The Google search engine is celebrating the life of Altine ‘Tina’ Shinasi, the American designer best known for designing the popular ‘cat-eye’ eyeglass frames, with her August 4 doodle to mark her 116th birthday. She was famous for her impressive work in textiles, ceramics and jewelry. Notably, Schinasi is credited with designing the iconic Harlequin Cat-Eye glasses in the 1940s. Inspired by Venetian masked masks, these glasses feature large, nut-shaped frames with inverted tips and have become symbols of glamour and sophistication.
Schinasi’s artwork was characterized by dark colors, geometric patterns, and abstract forms. She had an extraordinary ability to use color and texture to create visually appealing and dynamic designs. Her work drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including Native American art, African art, and modern art.
As a result, she is considered one of the most important textile designers of the 20th century, her pieces continue to be admired and collected by museums and private collectors around the world.