Garrett Leight Eyewear: California Cool, Timelessly Framed
Venice-born Garrett Leight Eyewear blends style, craftsmanship and timeless cool
Rooted in Venice Beach and inspired by the effortless spirit of California, Garrett Leight Eyewear blends heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary cool into frames that transcend trends.
With meticulous attention to detail and a legacy of eyewear innovation, the brand has emerged as a beacon of modern luxury, authentic style, and timeless design.
A Legacy Reimagined
Launched in 2010, Garrett Leight California Optical (GLCO) was born from a deep appreciation for eyewear heritage and a desire to infuse it with modern, laid-back sensibility. Garrett Leight, son of Larry Leight, the visionary behind Oliver Peoples, inherited not only an eye for design but also an understanding of what makes eyewear more than a functional accessory—it is a cultural signifier.
From its first store in
Venice Beach to a global following, GLCO mirrors the essence of California: sun-soaked, creative, and understatedly chic. Each collection captures the light, freedom, and style of the West Coast while appealing to global tastemakers who value authenticity and timeless elegance.
Frames With an Attitude
Garrett Leight Eyewear is not about loud branding or fleeting trends. It is about frames that carry attitude without effort. Softly rounded acetates, vintage-inspired keyhole bridges, warm neutral palettes, and carefully calibrated proportions create designs that feel nostalgic yet fresh.
These are frames for the discerning wearer: the artist, the entrepreneur, the traveller, or the tastemaker who knows style doesn’t need to shout to be noticed. GLCO frames are subtle statements, blending
quiet confidence with California ease.
Crafted for California, Worn Everywhere
Every GLCO frame is a study in precision and quality. Partnering with leading manufacturers in Italy and Japan, Garrett Leight ensures that each acetate and metal frame is crafted to the highest standard. Premium lenses, often in collaboration with ZEISS, complement the construction, while subtle details—a translucent acetate, sculpted hinge, or polished finish—elevate each frame into an object of craftsmanship.
The result is eyewear that feels good in the hand, sits perfectly on the face, and endures across seasons. While California inspires the aesthetic, the appeal is universal, making GLCO a global ambassador of casual sophistication.
Design DNA: The California Classics
From the outset, Garrett Leight named frames after Venice streets and Los Angeles landmarks: Hampton, Brooks, Kinney, and Van Buren. These signature models remain central to the collection, updated seasonally while preserving their original spirit.
Key design codes include:
Balanced Proportions: Frames that flatter without overpowering.
Neutral, Sun-Kissed Palette: Honey, champagne, matte tortoise, and warm amber.
Retro Inspiration, Modern Execution: Nods to mid-century silhouettes with contemporary refinement.
Each frame embodies a blend of heritage and modernity, offering versatile, wearable luxury that complements everyday life.
A New Wave of Icons
Recent collections expand on GLCO’s signature style:
Hampton X: A refreshed round frame with lighter acetate and refined metal core detailing.
Kinney Sun: A square-edged sunglass softened for adaptability and daily wear.
Van Buren Optical: Thin, lightweight, minimalist frames suited for professionals.
Winward Shield: A wraparound-inspired sunglass adding a futuristic edge while retaining casual California style.
Each design is conceived as an heirloom in the making—intended to outlast trends and become part of the wearer’s identity.
Campaigns: Effortless Storytelling
GLCO campaigns are less advertising, more lifestyle narrative. Shot on beaches, desert highways, and urban streets, they convey freedom, creativity, and a laid-back approach to luxury. The brand emphasises authenticity over artifice, reflecting the lives of its community.
Celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kendall Jenner have been spotted in GLCO frames. Yet, the brand does not rely on star power alone. Instead, storytelling is rooted in culture, surf, art, and music, giving eyewear an organic role in everyday life.
Craftsmanship With Purpose
Though visually understated, Garrett Leight Eyewear embodies meticulous craftsmanship. Every frame is hand-finished and inspected for comfort, durability, and precision. Signature elements such as riveted hinges, layered acetates, and unique frame blends highlight the brand’s commitment to quality.
Luxury is not always about spectacle—it is felt in the unseen details. GLCO frames are as enduring as they are beautiful, reflecting a philosophy of slow, considered design.
Sustainability With Substance
Garrett Leight Eyewear embraces sustainability thoughtfully. By employing eco-acetates, biodegradable packaging, and long-lasting construction, the brand encourages consumers to buy fewer, better- quality frames.
Sustainability is not a marketing tool—it is quietly woven into the brand ethos, reflecting a modern luxury mindset where responsibility and style coexist naturally.
Everyday Luxury, Celebrity Loved
GLCO frames balance accessibility with aspiration. They complement everyday experiences—a coffee in Venice, a gallery opening in Paris, a rooftop brunch in Mumbai—while remaining aspirational enough for the red carpet. This seamless integration into daily life is what makes Garrett Leight an everyday luxury that feels personal and authentic.
The Power of Independence
Unlike many eyewear brands subsumed by corporate ownership, GLCO retains its independent spirit. This autonomy allows creative agility, authentic collaborations, and a direct connection to the community.
The sub-brand Mr Leight, co-created with Larry Leight, bridges heritage and innovation, reinforcing the family legacy in eyewear design while offering fresh, contemporary perspectives.
Today’s Relevance: Global Recognition
From Venice Beach to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and international retail partners, Garrett Leight Eyewear is recognised globally for its authenticity and design integrity. GLCO appeals to those who seek individuality and quality over mass-market trends.
In an era where authenticity drives loyalty, GLCO balances heritage, cultural relevance, and modern sophistication, solidifying its position as a distinctive lifestyle brand.
In just over a decade, Garrett Leight Eyewear has carved a distinct voice in a crowded luxury eyewear market. It has done so with authenticity, craftsmanship, and cultural resonance, not ostentation.
Like the California sun that inspires it, the brand radiates warmth and effortless style. GLCO frames are more than eyewear; they are an extension of identity, allowing wearers to be seen as they wish—stylish, confident, and unmistakably themselves.
