Skip to content
Gracing Tatler
In 1709, The Tatler magazine published its first issue which makes it one of the oldest publications in British publishing history. It is undoubtedly a bastion of women’s lifestyle that’s aimed at the upper echelons of society, and each single page permeates an overarching feeling of the truest sense of l uxury.
As the world moved on from the 20th century’s tainted decade of the 1940s, the post-war period accelerated Tatler’s rise as an eminent publication for escapism. Page after page, women (and men) could flick through with reading gloves on-hand, naturally, and feel connected to the world they lived in, or aspired to live in. The post-war period also gave flight to women’s fashion, partly due to Christian Dior's "New Look" of 1947 which continued to influence the fashions of the 1950s. Everything became more extravagant and flamboyant thanks to the end of fabric rationing which was introduced during the war, and accessories became more important and integral to one’s outfit.
In the 1950s, designers such as Hubert de Givenchy and Cristóbal Balenciaga further paved the way for self expression and the market was opened up significantly with a wide-range of product categories introduced. One such accessory that gained prominence, was, of course, eyewear of varying shapes, sizes, colours and embellishments. By this time, Curry & Paxton had transcended its roots as a manufacturer of ophthalmic instruments and parts, and cemented itself as a leader in eyewear manufacturing and offered an astonishing range of women’s sunglasses and spectacles.
It’s an image that seems just as relevant today and it’s without doubt timeless and furthermore, there’s a sense of power and confidence that can be taken from it, too. With her red lips prised open, the cover model is encased by a fur hood and sports a showstopping pair of two-tone cat-eye sunglasses with the glamour of ocean cruises reflected through her lenses. It’s simply fantastic.
In November 1959, Curry & Paxton was featured on the cover of Tatler magazine, which you can see in these pictures. Tatler was then a weekly magazine, and this issue is titled ‘Winter Sports & Spring Cruise Number’. With our fames on the cover, it simply underlines Curry & Paxton’s position within the market at the time, as winter sports were activities carried out by only the most affluent of society, and our frames deemed worthy of an accessory for such outgoings.
So, in homage to this timeless image, we’ve proudly reproduced this frame and have named it Grace. Coming in two colourways – a tortoiseshell and a graduated black and clear acetate – they both have 100% UV protection lenses and are made from premium Italian acetate. So whether you’re on the slopes – Gstadd seems about right – or on the beach – the Amalfi Coast will do – or simply pottering about town, you’re good to go wearing Grace.
