Silhouette

Founded in 1964 by Austrian husband-and-wife team Anneliese and Arnold Schmied in Linz, Silhouette transformed eyewear from a functional necessity into a coveted fashion accessory. Their vision was simple yet revolutionary: they wanted people to "enjoy wearing glasses" rather than viewing them as a burden.

In 1973, Silhouette launched the Futura collection, designed by Dora Demmel, which became an instant global sensation. These space-age, shield-style sunglasses with their distinctive oversized proportions and bold colours captured the futuristic optimism of the era. The Futura's signature circular dot detail and dramatic cheek cut-outs made them instantly recognisable, worn by icons like Elton John and featured in countless fashion editorials throughout the decade.

Silhouette pioneered innovative materials that set new industry standards. Their patented SPX plastic (Silhouette Polyamide X) introduced in 1983 revolutionized lightweight frame construction, while their marketing approach was equally groundbreaking. Rather than traditional advertising, they created "Couture" - an advertorial-style magazine featuring top models like Carla Bruni wearing Silhouette frames in lifestyle imagery, a concept so novel that early models feared it would harm their fashionable image.

By the 1980s, Silhouette Fashion Frames had become Australia's go-to brand for statement eyewear, dominating the market with their unmistakable oversized acetate designs in vibrant colours. These frames weren't just accessories - they were cultural statements that embodied the bold, experimental spirit of the era.

Vintage Silhouette frames, particularly pieces from the legendary Futura collection, are among the most sought-after collectible sunglasses in the world. Original Futura models have sold for well over £1,000 at auction, with the iconic Model 570 in orange becoming one of the rarest pieces in eyewear history. Only 1,964 pairs were produced in some editions - a number chosen to honor Silhouette's founding year - making authenticated vintage examples exceptionally rare.

What elevates Silhouette beyond typical vintage eyewear is the brand's genuine design pedigree and Austrian craftsmanship. These frames were handmade with meticulous attention to quality, using innovative materials that were years ahead of their time. The Futura's space-age aesthetic wasn't just trendy - it was museum-worthy, with pieces now held in permanent design collections and recognized as defining examples of 1970s product design.

For collectors, vintage Silhouette represents a unique intersection of fashion history, design innovation, and pop culture. These are the frames that graced the pages of international fashion magazines, adorned music legends, and introduced an entirely new vocabulary of oversized, sculptural eyewear to the world. The fact that Silhouette's titanium rimless designs would later accompany astronauts on over 70 space missions only reinforces the brand's technical excellence and forward-thinking philosophy.

Original 1970s and 80s Silhouette pieces capture a moment when eyewear design was at its most fearless and experimental. Whether you're drawn to the iconic Futura shield designs, the vibrant SPX acetate frames, or the distinctive oversized proportions that defined the era, vintage Silhouette offers something contemporary brands simply cannot replicate - authentic design innovation with genuine cultural significance.

At Glass & Frame, we verify Silhouette frames by examining the distinctive engineering details that made this Austrian brand revolutionary. We look for the proprietary rimless mounting systems, the characteristic titanium finishing, and the particular hinge mechanisms that allowed such lightweight construction. Genuine Silhouette pieces have an unmistakable feel—that remarkable lightness combined with structural integrity that defined the brand. The construction signatures tell the story: specific screw mechanisms, temple flexibility designed for thousands of adjustments, and the precise lens drilling patterns that varied across different collections. We can often date pieces through the evolution of their mounting systems and the materials used during different production periods. These frames are sourced from trusted international sellers and collectors, and we examine each piece carefully to ensure authenticity.