Persol Logo PNG
Meaning and history
Persol is an Italian eyewear brand whose identity appears in two places: in its wordmark and in the distinctive hardware on its frames. The name comes from the Italian phrase per il sole, meaning “for the sun,” according to Persol’s heritage account. Giuseppe Ratti began producing eyewear in Turin in 1917. An older Luxottica report gives 1926 as the creation date, but the brand’s history and an EssilorLuxottica prospectus identify 1917 as the beginning. (EssilorLuxottica prospectus)
The images show the wordmark in a flowing, connected script, with a long stroke extending beneath the letters. One version is dark against a dark background; the other is black on white and includes a registration symbol. Those visible differences do not establish when either treatment was introduced. The wordmark is distinct from the arrow-shaped metal hinge on Persol frames, which the brand calls the Supreme Arrow and also refers to as the Silver Arrow. Persol says the arrow was inspired by ancient warriors’ swords and identifies it as an emblem of the brand. (Persol heritage)
Another defining frame feature is Meflecto, Persol’s flexible temple system. The brand says it patented the system in the 1930s and describes it as the first flexible stem system. The name and hardware connect the identity to the construction of the glasses, rather than relying on the wordmark alone. (Persol heritage)
Two well-known models helped make the frames recognizable. Persol introduced the Model 649 in 1957 for Turin tram drivers. The folding Model 714 followed in the 1960s as a folding version of the 649; Persol describes it as its first folding eyewear model. Marcello Mastroianni wore the 649 in the 1961 film Divorzio all’italiana, and Steve McQueen wore the 714 in The Thomas Crown Affair in 1968. (Italy-America) (Persol 714 product page)
???? – Today
Persol’s current identity continues to pair its wordmark with the Supreme Arrow frame detail. In this image, the script lettering and extended underline are clearly visible; the arrow hinge is a separate product feature, not part of the wordmark shown here. The brand remains active within EssilorLuxottica: Luxottica acquired the Persol trademark in 1995, and Luxottica became part of EssilorLuxottica following the 2018 merger. (EssilorLuxottica prospectus)
Disclaimer
This article is part of the educational resources provided by Logo Index, an independent archive covering logos, visual identities and graphic design history. Persol and associated trademarks and brand assets remain the property of their respective rights holders where applicable.
