In 2008, Larry Leight sells Oliver Peoples, the eyewear brand he founded years earlier, to Luxottica. It seems there is no longer space in the eyewear world for the Leight family. And yet.
In those same years, Larry's son, Garrett, does not seem interested in working in optics, preferring the world of music and entertainment. And yet.
This is the story of how a "son of an artist" managed to win over both the public and critics, convincing big names in entertainment to wear his glasses and founding one of the most appreciated eyewear brands in the world.
The story of Garrett Leight California Optical
Venice is one of the largest cities in California. Close to Los Angeles, by the ocean, it has a great climate and a cultural ferment that perfectly matches the relaxed atmosphere typical of ocean cities.
In 2010, Garrett Leight opens his first concept store here and launches his first line of glasses. Just 4 models, which are immediately desired and purchased by the public. To further establish his connection with the city, the 4 models are named after the main streets of Venice.
The incredible success of Garrett Leight
The glasses Garrett Leight are worn by celebrities like Brad Pitt, Leonardo Di Caprio, Jennifer Lopez and by personalities such as Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.
The reason Garrett decides to continue the family tradition of eyewear production is explained by him in an interview with “Business Insider”: “I missed the family atmosphere that was full of energy at Oliver Peoples, and I wanted to recreate it. I feel as if it was the world of optics that chose me, not the other way around.”
The glasses signed by Garrett Leight, eccentric yet suitable for every occasion, continue to be appreciated worldwide. And we take pride in saying that, in Italy, we at Mondelliani were the first to have them. After all, their style perfectly aligns with our philosophy of seeking beauty.
But what is the secret behind Garrett Leight's success?
Garrett Leight glasses: California in your eyes
Those who wear Garrett Leight glasses carry a piece of California with them. The sun, the waves, but also the great desire to do and the enthusiasm found everywhere.
The first collection, which is still among the bestsellers of the brand, is born from the atmosphere of Venice and from a part of its population, full of intellectuals cool with great creativity and many different interests. A part of the population that was not adequately represented and was waiting for glasses that reflected their style.
Garrett Leight's style also derives from a great passion for iconic glasses of the past that are reinterpreted, it is indeed the case to say, through the lenses of the present. A mix of classic and modern that offers a timeless design destined to endure.
Garrett Leight models
Today, Garrett Leight's offering is very wide, and even though the style is always easily recognizable, there are glasses that evoke classic atmospheres and others that look more to the future. Here are our favorite models from their incredible collection.
Kinney Sunglasses
Timeless and among the most recognizable, they are the perfect example of the mix between iconic and modern of the Californian brand. Suitable for everyone and perfect to wear on any occasion with their proportioned and lightweight style. After all, if they are among Brad Pitt's favorite glasses, they must be Hollywood glasses!
The shape is classic, and the keyhole bridge gives it a timeless charm.
Brooks Sunglasses
Bold yet classic, the Garrett Leight Brooks make you feel right on the beaches of Venice or on its streets sipping a drink, loved by pop stars like former Oasis member, Noel Gallagher.
Lightweight and with a timeless shape, they are a true bestseller and never lose their charm. Made of acetate and also featuring the keyhole bridge shape.
Ideal for waiting for the evening to unleash the nightlife, or for walking the red carpet like the stars.
Clement Sunglasses
Here we are also faced with a true icon: the Clement sunglasses are inspired by the glasses of perhaps the most celebrated and eccentric artist of the twentieth century, Andy Warhol.
Simple and minimal, they give an artist's look engaged in chasing their ideas and always finding new inspirations.