Pictorial
Allure of
Tortoise
By Denis Langlois
Tortoise is an eyewear design that refuses to go back in its shell.
Popular for decades, the look is both professional and mature and is an
impactful alternative to traditional black.
While it might seem surprising to some now, tortoise-patterned glasses
were once made with actual turtle shells. That practice was banned in
the 1970s, but the style lived on thanks to acetate and plastic designs.
Tortoise-shell glasses are bold, stylish and on-trend for both men and
women. The rising popularity of retro-inspired and hipster looks has
only bolstered the demand for these stunning frames.
And, since it’s fall, the traditional tortoise hues of yellow, honey and
brown make them perfect for any autumn wardrobe. Newer version
of tortoise can also include or be dominated by more vibrant colours,
like pink and purple, which gives the frames even more “pop.”
Here are some new spectacle styles that sport the
beloved tortoise pattern.
32 Optical Prism | October 2019