Historical Timeline
Key milestones in our history
First Oliver Peoples boutique opens in West Hollywood, CA on iconic Sunset Blvd...
First Oliver Peoples boutique opens in West Hollywood, CA on iconic Sunset Blvd., selling authentic, unworn vintage frames purchased from an estate auction.
Larry Leight designs a special frame for Andy Warhol to wear for Vogue's cover shoot.
Larry Leight designs a special frame for Andy Warhol to wear for Vogue's cover shoot.
Oliver Peoples presents its first collection at Vision Expo East in NYC...
Oliver Peoples presents its first collection at Vision Expo East in NYC. The collection includes original retro-styled designs and clip-on sunglasses inspired by the original estate collection.
Oliver Peoples designs and creates, in-house, the first advertising campaign, featuring its own staff of real opticians.
Oliver Peoples designs and creates, in-house, the first advertising campaign, featuring its own staff of real opticians.
Featured stories and fashion editorial spreads highlighting Oliver Peoples eyewear begin appearing in top fashion magazines around the world.
Featured stories and fashion editorial spreads highlighting Oliver Peoples eyewear begin appearing in top fashion magazines around the world.
High-end landmark department store Neiman Marcus showcases Oliver Peoples' best selling frame in their famous Christmas catalog, with a readership of over a million viewers: Style 505 in Tokyo Tortoise with antiqued metal detail and filigree, and a handmade tortoiseshell case.
High-end landmark department store Neiman Marcus showcases Oliver Peoples' best selling frame in their famous Christmas catalog, with a readership of over a million viewers: Style 505 in Tokyo Tortoise with antiqued metal detail and filigree, and a handmade tortoiseshell case.
First Oliver Peoples international gallery opens in Tokyo, Japan.
First Oliver Peoples international gallery opens in Tokyo, Japan.
Time Magazine publishes a full page article about the success of Oliver Peoples, including interviews with top optical retailers in New York City, who claim they have never seen a phenomenon of such magnitude in all their years in the industry...
Time Magazine publishes a full page article about the success of Oliver Peoples, including interviews with top optical retailers in New York City, who claim they have never seen a phenomenon of such magnitude in all their years in the industry. Yet again, the level of popularity elevates globally.
"I have not seen a phenomenon like it in the optical world. People are asking for Peoples frames by name."
- Richard Morgenthal, TIME Magazine, July 10th 1989 / PRESIDENT OF MORGENTHAL-FREDERIC'S OPTICIANS
(NEW YORK CITY'S MOST ESTABLISHED OPTICAL STORE)
Oliver Peoples enters a licensing agreement with famed British clothing designer Sir Paul Smith to design Paul Smith Spectacles...
Oliver Peoples enters a licensing agreement with famed British clothing designer Sir Paul Smith to design Paul Smith Spectacles. The collection combines the whimsical yet classic designs and attention to detail synonymous with Sir Paul Smith, with the experience and expertise of Oliver Peoples. Sophisticated yet edgy, Paul Smith Spectacles are crafted by hand of the highest quality materials, which reflect the offbeat and sometimes peculiar style of Sir Paul Smith, and at the heart of the collection is color. Using an unprecedented design perspective, Larry Leight developed a multi-layer color lamination process that altered the direction of the eyewear industry and popularized a trend in plastic frame coloring that remains true to this day.
Oliver Peoples' first optical department opens in prestigious shopping destination Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills
Oliver Peoples' first optical department opens in prestigious shopping destination Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills
Oliver Peoples opens the third retail location in Soho and fourth on Madison Avenue, NYC.
Oliver Peoples opens the third retail location in Soho and fourth on Madison Avenue, NYC.
Oliver Peoples begins to market its own CDs...
Oliver Peoples begins to market its own CDs. Music plays an integral role in contributing to the Oliver Peoples lifestyle. The creation of an OP CD has been an ongoing pursuit to discover the freshest music across the globe to share with those who might never be exposed to it otherwise.
Unlike other retail companies (who hire an outside source to make a CD for them and just put their name on it), OP CDs are conceived, designed and created in-house - much like our eyewear designs. Our music compilations reflect the Oliver Peoples retail experience and capture the essence of the brand vibe. The sophisticated selections support the lifestyle philosophy of Oliver Peoples:
"Music and Style, Sound and Vision...worldwide melodies to keep your life in focus."
- Rudy Manheim, Oliver Peoples Music Director & Former Sunset Store Manager of 20 years
Oliver Peoples launches www...
Oliver Peoples launches www.oliverpeoples.com.
Oliver Peoples introduces VFX to the market: its own exclusive, technologically-advanced Polarized and gradient Photochromic mineral glass lenses in custom colors...
Oliver Peoples introduces VFX to the market: its own exclusive, technologically-advanced Polarized and gradient Photochromic mineral glass lenses in custom colors.
The key attributes of VFX lenses are:
- Non- Reflective Coating eliminates distracting bounce-back glare
- Oleophobic Protection repels water, dust, oil and fingerprints
- Oliver Peoples exclusive Breath Logo
MOSLEY TRIBES, a unisex sunglass brand by the same design and marketing team as Oliver Peoples, fuses the knowledge and aesthetic of Oliver Peoples with visionaries from the active lifestyle and sports performance worlds...
MOSLEY TRIBES, a unisex sunglass brand by the same design and marketing team as Oliver Peoples, fuses the knowledge and aesthetic of Oliver Peoples with visionaries from the active lifestyle and sports performance worlds.
MOSLEY is an expression of euphoric feeling and TRIBES describe groups of individuals who are united.
Mosley Tribes designs are modern interpretations of timeless classics that unify utility and style. The brand is already recognized for its unique versions of double-bridge aviator styles that appeal to tastemakers and fashion industry influencers globally. The core concepts of the brand include classic style, sport culture and street luxury.
Oliver Peoples opens the fifth, sixth and seventh retail locations in the renowned South Coast Plaza in Orange County, CA, the international shopping destination Malibu Country Mart in Malibu, CA, and the Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego, CA.
Oliver Peoples opens the fifth, sixth and seventh retail locations in the renowned South Coast Plaza in Orange County, CA, the international shopping destination Malibu Country Mart in Malibu, CA, and the Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego, CA.
Oliver Peoples celebrates its 20 Year Anniversary by collaborating with Hollywood icon Robert Evans (legendary producer of The Godfather) to produce the first brand marketing film, "Mind Games", as well as design a namesake frame...
Oliver Peoples celebrates its 20 Year Anniversary by collaborating with Hollywood icon Robert Evans (legendary producer of The Godfather) to produce the first brand marketing film, "Mind Games", as well as design a namesake frame. A hardbound 20 Year Editorial Book is produced, showcasing the best fashion editorial featuring memorable designs on the most recognizable faces in the world.
In celebration of the 20 Year anniversary, Oliver Peoples commissions artist renderings of 9 brand-defining designs from the brand’s history...
In celebration of the 20 Year anniversary, Oliver Peoples commissions artist renderings of 9 brand-defining designs from the brand’s history.
OP-505 [1987] -
The first frame introduced in the Oliver Peoples debut collection. This spectacles design was created in faux tortoiseshell plastic with filigree antique metal temple detailing, reminiscent of early American, machine-age craftsmanship (circa 1927). The classic design, inspired by famous intellectuals of that era, was the first of a series of optical frames available with clip-on sunglasses, which changed the direction of eyewear globally.
O’Malley [1988] - A handmade acetate optical frame modeled after the classic eyeglasses worn by Los Angeles Dodgers’ former owner, Peter O’Malley. Twenty years later, the O’Malley is a legendary frame and remains in the current Classics collection.
MP-2 [1989] - A filigreed metal frame with thin faux tortoise plastic inserts that complemented the retro lens shape. This combination of metal and plastic was revolutionary and became one of the most recognizable frames from the collection.
OP-4 [1990] - A combination of progressive styling and subtle vintage elements, such as faux tortoiseshell and flat-base lenses. The unique design was recognized as both an optical frame and a sunglass.
OP-6 [1991] - The first Oliver Peoples frame made specifically for women. It was a mixed-media frame with a metal front and a combination of uniquely blended metal and tortoiseshell temples. Feminine and graceful in style, flat-base lenses gave the design a retro sensibility.
Aero (1997) - Inspired by the mid-50s aviator-style sunglasses favored by pilots. This remixed classic double-bridge metal frame launched an entire story and reinvented the Aviator as we know it today. The iconic and now legendary Oliver Peoples frame attracted the attention of some of the most influential and recognizable faces in the fashion and entertainment industries. Its popularity continues today and the style remains in the current Classics collection.
3-Piece Rimless [1999] - Reminiscent of the most recognizable 1920s and 30s optical eyewear. These significant designs helped to reflect and define the Oliver Peoples Collection as vintage-inspired.
Tycoon [2004] - A bold, hand-sculpted acetate optical frame inspired by the timeless eyewear worn by famed 1950s musician, Roy Orbison. This style also evokes images of a powerful Hollywood director archetype. Favored as a sunglass as well, the style remains in the current Classics collection.
Harlot [2007] - Evolved from the 1970s oversized trend that has dominated the eyewear industry since 2004. Unique to this design was the beautifully flattering lens shape and luxurious metal detailing that became the most desirable, provocative sunglass among glamorous female celebrities in Hollywood.
Oliver Peoples collaborates with Zooey Deschanel (Almost Famous), an ideal representation of modern Hollywood, on their second successful short film, “Catch a Tuesday,” and frame in her name.
Oliver Peoples collaborates with Zooey Deschanel (Almost Famous), an ideal representation of modern Hollywood, on their second successful short film, “Catch a Tuesday,” and frame in her name.
Oliver Peoples opens shop-in-shops at Bergdorf Goodman, New York City and Ron Herman Melrose, Los Angeles.
Oliver Peoples opens shop-in-shops at Bergdorf Goodman, New York City and Ron Herman Melrose, Los Angeles.
Oliver Peoples launches Original Vintage Circa 1987: Larry is inspired to explore his personal archive and wholesale collection of original Oliver Peoples designs...
Oliver Peoples launches Original Vintage Circa 1987: Larry is inspired to explore his personal archive and wholesale collection of original Oliver Peoples designs. He uncovers several treasures with original 1950s vintage tinted glass lenses in rare shades. Pieces from the rare assortment are made available to select stores and the Oliver Peoples Boutiques.
Building on the popularity of these original designs, Oliver Peoples re-releases a limited quantity of three iconic, brand-defining styles from the first wholesale collection. The OP-505, with filigreed antique metal temple detailing, was the first style introduced in the 1986 debut collection and the OP-1955 was a unique style recognized for its contrasting tortoise shell colors. Â The third was the O’Malley, named after former LA Dodgers’ owner Peter O’Malley. Also worn by Christian Bale in the classic cult film, "American Psycho," the O’Malley remains one of the most recognizable frames in Oliver Peoples’ history.
Jay Penske’s Dragon Books, the hilltop Bel Air gallery featuring rare 1st edition literary treasures, is the perfect sophisticated setting to showcase the original frames in a photo shoot and short film.
"WITH THE ACQUISITION OF THAT ORIGINAL VINTAGE ARCHIVE & OUR ABILITY TO RECREATE THE ESSENCE OF EACH UNIQUE FRAME, WE TAPPED INTO SOMETHING NO OTHER EYEWEAR DESIGNER HAD: TIMELESS SHAPES, HIGH QUALITY, & FUNCTION IN BEAUTIFUL STYLES & CLASSIC COLORS. WHILE EVERYONE ELSE WAS FOCUSED ON FUTURISTIC, EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS, OLIVER PEOPLES MOVED IN A MORE VINTAGE, RETRO-INSPIRED DIRECTION. OTHER DESIGNERS IN THE INDUSTRY FOLLOWED. TODAY WE STRIVE TO CRAFT INNOVATIVE STYLES FOR PROGRESSIVE INDIVIDUALS WHO SET THE TRENDS WORLDWIDE."
- LARRY LEIGHT FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
‘les enfants sennuient le dimanche (The children are bored on Sundays)’: Shirley Manson and Elijah Wood play at the Paramour Estate in Los Feliz, California, for the Oliver Peoples 2010 Campaign...
‘les enfants sennuient le dimanche (The children are bored on Sundays)’: Shirley Manson and Elijah Wood play at the Paramour Estate in Los Feliz, California, for the Oliver Peoples 2010 Campaign. Directed by Autumn de Wilde with music by Zee Avi, the featurette is an internet sensation.
Oliver Peoples aligns with acclaimed photographer and aspiring director, Lisa Eisner, to create its 2011 campaign...
Oliver Peoples aligns with acclaimed photographer and aspiring director, Lisa Eisner, to create its 2011 campaign. “Rainbow House” stars real life couple, Devendra Banhart (musician) and Rebecca Schwartz, focuses on intimacy and sexuality in a modern Southern California setting. The love affair is explored at the location of the one-of-a-kind masterpiece by architect John Lautner: the Rainbow House. Recognized for the distinctive shape of its arched clear-span roof and stained glass windows on both sides, the home, built in 1961, is an example of authentic contemporary California living. The indoor/outdoor setting showcases the natural chemistry of the young, intriguing couple.
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