Riveted spectacles were invented in the 1300s, the V-shape was not for looks by any means, they were made to balance on the nose. These first appeared in Italy in the early 1200s.
Throughout the centuries, corrective eye wear was not only made for the rich, it was eventually possible for the less fortunate to purchase. The nose bridge was introduced to the frame in the 1600s, still not a stylish pair but definitely more practical. Then the temple glasses were constructed and made way for the frames as we know today.
In the mid 1900s, the fashionable frames started to make their appearance. What were the most popular you ask? Cat's-eye frames for women, and thick rectangular frames for men, in black of course. Plastic lenses were not made until 1962, and in the 1970s, plastic frames took over as a preference over metal and the bigger the frame the better.
The coke bottle glasses were almost obsolete when the polycarbonate thin lens became available in the 1980s.In the 90s to present day, glasses were and are made eco-friendly with recycled or sustainable materials; we wear the same shape of frames our grandmothers wore in their time; and glasses are made adjustable for any face shape.
Just like style has a way to come back around, vision frames are no exception. Thankfully, frames and lenses are made more affordably and visually appealing - no pun intended.
