Persol 714SM - Steve McQueen

The Persol 714 earned its famous nickname because legendary actor Steve McQueen wore them on screen and in his personal life. Most notably, he sported the folding acetate frames in the iconic 1968 action film "The Thomas Crown Affair." This cinematic appearance cemented the sunglasses as a timeless piece of men's fashion history.

Yes, the defining feature of the Persol 714 is that it is the world's first folding sunglasses. The intricate hinged design allows the frames to collapse entirely into a compact size that fits easily into a pocket. Despite the complex folding mechanisms, they remain remarkably durable.

In Persol's product naming convention, the "SM" typically denotes specific lens technologies or sizing variations within the Steve McQueen signature line. The key differentiator in the modern reissues is often the inclusion of polarized lenses to provide superior glare reduction. The blue lenses famously worn by McQueen, however, were not standard polarized.

Like classic Persol models, the 714 frames are handcrafted from high-quality Italian acetate. This material allows for a comfortable fit because it warms and conforms to the wearer's face over time. They also feature Persol's signature patented metal arrow hinge on the temples.