The Persol brand is one that is synonymous with quality and its modern vintage style. It is one of the earliest founding brands that was acquired by luxury frames manufacturer, Luxottica. Persol was founded in 1917 by Giuseppe Ratti. Each frame features its signature arrow on the temple inspired by ancient warriors and is instantly recognisable. They have been worn by famous figures such as Kirsten Stuart, Emma Stone, Tom Cruise, and most notably by Steve McQueen in movies such as The Thomas Crown Affair.

In today’s post we will be looking at a limited-edition piece from the Persol Calligrapher collection; the Persol PO3165S Calligrapher edition. The Calligrapher edition frames have metal sides that are reminiscent of the nimbus of a calligrapher’s pen and blends beautifully with the signature arrow present on the front. The detail and craftsmanship shine through while still maintaining a simple yet bold design. 

The front of the frame is made of cellulose acetate which is derived from wood pulp and treated with acetic acid to allow the colouration to be consistent through to the centre. The material is then lacquered to make it more hypoallergenic and to help increase the longevity of the frame. It has a piano black finish which adds to its classy look while the metal bridge helps balance the frame and stops it from being too dominant on the face. The arrows creep in from the sides and curve around to the temples. This also helps break the boldness of the front and makes the frame instantly recognisable and distinguishable when put up against other brands. You can see over 100 years of spectacle and sunglass design being instilled in the frame with its classic, timeless look. The frame will complement a formal attire such as a three-piece suit or a shirt and tie. It’s what you wear going to a meeting and walk out wearing after sealing a deal. It can also be worn smart casual with chino and a pair of suede shoes on a stroll through the British countryside or spending your afternoon down by River Cam.

The lenses are a classic G15 Polarised, Perfect for bright sunny days both in the summer and winter. Its polarising properties are ideal when traversing the British roads especially after a downpour of rain as it helps reducing veiling glare that can come off wet surfaces, or in bright sunnier conditions that can cause a similar effect. You can tell that the lenses are polarised as an official Persol lenses will be engraved with Persol P in the top right-hand corner. When the brand was initially founded, they would be supplied to many pilots while Mr Ratti was working in Burry Opticians. The G15 tint is a green tint that blocks 85% of the light available from entering through the lenses. The green colour is also great at reducing the amount of blue light transmission. For these very reasons they are one of the first choices for a Dispensing Optician to consider when conducting a dispensing for sunglasses that are aimed to be used for aviation. The material is plastic making it more shatter-resistant than glass lenses and treated with a hard coating to make it more scratch-resistant. This aids in the overall durability of the sunglasses and is a bit more forgiving against general wear and tear.

One of the distinguishing features that a Calligrapher edition frame has over a standard Persol is the metal sides. It elevates the frame by giving the design a contrast from its plastic front while still maintaining its vintage look. The deep ridged lines in the shinney metal and its broadened shape towards the ear harkens to the design of a nimbus on a pen. While the sides have been altered for this edition, the pinning that is typically found in Persols frames is still present. While they are only a cosmetic feature, they symbolise the consistency in identity and quality associated with Persol.

We are seeing the resurgence of retro and vintage products and Persol are the vinal records of the eyewear industry. It doesn’t play with gimmicks or try to be different; they define our idea of timelessness and perfect the designs and traits found in vintage spectacles. It brings forward the past into the contemporary era; they are a discovery for the younger generation and bring a sense of familiarity for those that wore similar styles in their youth.

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