Steve McQueen and the Persol 714

When we think of the 1960s many notions gender and society come to mind. It was the height of the Space Race, Madison Avenue, and Jack Kerouac. It was an era of manliness, as it were, when men were engaging in typically manly activities ranging from blasting to the moon to redefining what it means to be a part of society. Yet another went about his manly life in brash, yet somehow understated way.

Steve McQueen is a legend. It is often said that he was cool before cool was a thing. This less than dubious honor came about because of McQueen’s grab life by the horns attitude and the image he worked so hard to cultivate while making it look like he couldn’t care less. Whether he lived like his characters or his characters lived like him is debatable, but one thing that is not is the man’s lasting influence on male fashion. Steve McQueen, like James Bond, is largely responsible for showing men that buttoned-down and dressed up looks even better when it is purposely done wrong.

So how did he accomplish this? Well, when it comes to one’s wardrobe, often the little things speak the loudest. To this end, McQueen’s penchant for Persol sunglasses is legendary.

The two went hand in hand really: the man, possessing a certain refined rage, somehow managed to balance the two in public; the company, built upon the ideals of style and practical protection, produced the most versatile eyewear available. It was indeed a happy marriage of manliness and keen social intelligence.

The result: the Persol 714. It was not made for McQueen but he wore them like they were. Ironically, as McQueen sported the Persol 714 for years, he effectively popularized the brand in a country where it had yet to gain traction.

The Persol 714 was Steve McQueen’s choice for a number of reasons, not the least of which was its stylish design. The 714 is as robust as they come. It has a solid frame that promises to provide years of comfortable wear and lenses that will protect from the sun’s onslaught while remaining very resistant to scratching. Moreover, the Persol 714 is collapsable. This is unusual for any pair of sunglasses but is most impressive given the solidity and durability of the model.

Perhaps this then was the main draw for McQueen. The portability of the 714 meant it could be packed away without concern for its well-being whether the owner was piloting a glider or jumping a motorbike into Switzerland. In such a case, the style and portability went hand in glove and the two became inseparable.

There are more modern sunglasses available and likely there are more protective options as well. But even without the Steve McQueen element, the Persol 714 would remain one of the few choices available for those who love to make a statement without saying a word.

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Harrison Mullin is a writer who specializes in vintage fashion accessories. You can check out his latest website at Persol2931.com, where he provides unbiased reviews and buying advice for a wide range of Persol sunglasses, including the Persol 2931, Persol 714, and more.

Harrison Mullin is a writer who specializes in vintage fashion accessories. You can check out his latest website at Persol2931.com, where he provides unbiased reviews and buying advice for a wide range of Persol sunglasses, including the Persol 2931, Persol 714, and more.

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