Persol is the Italian brand associated with the 649 sunglasses, designed for Turin tram drivers.
The Persol 649 was created in 1957 for tram drivers in Turin. Its large shape and distinctive construction were intended to provide practical protection and comfort during working conditions, rather than simply serve as a fashion accessory.
The model later became a recognizable Persol design and was adopted by people outside public transport. Persol is also known for its patented Meflecto flexible temple system, which allows the temples to adapt more comfortably around the head.
The 649 should not be confused with Persol’s 714 model. The 714 is a folding design famously associated with actor Steve McQueen, while the 649 is the earlier Turin tram-driver model.