The Dipple & Conway Archive Collection: 1960

These original Dipple & Conway cats-eye sunglasses from 1960 signify an exciting era. A time when glasses were fun as well as functional. The swinging sixties welcomed iconic frames, thick plastic designs, and semi rimless and rimless styles. Advances in plastic manufacturing during the 1940’s meant frames could now be created in every colour of the rainbow. Consumers were spoilt for choice. Without doubt, the stand-out style from this era is the cats-eye. Fashioned to imitate the upside down shape of feline eyes, the iconic frame was popular with women throughout the decade. While style conscious men sported gold wire spectacles. A time of sweeping change, popular culture was a strong influence. Men’s sunglasses in particular took inspiration from the stars of Rock & Roll. Frames ranged from the conservative to the wild, with fans mimicking the looks of musical heroes such as Lennon and Buddy Holly. Women’s sunglasses were made from durable and thick plastic and were fashioned in an array of striking colours and adorned with embellishments and rhinestones on the arms. Sixties spectacles were as unique as the person wearing them.