Persol is the Italian sunglasses brand associated with Steve McQueen’s folding 714 model.
The Persol 714 is a folding version of the company’s distinctive sunglasses design. It became strongly linked with American actor Steve McQueen after he was photographed wearing the style, including during public appearances and while filming. That association helped make the model one of Persol’s best-known designs.
The 714 is often confused with the Persol 649, another famous model. The 649 was created in 1957 and was originally designed for Turin tram drivers, while the 714 is known especially for its folding construction and connection with McQueen.
Persol was founded in Turin in 1917 by Giuseppe Ratti. The name comes from the Italian phrase “per il sole,” meaning “for the sun,” and the company became known for technical eyewear features such as its Meflecto flexible temple system.