Altina Schinasi, an American sculptor, artist, and filmmaker, is credited with creating the iconic Harlequin eyeglass frame, also known as cat-eye frames.
Born on August 4, 1907, in Manhattan, New York, Altina Schinasi studied art at The Art Students League in New York and began her career as a window dresser.
She had the opportunity to work with Salvador Dalí, which further fueled her creative passion.
The idea for the cat-eye frames was inspired by Harlequin masks worn during the Carnevale festival in Venice.
Initially facing rejection from major manufacturers, Schinasi eventually convinced a local store to stock her innovative cat-eye frames.
By the 1930s and 1940s, cat-eye frames had become synonymous with glamour, with high-profile women like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn endorsing them.
Altina Schinasi's invention earned her recognition, including the Lord & Taylor American Design Award in 1939 and features in major magazines like Vogue and Life.
Today’s Google Doodle celebrates Altina Schinasi's 116th birthday, replacing the usual logo with an illustration of her iconic cat-eye frames.
Her story serves as a reminder that bold ideas can shape an entire industry, and true innovation stands the test of time.