing for lens and fitting guidance.

Want to see what a century of Italian craft looks like on your face? Browse the full Persol collection online or visit any Prism Eye Care store in Bangalore to try the frames.

Ready for frames built to outlast trends? Shop Persol eyewear now at Prism Eye Care with secure checkout, or call +91 9164203360 to order directly.