Silhouette (eyewear)

History

The founders positioned their first creations as fashion accessories — instead of technical visual aids — and soon gained ground in Western Europe. They chose a French name for their company as fashion then was still heavily dominated by French designers. The first product had a narrow square shape with dark frames, unusual for its time. In the early 1970s, the brand became popular due to actress Sylvia Kristel.

Although the main emphasis of Silhouette always laid on its own brand, in 1991 the company started an intense cooperation with German sportswear producer Adidas. Still today, the company is responsible for the design and production of all glasses for the Adidas Performance line, devoted to athletes. In 1994, the doll Barbie was seen wearing Silhouette sunglasses in the exhibit Art, Design and Barbie at the World Financial Center in New York City. In 1999, the Titan Minimal Art Series was introduced that led to a cooperation with NASA in the following years. Since 2007, there has been a cooperation with the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra. In 2011, the Crystal Collection was presented.

Felder Felder for Silhouette and Akris for Silhouette are replaced 2016 by special edition of a New York designer.

Collaboration with NASA

Since 2002, NASA has used the frame of the designer model Titan Minimal Art, combined with dark lenses developed jointly by the company and NASA'S optometrist Keith Manuel. The frame is very light at 1.8 grams and devoid of hinge screws, reducing the potential danger for astronauts. Because astronauts work in such sensitive environments, unreliable eyeglass components could lead to a catastrophe. Such hazards are particularly likely during Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA), when astronauts spacewalk with only the protection of their spacesuits. A loose screw or component during an EVA could lead to a variety of problems for the astronaut and his co-workers. Failed components could be nasally or orally ingested, causing choking; drawn into the coolant system impeller, causing mechanical suit failure; or tear the suit bladder, resulting in a loss of suit pressure.

Celebrities

Around 1982, Queen Elizabeth II for the first time chose a pair of Silhouette glasses. Since 1998, she has famously worn Modell 1899. This model is mostly handcrafted and consists of a special Polymer combination. The Queen also owns two other Silhouette models but wears them infrequently.

Among other celebrities seen with Silhouette glasses were Bing Crosby, Elton John, Carla Bruni, Markus Schenkenberg, Helena Christensen, Nadja Auermann and Lady Gaga. Model Titan Minimal Art 8568 with green polarizer is worn by Lieutenant Horatio Caine in the series CSI: Miami, played by David Caruso. The glasses somehow became a trademark of his character. Since 2013, actors Patrick Dempsey and Cate Blanchett are employed for Silhouette advertising. Recently, model Tali Lennox promoted a contemporary version of the 1970s Future model.

Company data

The founding couple were both 39 years old when they started the enterprise together with five employees and a female designer. From the late 1970s until 2013, the two sons of the couple, Arnold jr. and Klaus, were responsible for the course of the company. Thereafter, two non-family-members took over as CEOs.

The company employs around 800 workers in the main production site in Linz. Since 1997, the basic steps of metal processing are completed in a new plant with 340 workers in the small Bohemian town of Trhové Sviny. Each year, Silhouette produces up to three million glasses, exporting around 95%. The company owns thirteen distribution subsidiaries worldwide and is represented in over ninety countries.

Accolades