July 2008

Oliver Peoples is one of the most prestigious and culturally distinctive eyewear brands across the globe, represented in the most exclusive and esteemed optical, department and specialty stores worldwide. The design house attracts confident intellectuals with a progressive sense of style and those who appreciate discreet branding, discoverability and quality without sacrificing fashionable expression.

HISTORY

In 1986, opticians Dennis and Larry Leight purchased an estate collection of vintage, American-made eyewear. The assortment included thousands of beautifully filigreed rimless and metal frames, including clip-on sun lenses, produced by iconic American companies (i.e. Bausch & Lomb, American Optical). The frames were unworn, in mint condition, in their original packaging. Given their love for 1940s - 1960s eyewear, it was a goldmine for the Leight brothers, who envisioned designing an authentic collection of classic eyewear and creating a unique retail experience in their own gallery. They purchased the entire lot, which included a receipt signed with the name “Oliver Peoples,” who they reasoned was the original owner or distributor. When they decided to sell the estate collection later that same year in their first optical boutique on legendary Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, California, it only seemed fitting to use that name in his honor.

The Oliver Peoples collection, inspired by the vintage frames purchased in the estate sale, debuted at Vision Expo East as wholesale in 1987. The unveiling was quite a departure from the futuristic styles and geometric shapes dominant in the late 80’s and fortuitously timed, as runway fashion was moving in a vintage-inspired direction.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Larry Leight was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. With a passion for surfing and travel, he sought a trade that would allow him creativity as well as freedom. With the encouragement of a family friend who was an optometrist, he earned a degree as a certified optician and began his journey in the eyewear industry. Larry envisioned designing fashionable, desirable, quality eyewear for progressive and stylish individuals. Before venturing out on his own, he gained experience in design, sales, and marketing at high-end optical stores.

Larry’s designs and innovative marketing philosophies have changed the course of eyewear and influenced designers around the world. His designs have been featured on the faces of top models in the most recognized fashion magazines globally. He collaborated on the launch of eyewear brands for Prada, MiuMiu, Jil Sander, Helmut Lang and Vera Wang. Larry is also one of the first eyewear designers elected as a member of the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America).

OUR PRODUCT

Oliver Peoples reflects the Southern California lifestyle – elements of fashion, film, art, sport, and the unique Los Angeles landscape. This includes a major Hollywood presence, as the brand has been a longtime favorite of many popular celebrities and fashionistas around the world. Designs are easily recognizable by identifiable elements attributed solely to Oliver Peoples – specifically the lack of branding or visible logo. The absence of this otherwise prevalent component in other brands lends understated sophistication to the accessory. Conceived in-house and crafted by hand, most frames are retro-styled, often using vintage shapes, details and colors, while incorporating cutting-edge technology and trends. Many pieces from the collection are iconic, inspired by legendary famous faces, such as Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison or Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. Produced in Italy, the collections use the finest quality materials available, ensuring beautiful eyewear that lasts a lifetime.

Oliver Peoples collaborates with partners that complement the brand image and share an appreciation for each other’s design and vision. A recent example is Robert Evans, one of the most successful producers in Hollywood and a stylistic icon for the last 50 years. The collaboration included a limited edition frame to celebrate the Oliver Peoples 20-Year Anniversary, as well as the creation of the first Oliver Peoples short film, “Mind Games.” Currently the brand has aligned with modern Hollywood starlet Zooey Deschanel. Best known for her role in movies, Zooey is also a fashion icon and musician. She teamed up with the eyewear house to create a namesake frame and campaign featurette film, “Catch A Tuesday.”