Google Doodle honours Altina ‘Tina’ Schinasi; American artist, designer known for ‘cat-eye’ frames

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Also read: Google Doodle celebrates Women's Fifa World Cup 2023 The idea for her iconic "cat-eye" eyeglass frames took root during her tenure as a window display designer. Observing that women's eyeglasses were limited to round and mundane designs. Inspired by the distinctive shapes of Harlequin masks worn during Venice's Carnevale festival, she crafted pointed and stylish frames that accentuated the wearer's face.

Her initial prototypes were made from paper, showcasing her innovative design. Nearly a century after its inception, Altina's visionary cat-eye design continues to influence fashion trends worldwide. Also read: Google Doodle celebrates Switzerland's Google Doodle cherishes the 700 years of unity in Switzerland on National Day However, the journey to success was not without its challenges.

Major manufacturers initially rejected her bold design, deeming it too unconventional. Undeterred, Schinasi persisted and found a local shop owner who believed in her vision and offered an exclusive deal for six months. The Harlequin glasses quickly gained popularity, earning Schinasi widespread recognition.

By the late 1930s and throughout the 1940s, the cat-eye frames became a fashion sensation among American women, with accolades pouring in, including the prestigious Lord & Taylor American Design Award in 1939, and features in renowned magazines like Vogue and Life. Apart from her remarkable achievements in fashion, Schinasi also made a foray into the world of filmmaking. In 1960, she produced a documentary titled "George Grosz' Interregnum," centered around the celebrated artist and her former mentor, George Grosz.