In 2008, Larry Leight sells Oliver Peoples to Luxottica, the eyewear brand he founded years earlier. It seems there is no longer space in the eyewear world for the Leight family. And instead.
In those same years, Larry's son, Garrett, does not seem interested in working in optics, and prefers the world of music and entertainment. And instead.
This is the story of how a "son of art" managed to reconcile the public and critics, to convince big names in the entertainment industry to wear his glasses, and to found one of the most appreciated eyewear brands in the world.
The story of Garrett Leight California Optical
Venice is one of the major 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. Only 4 models, which are immediately desired and purchased by the population. 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 why Garrett decides to resume the family tradition of eyewear production is explained by him in an interview given to “Business Insider”: “I missed the familiar yet energetic atmosphere that was felt at Oliver Peoples, and I wanted to recreate it. I feel as if it was the world of optics that chose me, and not the other way around”.
The glasses signed by Garrett Leight, eccentric yet suitable for every occasion, continue to be appreciated worldwide. And we do not hide the pride in saying that, in Italy, we were the first to have them, we of Mondelliani. After all, their style perfectly matches our philosophy of seeking beauty.
But what is the secret behind Garrett Leight's success?
Garrett Leight glasses: California in the 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 precisely from the atmosphere that can be felt in Venice and from a part of its population, full of intellectualscool with great creativity and many different interests. A part of the population that, however, was not adequately represented, and was waiting for glasses that reflected their style.
The style of Garrett Leight also derives from a great passion for iconic glasses of the past that are reinterpreted, it is truly the case to say, through the lenses of the present. A mix of classic and modern that offers a timeless design destined to endure.
The 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 in 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 away on the beaches of Venice or on its streets having a drink, loved by pop stars like former Oasis member, Noel Gallagher.
Lightweight and with a timeless shape, they are a true bestseller and they never lose their charm. Made of acetate and also here with the shape of a keyhole bridge.
Ideal for waiting for the evening to arrive and nightlife to unleash, or to walk the red carpet like the stars.
Clement sunglasses
Here we are faced with a true icon: the Clement sunglasses they are inspired by the glasses of perhaps the most celebrated and eccentric artist of the twentieth century, namely Andy Warhol.
Simple and minimal, they give an artist's look engaged in chasing their ideas and always finding new inspirations.