“Jewish Innovator Honored: Google Doodle Salutes Creator of Cat-Eye Glasses”

The Google Doodle Celebrating Altina Schinasi: Recognizing the Jewish Designer of Cat-Eye Glasses

The Legacy of Altina Schinasi

The Google Doodle for August 4, 2023, commemorates the 116th birthday of Altina “Tina” Schinasi, a Sephardic Jewish artist who revolutionized the world of eyewear with her invention of the cat-eye glasses shape in the late 1930s. The Doodle features a playful image of a bespectacled woman wearing orange cat-eye glasses, showcasing Schinasi’s iconic design.

Altina Schinasi was born on this day in 1907 into a wealthy Sephardic family in New York City. Her father, Morris Schinasi, was an international tobacco businessman, while her mother, Laurette Schinasi, hailed from Salonica (now Thessaloniki, Greece). Altina Schinasi, the youngest of three daughters, grew up in a privileged environment that nurtured her artistic sensibilities.

A Journey of Innovation and Artistic Expression

Schinasi’s artistic journey took her from New York City to Paris, where she studied painting. In the late 1930s, while working as a window display designer in Manhattan, Schinasi had her breakthrough moment. Dissatisfied with the lackluster eyeglasses she saw in an optician’s window, she set out to create a frame that exuded whimsy, mystery, and romance.

Inspired by the Italian Harlequin mask, Schinasi designed the distinctive cat-eye glasses shape. However, many major manufacturers initially rejected her designs as too edgy. Undaunted, she partnered with a boutique optical shop called Lugene on Madison Avenue, where her visionary creations found their first customer in writer Clare Boothe Luce.

Soon after, Schinasi established her own eyewear company, and her cat-eye glasses became a symbol of glamour and sophistication in the late 1930s and throughout the mid-20th century. Renowned personalities such as Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Hepburn embraced the trend, solidifying the cat-eye glasses’ place in fashion history.

An Expansive Artistic Career

While Schinasi made an indelible mark on the fashion world, her creative pursuits extended far beyond eyewear design. In the mid-1940s, she sold her eyeglasses company and relocated to Los Angeles to focus on painting and sculpture. In later years, she even ventured into filmmaking.

Schinasi’s artistic talent was recognized and showcased in prestigious exhibitions, including one at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where three of her paintings were displayed. Her ingenuity was not limited to the realm of visual arts. In 1960, she produced a documentary film titled “George Grosz’ Interregnum,” about her former art teacher, George Grosz, a Russian Jewish immigrant who fled Nazi Germany.

Influence and Personal Life

Throughout her life, Altina Schinasi embraced her Jewish identity and actively supported Jewish causes. She played a vital role in aiding Jewish refugees during the rise of the Nazis, personally furnishing 13 affidavits to enable their entry into the United States. Although her connection to Judaism was primarily cultural rather than religious, she instilled a deep sense of Jewish pride in her family.

Schinasi’s personal life was marked by her marriages and motherhood. She married four times and had two sons, Terry and Denis Sanders, with her first husband, Morris Sanders. Both of her sons went on to become film directors, carrying on the family’s creative legacy.

In 1999, Altina Schinasi passed away in Santa Fe, New Mexico, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as an innovative artist and a visionary. Her contributions to both the fashion world and the arts continue to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.

Editorial: Recognizing the Contributions of Altina Schinasi

The Google Doodle celebrating the 116th birthday of Altina Schinasi brings much-deserved attention to a Jewish woman who broke barriers and left an indelible mark on both the eyewear industry and the realm of artistic expression. Through her inventive design of cat-eye glasses, Schinasi redefined the concept of eyewear, transforming it from a mere functional accessory into a fashion statement.

Schinasi’s story also highlights the struggles faced by female innovators in a society that was often dismissive of their ideas. Her perseverance and determination serve as an inspiration for all individuals who have faced rejection or obstacles in their pursuit of creative endeavors. Schinasi’s refusal to compromise her vision ultimately led to the widespread acceptance and popularity of her iconic cat-eye glasses.

Altina Schinasi’s artistic explorations extended beyond eyewear design, encompassing painting, sculpture, and filmmaking. Her commitment to her craft and her ability to excel in multiple mediums demonstrate her boundless creativity and passion for self-expression.

Moreover, Schinasi’s connection to her Jewish heritage and her active role in supporting Jewish causes during a tumultuous time in history exemplify her commitment to social justice and the well-being of her community. Her efforts to assist Jewish refugees fleeing persecution highlight the importance of compassion and solidarity in the face of adversity.

Philosophical Reflection: The Intersection of Art and Identity

The life and work of Altina Schinasi invite us to reflect on the complex relationship between art and identity. Schinasi, as a Jewish woman pursuing artistic endeavors, faced both personal and societal challenges on her creative journey. The sense of isolation she felt as one of the few Jewish students at her boarding school underscores the importance of recognizing and embracing diversity within the arts.

Schinasi’s ability to channel her Jewish identity and background into her creative pursuits is a testament to the richness and depth that cultural heritage can bring to artistic expression. Her exploration of themes such as whimsy, mystery, and romance in her eyewear designs reflects a deep understanding of the power of symbols and narratives in shaping individual and collective identities.

Furthermore, Schinasi’s commitment to social justice and her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement remind us of the transformative potential of art in advocating for equality and justice. By amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, art can become a powerful tool for social change.

Advice to Aspiring Innovators

The story of Altina Schinasi serves as an inspiration for aspiring innovators, particularly those facing adversity or rejection in their chosen fields. Her unwavering belief in her artistic vision and her determination to bring it to fruition should be a guiding light for all individuals seeking to make a mark in their respective industries.

Innovation often requires perseverance and an ability to overcome obstacles. When faced with rejection, it is crucial to remain steadfast in one’s convictions and to forge ahead, as Schinasi did in partnering with a boutique optical shop to bring her cat-eye glasses to market.

Moreover, Schinasi’s multidisciplinary approach to creativity demonstrates the importance of exploring different avenues and embracing diverse artistic interests. By allowing oneself to experiment and engage with various art forms, new and exciting possibilities can emerge.

Above all, Altina Schinasi’s story reminds us that our identity and personal experiences can inform and enrich our creative endeavors. Embracing and celebrating our cultural heritage can lead to the creation of art that resonates deeply with both ourselves and others.

References:

• The New York Jewish Week
• Google (Wikimedia Commons)
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)