Smith Says

The Reincarnation of a Mid-Century Cat Eye Called Tang – by Victory Eyewear

Written by

an iconic mid-century cat eye

We’ve gathered together some archival video and original advertisements for these mid-century cat eye glasses. Plus, where to buy and similar new or deadstock vintage cat eyes.

Manufacturing and Fashion

Behind the scenes with archival mid-century footage (1965). The featured frame is a red cat eye with a strikingly similar appearance to Tang – interesting.[2]

These cuts are from the Max Wiseman factory and include glass lens manufacturing, eyewear hand cut from zyl, lined bifocal assembly, and the consumer end of the optical dispensing process.

  Wow. I bet you didn't know all this went into making you're iconic 50's Glasses https://www.facebook.com/Vintage.et.Industrial/ #Vintage #Glasses #Fashion #TheFifties #Technology Posted by Vintage et Industrial on Saturday, November 19, 2016
victory-embelished-original-cat-eye-elegant.jpeg
victory-vintage-advertisement-mid-century-cat-eye.png
victory-1958-emissary-and-miss-exec-vintage-advertisement
victory-cat-eye-vintage-advertisement-elaborate.jpeg
victory-tang-cat-eye-vintage-advertisement-fashion-fall.jpeg
Tang - Mid-Century Cat Eye

NOW: The Reincarnation of an Mid-Century Cat Eye

Decades after this frame’s debut, Victory brought it back with a slightly softer form. The current reincarnation comes in a growing number of colors and several limited editions. We know the white horn, shown above on our furry friend Frankie, is currently being phased out.

If you’re looking to go bold, make a pop in pastel pink, blue, or mint.

Pop in Bubble Gum Pink Pastel Glasses

Bold Pastel Blue

Marvelous Muted Pink

Stay Cool in Mint - Green Pastel

White Horn, Midnight Blue, Dark Green, Crystal Pink, and Tortoise

We know the white horn, also shown above on our furry friend Frankie, is being phased out.

Versatile Black or Red

Many women choose black, tortoise, or red as a staple to their accessory collection. Not only are these colors versatile and simply stylish, they’re an effortless transition from casual to formal.

Pop in Pastel Glasses

If you’re looking to go bold, make a pop in pastel pink, blue, or mint.

Light muted pink cat eye with pointy tips Mint green pastel cat eye - wintergreen taffy by Victory (Tang) Bay be pink pastel cat eye with pointy tips Baby pastel blue cat eye glasses

this is a go to model for mid-century cat eyes

 

Send a message to inquire about availability, our current stock, or prescription mail order (single vision only).

Frame Details

STYLE NUMBER: VC 808

SIZE: 46-21-135
FRAME COLORS: Black on Crystal, Black on Tortoise, Pale Rose on Crystal, Tortoise

SIZE: 48-21-140
FRAME COLORS:  Black on Tortoise, Blue, Brown, Green, Tortoise, Red, Black Horn, White Horn, *Blueberry Taffy, *Bubblegum Taffy, *Root Beer Taffy, *Wintergreen Taffy

*Indicates new colors for Fall 2015
Sizes measured in mm

Referenced Materials
[1] vintage advertisements, product images, and frame details as of 2/2017 via http://www.victoryoc.com and Victory Optical on Instagram[2] video footage via British Pathé – seen & shared via Vintage et Industrial‘s Facebook.

FEATURED IMAGE by Robyn Arouty Frankie is an energetic, fashionable, young adoptable at Pup Squad in Houston (transportation available).