Steve McQueen (born 24 March 1930 – 7 November 1980) was an American actor and cultural icon whose rugged charm and understated intensity earned him the title of the “King of Cool.” Rising to fame in the 1960s, McQueen captivated audiences in classics such as Bullitt, The Great Escape, and The Thomas Crown Affair, where his blend of quiet magnetism and effortless masculinity made him one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars. His image as a rebel outsider—fast cars, motorbikes, and a disdain for Hollywood’s excess—cemented him as a symbol of independence and style.

McQueen’s sartorial choices were as influential as his film roles, shaping a blueprint for timeless men’s fashion. He favoured pared-back staples—slim-cut chinos, Harrington jackets, and desert boots—exuding an authenticity that never felt contrived. Eyewear was central to his iconic look, most memorably the Persol 714 folding sunglasses, which he wore both on and off screen, particularly in The Thomas Crown Affair. The unique folding mechanism and distinct blue-tinted lenses became synonymous with his effortlessly cool persona. McQueen’s preference for functional yet striking frames underscores his enduring influence on men’s eyewear trends. Even today, the Persol 714 remains a cult classic, beloved by those seeking to emulate his balance of minimalism and charisma. To channel McQueen is to embrace an attitude of unforced elegance—style that whispers, never shouts.