Persol 714 Folding PO0714
Verified catalog entry: The folding icon — full-size 649 style that collapses into a jacket pocket. The McQueen original.
- Frame shape
- Aviator
- Frame color
- Havana
- Lens
- Crystal Brown Polarized Standard
- Polarized
- Yes
- UV protection
- UV400
- Retailer
- Amazon
- Material
- Acetate
Pros
- Folds to pocket size
- Steve McQueen heritage
- Handmade acetate
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not polarized
The story behind the frame
The 714 is the folding version of the Persol 649 shape, designed to collapse into a small case that fits in a jacket pocket. It became famous after Steve McQueen wore a pair in The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), and it is still often associated with him.
The frame uses Persol's signature details — the silver arrow at the hinge and the flexible Meflecto temples — plus additional hinges at the bridge and temples so it can fold. It is a rare piece of mid-century design that is still in production.