Characterized by rounded edges and chic upswept corners, cat-eye eyeglasses and sunglasses have been a popular style since the 1950s. In our collection, you'll find modern versions inspired by the original, with designs ranging from sweetly subtle to adventurously glam.
Capture a retro feminine look in your everyday wardrobe with a pair of cat-eye eyeglasses or sunglasses. Originally popularized in the mid-20th century, when eyewear became a fashion accessory rather than a medical necessity, cat-eye frames remain a favorite among glasses wearers. Cat-eye glasses impart sophisticated, elegant, outgoing style to the most casual outfit, and come in eyeglass, sunglass, and prescription sunglass options for women and girls.
The classic cat-eye silhouette is synonymous with the familiar butterfly shape and features rounded lenses and upswept corners that subtly mimic the eyes of a cat. These delineating features of the iconic style can be embellished with rhinestone, metal, or colored plastic enhancements as opulent extras, while sculptural effects—raised designs, prominent browlines, scalloped edges, and fancy bridges—offer unique accents.
Cat-eye glasses have remained in style and on-trend for more than half a century. While upswept endpoints and an arching browline characterize the timeless look, cat-eye glasses come in a range of sizes, materials, and patterns to suit nearly any face shape and taste. The signature style is most commonly worn by women, but fashion-fearless men may also find cat-eye glasses or shades to suit their attire. Whether you prefer uncomplicated wireframe glasses with just a hint of retro-chic appeal, or you like to stand out from the crowd in a pair of oversized, couture sunglasses, the cat-eye silhouette comes in a design for you.
Yes! With their upswept endpoints and arched browline, cat-eye glasses balance both round and heart-shaped faces and draw attention to your eyes. If you have a round or heart-shaped face, we suggest narrow cat-eye frames with slim full rims and embellishments at the endpoints to add a glamorous touch to your attire and complement your features.
Cat-eye glasses were first created by Altina Schinasi Miranda in the late-1920s. A famous actress at the time, Miranda wanted to design an alternative to the unattractive, bookish eyeglasses styles available to the women of the era. While recognizable brands, including Ray-Ban, passed on Miranda's avant-garde glasses, the frames were sold at a high-end boutique in New York City, where they slowly gained in popularity. Eventually, designers and manufacturers across the country could no longer resist and began producing the frames en masse. Cat-eye glasses and sunglasses reached their full popularity in the 1960s, when Audrey Hepburn wore the sunglasses in the classic film Breakfast at Tiffany's. Over the ensuing years, designers ranging from Italian couture houses to basic ready-to-wear brands have created playful cat-eye frames for women the world over. With their flattering and versatile design, cat-eye glasses remain a staple of the eyewear industry.