Google Doodle Celebrates Altina Schinasi, Designer of Iconic Cat-Eye Glasses

ALTINA SCHINASI 116TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY: Google Doodle today on Friday, August 4 celebrates the 116th birth anniversary of Altina Schinasi, an American artist and designer renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to the fields of textiles, ceramics, and jewellery.

Additionally, Schinasi is credited with the invention and design of the iconic Harlequin cat-eye glasses in the 1940s. These extraordinary eyewear pieces feature large, almond-shaped frames with upturned tips, inspired by the elegance of Venetian masquerade masks.

Schinasi’s artistic style is characterized by vibrant colors, bold geometric patterns, and abstract forms. She demonstrated exceptional mastery in utilizing color and texture to create visually striking and dynamic designs. Her creative endeavors drew inspiration from diverse sources, including Native American art, African art, and Modernist art.

Recognized for her immense influence, Schinasi holds the distinction of being regarded as one of the most significant textile designers of the 20th century. Her remarkable works continue to captivate and find homes in prestigious museums and private collections worldwide.

Altina Schinasi 116th Birth Anniversary: 10 Fascinating Facts

1. Schinasi was born on January 18, 1922, in New York City.
2. Her father, Samuel Schinasi, established himself as a renowned painter and printmaker, while her mother, Lucia Schinasi, made a name for herself as a skilled textile designer.
3. She honed her artistic skills at the esteemed Art Students League of New York under the guidance of influential figures like Hans Hofmann and Morris Kantor.
4. As a founding member of the Textile Arts Club of New York, Schinasi played a pivotal role in advancing the field of textile arts.
5. She received the prestigious American Crafts Council’s Gold Medal as a testament to her exceptional artistic contributions.
6. Schinasi served as a distinguished professor of ceramics at the esteemed University of California, Berkeley.
7. She garnered membership in the prestigious National Academy of Design, further validating her remarkable talent.
8. Schinasi passed away on February 14, 2004, in Berkeley, California, leaving behind an enduring artistic legacy.
9. Her remarkable artworks can be found in esteemed collections, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
10. As a trailblazer in the realm of textile design, Schinasi’s creative vision continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.

Altina Schinasi 116th Birth Anniversary: Notable Works

1. The “Altina Schinasi” rug, which she intricately designed for the renowned Knoll Textile Company in 1955.
2. The “Aphrodite” ceramic vase, a stunning creation she designed for the esteemed Steuben Glass Company in 1960.
3. The “Opus II” necklace, an exquisite piece of wearable art she crafted in 1965.