Credit: Retro Spectacle
When it comes to vintage eyewear that truly captures Hollywood-era glamour, few brands compare to Tura. Founded in 1938 by Monroe B. Levoy in New York City, Tura became a trailblazer in transforming glasses from mere medical necessity into high-fashion accessories.
The Birth of Tura - 1938 to 1940s
In the late 1930s, Tura introduced eyewear designs unlike anything else of the time. The frames were made of aluminium, and in 1947 the brand received a patent design, setting a new standard for style and innovation.
Tura's early frames were defined by bold shapes, precious detailing and a flair for opulence - eyewear that was meant to be admired, not hidden.
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The 1950s - Eyewear Becomes Fashion
By the 1950s, Tura had cemented its place in American fashion culture. Vogue magazine even described the brand as "invaluable".
The decade saw the launce of one of Tura's most iconic designs - the Turanette. A true piece of design genius, the Turanette was both a spectacle frame and a tiara, sweeping elegantly from the temples into a decorative hair accessory. It perfectly embodied the glamour of the era.
"Because women who wear glasses realise that there is no such thing as inconspicuous glasses, spectacle frames assume their logical place as a fashion accessory". - Tura Advertisement, 1949
Tura pushed the boundaries of eyewear colour and material design, using shades like cherry red, powder blue, baby pink and Turalite, a shimmering silver tone that became a brand signature.
Hollywood & Colourtura Collection
The brand's profile grew even further through Hollywood collaborations. The Canadian-born screen icon Alexis Smith modelled for Tura, featuring in campaigns for the Colourtura Set - a table top collection that offered a pair of spectacles for every outfit.
This concept highlighted Tura's philosophy: glasses were not just for vision, but for expression.
The Dior Collaboration - 1960s and Beyond
In the 1960s, Tura made eyewear history by becoming the first-ever eyewear brand to collaborate with a high-end fashion house- Christian Dior.
The partnership introduced a range of ornate, jewel-encrusted frames, rich with metalwork and embellishment - combining Dior's haute couture elegance with Tura's flair for craftsmanship. These designs became some of the most collectible eyewear pieces of their time.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s , Tura frames continued to embody luxury, featuring gemstone detailing, intricate filigree and sculptural silhouettes.
Tura Today - The Spirit Lives On
Although modern Tura frames have evolved to suit contemporary taste's, the brand's spirit of innovation and glamour remains unmistakable.
Each vintage Tura frame you find today, whether it's a delicate cat-eye or a gem encrusted masterpiece - tells a story of creativity, craftsmanship and confidence that helped redefine what eyewear could be.
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