What state of mind translate Mr. Leight frames?
Garret: On our mood board, there were grunge pictures, pictures of Helmut Newton, Slim Aarons, Californian colors. Mr. Leight reflects the lifestyle of the Venice neighborhood. Edward Ruscha counts for me. Schnabel inspires me too: in the street he passes almost unnoticed. Look and discretion. We also have a line for who wants to be noticed, to have the most beautiful glasses on the boat, but without showing off the mark.
Larry : We manufacture in Japan. The golden threads give a jewel look to a classic shape. The translucent tones are inspired by the transparent raincoats seen on the runways.
Larry Leight (left) and his son Garrett. Photo credit: Cristina Dunlap
Working as a family is not easy. How do you get there?
Larry: It was a fear at first.
Garrett: We wanted to share a common goal again. When I was a teenager, the goal was to become a professional tennis player. When I realized that it would never happen, it was hard to admit that I would not reach what my father would have wanted. So when I set up my glasses company in 2010, Garrett Leight, I refused his advice.
Larry: He wanted to do his thing. I could understand. I was impressed by his knowledge, he knew how to do everything, study the market, set up the perfect team, which factory to choose ...
Garrett: He saw the person I had become, the businessman and the designer. Now, there is a mutual respect for our respective talents. All father-son relationships are alike, if the son does not get there fast enough, the ego comes in. Let Garrett Leight take off made things easier.
The Marmont S, with articulated brandes. Photo credit: Courtesy Mr. Leight
You have chosen to frame the looks. Do you feel the responsibility not to betray souls?
Larry: Young optician, before Oliver Peoples, I drew glasses on all the stars of Vogue . In 1984, I came to a form that I loved - round with central bar and folding sunbeds - I had it manufactured. One day, a friend in Berlin press calls me: "Can you send your pair to Männer Vogue in Germany? A month later, my first glasses were on the nose of Andy Warhol. The aura of artists, writers, has always inspired me. Do not betray the soul of a complex personality is the ultimate goal.
Garrett: At the Oliver Peoples store in Malibu one day arrives a nervous customer, having no idea what she wants. I chose him a pair. In one second, she went from a total lack of confidence in herself to a feeling of omnipotence. Transfigured.
