A single pair of sunglasses defined Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly look: the Oliver Goldsmith Manhattan, a dark tortoiseshell cat-eye frame with green lenses, and an exact replica is available today.
One morning in 1961, Holly Golightly stepped out of a taxi on Fifth Avenue with a coffee and a paper bag, wearing sunglasses that became one of the most recognizable accessories in cinema history. That pair — the Oliver Goldsmith Manhattan — was designed in 1960 specifically for the role, and the same company still makes an identical version today. Here is the exact model, how to buy a real one, and the common mistakes that send people home with the wrong frame.
The Exact Model: Oliver Goldsmith Manhattan
The Manhattan is a bold oversized cat-eye (often called a butterfly silhouette) that was designed exclusively for Hepburn’s character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. British designer Oliver Goldsmith crafted the pair in 1960, one year before the film’s release. In the movie, the frame color is Dark Tortoise with green lenses — not black, as many assume. The temple length is 140mm, a standard sizing that still defines the current replica.
Can You Still Buy The Original 1961 Model?
Yes. Oliver Goldsmith still produces the Manhattan as part of its Audrey Hepburn Collection. The company re-released the model in 2011 for the film’s 50th anniversary and it has remained in continuous production since. The current version is a 1:1 replica of the original design, using high-quality acetate and the same Dark Tortoise colorway with green lenses.
If you compare a photo of Hepburn from the film to the current product listing on the official US store, the silhouette is identical. The same bold cat-eye sweep and the same proportions are there. The brand confirms this is the only exact replica — no other eyewear company holds the rights to this specific frame.
How To Buy The Authentic Audrey Hepburn Sunglasses
The only way to guarantee authenticity is to buy from the official Oliver Goldsmith website or a verified retailer. Here is the straightforward process:
- Go to us.olivergoldsmith.com/products/manhattan.
- Select the color — Dark Tortoise with green lenses for the movie-accurate version.
- Click Add to Cart and proceed through checkout.
The ordering ships from the UK, but the US store handles stateside customers directly. Once the package arrives, the glasses come in a branded case with the Oliver Goldsmith logo. A quick check of the temple should show the 140mm marking if you have the correct size.
For readers exploring alternative frame styles inspired by Hepburn’s broader eyewear collection, check out our guide to top-rated Audrey Hepburn eyeglass styles for modern options that carry the same timeless feel.
Common Mistakes People Make
Several myths float around about these glasses, and they cost people either money or authenticity. Here are the biggest ones.
- Thinking they are Wayfarers. The Manhattan is a cat-eye / butterfly frame, not a classic wayfarer. Some generic descriptions call them “black wayfarer-style,” but the official Oliver Goldsmith designation and the actual silhouette are both cat-eye.
- Believing the film pair was black. The lenses are green and the frame is Dark Tortoise — a brown tortoiseshell pattern — not black.
- Assuming the glasses are a vintage-only collectible. The replica is in active production today and anyone can order a new pair that matches the original specs.
- Assuming the design began with the 1961 film. Goldsmith designed the Manhattan in 1960, a year before the movie premiered. It was custom-made for Hepburn’s role, not a shelf model.
- Attributing the glasses to other brands like Ray-Ban. Oliver Goldsmith is the sole designer and manufacturer. No other brand has ever produced this exact frame.
Specifications Of The Current Replica
Below is the breakdown of the Manhattan as sold on the official Oliver Goldsmith US site today. These are the exact specs you will receive if you order the movie-accurate version.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Manhattan |
| Collection | Audrey Hepburn Collection |
| Original Design Year | 1960 |
| Frame Shape | Oversized cat-eye (butterfly silhouette) |
| Film-Accurate Color | Dark Tortoise with green lenses |
| Temple Length | 140mm |
| Current Production | Yes |
| Official US Website | us.olivergoldsmith.com |
Are These Sunglasses UV Protective?
Oliver Goldsmith equips the Manhattan with lenses that meet modern UV400 standards, so the vintage-style frame offers full protection today. That said, if you want to verify before buying, the product page on the official site lists the lens specs. The oversized design is meant for adult faces — it is not a children’s frame.
Fit Considerations Before You Buy
The Manhattan is an oversized frame with a 140mm temple length, which is a standard adult measurement. Most people will find it comfortable, but if you have a very narrow or very wide face, you may want to check the exact measurements on the product page before ordering. The bold cat-eye shape sits higher on the cheek than many modern aviators, so the fit may feel different if you are used to smaller frames.
The lens material is polycarbonate or acrylic on the current replica, which means the glasses are lightweight but may scratch more easily than glass. A microfiber cloth is a good companion purchase if you plan to wear them daily.
Verdict: Which Frame Wins The Authenticity Test
The table below compares the Manhattan against the most common mistaken alternatives that surface in online searches and vintage listings.
| Frame Claimed | Accuracy Status | Why It Does Not Match |
|---|---|---|
| Oliver Goldsmith Manhattan | Exact match | Designed for Hepburn in 1960; the only model that appears in the film |
| Generic Wayfarer | Incorrect | Wayfarers are square, not cat-eye; Manhattan has a distinct upswept outer edge |
| Black frame “Morning in Tiffany’s” | Incorrect | Black was never the film color; film version was Dark Tortoise with green lenses |
| Ray-Ban cat-eye | Incorrect | Ray-Ban holds no rights to this design; Oliver Goldsmith is the sole maker |
If your goal is to own the exact sunglasses Holly Golightly wore on that New York morning, the only path is the Oliver Goldsmith Manhattan in Dark Tortoise with green lenses. The replica is nearly identical to the 1960 original, and it keeps the look alive for anyone who wants it today.
FAQs
Why are Audrey Hepburn’s sunglasses in Breakfast at Tiffany’s so famous?
The pair became iconic because they appeared in one of cinema’s most recognizable opening scenes — Hepburn’s character stepping out of a taxi in front of Tiffany’s on Fifth Avenue. The bold cat-eye design, combined with her effortless styling, turned the glasses into a symbol of 1960s sophistication that still influences fashion today.
What is the difference between the Manhattan and a regular cat-eye frame?
The Manhattan has an oversized, exaggerated butterfly silhouette with a pronounced upward sweep at the outer edges. Most standard cat-eye frames are more subtle in angle and smaller in proportion. The Manhattan is also built on a specific 140mm temple length and Dark Tortoise colorway that no generic cat-eye offers.
Can I find the exact same pair in a vintage store for less money?
Vintage pairs from the 1960s or the 2011 anniversary re-release are scarce and often more expensive than the current new replica when you factor in condition and lens replacement. The official site sells the exact same design for a predictable retail price, and the lenses are new with modern UV protection, which is not guaranteed with vintage finds.
Does Oliver Goldsmith ship the Manhattan to countries outside the US?
Yes. The official US website at us.olivergoldsmith.com serves American customers and ships domestically. The brand also maintains a global store at olivergoldsmith.com that ships internationally. Shipping times vary based on your location, but most international orders arrive within 7-14 business days.
Are the green lenses on the film pair actually green or slightly brown?
The lenses in the film appear as a clear green tint when viewed in high-resolution studio shots. They are not brown, amber, or gradient. Oliver Goldsmith’s current Dark Tortoise option pairs green lenses with the tortoiseshell frame to match the original 1960 specification.
References & Sources
- Oliver Goldsmith (US). “Manhattan | The Original Audrey Hepburn Sunglasses.” Official product page for the current replica with specifications and purchasing.
- Banton Frameworks. “Audrey Hepburn’s Sunglasses Style.” Covers the history, design year, and frame shape details.
- It’s Beyond My Control. “The Iconic Audrey Hepburn Sunglasses in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Confirms the Manhattan model, 1960 design year, and ongoing production.
- Sunglasses ID. “Oliver Goldsmith – Audrey Hepburn – Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Documents the Dark Tortoise color and green lenses of the film pair.
- Select Specs. “How Oliver Goldsmith Helped Create The Hepburn Legend.” Details the brand’s exclusive design role and the Manhattan’s fashion impact.