Altina Schinasi: The Artistic Innovator Behind the Harlequin Glasses
Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Altina Schinasi (4 August 1907 – August 19, 1999) was an American sculptor, filmmaker, actress, entrepreneur, window dresser, designer, and inventor.
Life and Career
Altina Schinasi was born on 4 August 1907, in New York City, USA. She was an American artist, inventor, and philanthropist. Her mother was a native of Salonica (then in the Ottoman Empire) and her father was a Sephardic Jewish Turk. After graduating high school, Schinasi studied painting in Paris, which sparked her appreciation for the arts. Once back in the US, she studied art at The Art Students League in New York and took a position as a window dresser for multiple stores on Fifth Avenue. During this time, she found herself working with and learning from prominent artists she admired such as Salvador Dalí and George Grosz.
Schinasi’s time working as a window display designer inspired the creation of her now-famous “cat-eye” frames. At the window display of a nearby optician’s office, she noticed that the only option for women’s glasses tended to be round frames with mundane designs. This observation inspired Schinasi to create a different option for women, mimicking the shape of the Harlequin masks she saw people wearing in Venice, Italy during the Carnevale festival. She found the pointed edges flattering to the face and started by cutting paper demos of her innovative frame design.
Schinasi approached all of the major manufacturers with her creation — all of which rejected her, claiming her design was too edgy. But, she didn’t give up. She struck luck when a local shop owner believed in her vision and asked for an exclusive design for six months. To their delight, the Harlequin glasses quickly became a success, earning Schansi much publicity. By the late 1930s and through the 1940s, Harlequin glasses became an overwhelming fashion accessory among women in the US. Schinasi was awarded the Lord & Taylor American Design Award in 1939 for her invention and was recognized by major magazines including Vogue and Life.
Already an established and successful artist, Schinasi also ventured into the world of film. In 1960, she produced a documentary about the celebrated artist and her former teacher George Grosz titled George Grosz’ Interregnum. It was nominated for an Academy Award and won first place at the Venice Film Festival.
Altina Schinasi passed away on August 19, 1999, in New York City, at the age of 92.
Award and Legacy
Altina Schinasi’s legacy is characterized by her creativity and contributions to both art and fashion. Her art continues to be celebrated for its unique blend of styles and her ability to capture the spirit of her era. Her “Harlequin glasses” left a lasting impact on eyewear fashion, and her designs remain influential in the world of accessories.
In addition to her artistic achievements, Schinasi was known for her philanthropic efforts. She supported various causes and organizations, including those related to education and the arts. While not as widely recognized as some other artists, Altina Schinasi’s work and innovations continue to inspire those in the realms of art, design, and fashion. Her unique vision and contributions have left a mark on the cultural landscape of the 20th century.
On 4 August 2023, Google celebrated Altina Schinasi’s 116th Birthday with a doodle.
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