Prescription for Beauty

Eyeglasses have been a vision aid long before the invention of contact lenses, but it wasn't until the 20th Century that they truly evolved into a fashion accessory in their own right.  During the 1930's, manufacturers began to make eyeglasses more becoming, if only in some cases making them look as inconspicuous as possible.  Glasses were still considered a necessary evil as echoed in Dorothy Parker's 1927 poem titled "News Item":  "Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses".  Well, not unless you happen to be Marilyn Monroe!

Marilyn Monroe in
"How To Marry A Millionaire"

In the 1940's. eyeglasses were available in a wide variety of colored plastic frames to complement the wearer and women were encouraged to build a wardrobe of frame styles including jeweled frames for evening and specialty frames for the beach.  After WW2, the cat-eye or cat's-eye style (a variation of the harlequin that was designed by Altina Sanders in 1939) became the popular look for women long into the 1950's.  They were available in a wide variety of colors, finishes, and embellishments.

1940's ad for American Optical Company
Courtesy of Vintage Designer Sunglasses

Eleanor Parker, 1947
Photo courtesy of  Fine Art America

"All About Eve" Madra Lord

Monolithic Studio's diva Miss Madra Lord looking chic in fabulous tortoise eyeglasses from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.  Suit from Tonner's "Tres Jolie Sydney" from the 2005 Paris Fashion Doll Festival.  Necklace from The Couture Touch.  Earrings from Ashton Drake.

"Top This" Madra Lord

Miss Madra Lord wears the hottest new frames from Horsman's Vita Collection.  The fabulous jeweled retro eyeglasses come in a set, one with clear lenses, the other sunglasses.  The sets are available in either gold or silver at  M & M TreasureNet.

Madra's sensational silk ensemble called "Grand Marnier" is by D.A.E. Originals.  Leopard fur hat from Mattel and the cigarette holder from Ashton Drake.

Fashion Tip:  When wearing glasses, keep accessories simple and uncluttered with off-the-face hats, and button style earrings.  Short or pulled back hairdos look best.


Source:  Clothing and Fashion Encyclopedia