Persol 714SM Honors McQueen’s Effortless Cool
New limited edition sunglasses echo the foldable design of Steve’s on-screen eyewear debut
Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.
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Image: Instagram
A Tribute To An Icon
In a salute to Steve McQueen’s enduring influence on film and fashion, Persol has unveiled the 714SM Limited Edition sunglasses. The release nods to the year McQueen first wore the foldable 714SM on-screen—in the 1968 thriller The Thomas Crown Affair—bringing vintage flair back into the spotlight. According to Persol’s Instagram caption, “Steve McQueen defined an era of effortless style. The 714SM Limited Edition honors that heritage, crafted with the same precision and character that made the original Persol an icon.”
Design And Craftsmanship
The Limited Edition revives the original’s patented Meflecto spring hinges and collapsible stems, a feature McQueen used to slip the frame into his pocket between takes. Each pair is handcrafted in Italy, using acetate sourced from the same artisan workshops as the 1960s classic. Persol says the colorway and temple engravings echo the styling cues seen in McQueen’s private collection, while modern lens coatings add UV protection without altering the on-screen silhouette.
Mcqueen’s On-screen Moments
McQueen first popularized the Persol 714SM in The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), where his character’s cool detachment and sleek eyewear became inseparable in pop culture. A gifted racer off-camera as well, McQueen continued to influence accessory trends throughout his career—from the Heuer Monaco chronograph in Le Mans (1971) to his custom Mé tisse desert-racer motorcycles. His penchant for functional style choices proved that performance and fashion could share the same frame.
Style Accessories Beyond Sunglasses
McQueen’s taste extended to every detail of his image. In his 1971 film Le Mans, he chose the square-cased Heuer Monaco watch—a decision that forever linked a timepiece to its cinematic hero. On Instagram, TAG Heuer highlighted this legacy:
Instagram post by @TAGHeuer:
“Born on the track. Immortalized on the screen. Launched in 1969, the Heuer Monaco broke every rule with its bold square design — but it took Steve McQueen to drive it into history.”
(https://www.instagram.com/p/DJmRbJkCIKZ/)
That post underlines how McQueen’s on-screen wardrobe choices often elevated obscure accessories into mainstream icons—just as Persol hopes to revive interest in the foldable 714SM.
Continuing The Legacy
The Persol 714SM Limited Edition arrives in a numbered presentation box, complete with a leather case and cleaning cloth bearing McQueen’s signature logo. Persol has not disclosed production numbers, but collectors should expect a strict run to preserve exclusivity. Availability begins this spring at select Persol boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide, with pricing that reflects the model’s handcrafted pedigree.
Steve McQueen’s keen eye for everyday elegance—whether behind the wheel, on set, or on his off-duty weekends—resonates in every detail of this release. By merging heritage design with contemporary materials, the 714SM Limited Edition ensures that McQueen’s effortless cool endures for a new generation of wearers.
Persol’s latest drop does more than reissue a classic; it cements Steve McQueen’s role as a pioneer of practical luxury. With its foldable frame and authentic styling cues, the 714SM Limited Edition is poised to become another chapter in the actor’s storied legacy—proof that true style never folds under pressure.
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