Who founded Persol in Turin in 1917?

Giuseppe Ratti founded Persol in Turin in 1917.

Ratti was an optician and photographer who initially made protective eyewear for pilots and sports professionals. The company’s name comes from the Italian phrase “per il sole,” meaning “for the sun.” Persol later became known for handmade sunglasses, distinctive arrow-shaped temple details, and the Meflecto flexible-stem system.

Persol is sometimes confused with its parent company, EssilorLuxottica. Persol is the consumer eyewear brand, while EssilorLuxottica is the larger eyewear group that owns and manages many brands. Another common mix-up is attributing Persol’s founding to a fashion designer; its origins were in optical manufacturing, not a fashion house.

The brand’s historical association with cinema also helped make its frames recognizable internationally. The 649 model, originally developed for Turin tram drivers, is one of Persol’s best-known designs.