Oliver Peoples was established in 1987 in Sunset Bolivar, California. Its founder, Larry Leight, purchased an estate full of vintage spectacles and sold them in his boutique. It gained the recognition of Vogue magazine and has since been featured in many films including The American Psycho and Ocean’s Eleven. Their classic styles and subtle branding have appealed to a large audience who seek stylish and fashionable eyewear without the intrusive branding found on spectacles from other designers.

They have since collaborated with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s fashion label The Row. The Row was founded in 2006 and have produced clothing and accessories that reflect their timeless and classic nature. The two brands have come together and have made a collection of vintage optical and sunglasses. It symphonies Oliver Peoples high quality with the timelessness essence of The Row.

The frame is constructed with high-quality titanium and beta-titanium. This ensures the durability and resonates Oliver Peoples signature commitment to quality materials and the construction we expect to find in their frames. Titanium is lightweight making it more comfortable to wear over long periods. Its high tensile strength also ensures its durability and a bit more forgiving for any mishaps. It is also hypoallergenic so those that suffer from nickel allergies can rest assured that the frame won’t cause any reactions.

The material embodies a depth of character with its brushed metal finish and embedded ridges. The grey is subtle, and the brushes of its darker tone make the frame look aged and add to the vintage vibe that is emitted from the subtle contrasts. Oliver Peoples have never been one to slap their branding all over their frames and have always operated with minimalism in their branding and have continued to do this since its establishment. The Executive Suite is no different. The only visible branding is on the tip of the side and the inner sides of the frames. I have received feedback from many patients that they prefer Oliver Peoples due to the subtle branding and in many cases prefer not to have heavy branding. The lack of heavy marketing allows the artistry of the frame to speak for itself, the colours and design to make the statements. It also makes the frame feel more personal and disconnected from the manufacturer. You take ownership of the style and it is an extension of your character. The Executive Suite is the kind of frame you keep, while everything around you gets older and changes, the frame (if looked after well) should remain frozen in time. It embodies the timelessness of The Row and resonates the quality of Oliver Peoples. They work in harmony and form this masterpiece and my personal favourite sunglasses that I own.

 The front of the frame has a similar aesthetic to that of a classic Rayban Aviator but sleeker in design. While the Aviator was designed with functionality in mind, the Executive Suite is a more versatile piece that can be worn with both smart and casual attire. The top has deep ridges that follow the contour of the frame and adds another layer of depth to the rich character of the frame. The smaller form factor means that the frame doesn’t overpower your facial features and acts as an accessory that compliments them. The bow present on top of the frame follows the brow line, the temporal sides of the frame follow the contour of the face and the bottom has a chamfered teardrop finish. These features help distinguish the frame from its more classic counterpart and perfectly brings the vintage style into a contemporary era of fashion eyewear.

The lenses are made of mineral glass which translates into high visual fidelity and is less prone to scratching compared to plastics. They have been coated with an antireflection layer that reduces reflections from the back surface. The grey tint allows a uniform transmission of colour from the light spectrum thus not hindering colour perception. It is ideal for those that want protection from the sun while still retaining accuracy in perceiving colour in their environment. Professions such as photographers, landscape painters and artists are likely to benefit from this feature. The lenses also feature a hidden logo on each lens which is revealed when breathed on. This is a nice way of non-intrusive branding that authenticates the lenses.

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