Oliver Peoples
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Eyewear |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Founder | Kenny Schwartz, Larry Leight, Dennis Leight |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Area served | International |
Key people | Rocco Basilico (CEO) |
| Products | Eyewear |
| Owner | Luxottica |
| Parent | Luxottica |
Oliver Peoples is a prestigious American eyewear label established in 1986 and currently under the ownership of Luxottica. The brand distributes its products through dedicated Oliver Peoples stores, digital channels, and selected fashion retailers internationally. Its eyewear designs originate from creative studios located in Los Angeles, Italy, and Japan.
History
Oliver Peoples was created by Kenny Schwartz along with brothers Larry and Dennis Leight, all of whom brought experience from their backgrounds as opticians. Prior to founding the brand, Schwartz and Larry Leight crafted eyewear that gained exposure in Vogue. In 1984, Larry Leight designed the "Identity" frame for pop icon Andy Warhol, which later appeared in a 1987 Männer Vogue editorial.
The company’s name was inspired in 1986 when the founders purchased a large batch of vintage American frames labeled Oliver Peoples while sourcing stock for a boutique in West Hollywood.
Oliver Peoples’ corporate history includes its 2006 acquisition by Oakley for $46.7 million, followed shortly by Luxottica’s takeover of Oakley in 2007. In 2016, Rocco Basilico assumed the role of CEO; under his leadership, the brand grew its global retail footprint from 14 to 42 locations. Basilico’s contributions to the company’s expansion earned him a spot on Forbes '30 Under 30' list for Art & Style, highlighting his influence on business development and market presence.
In film, television and music
Oliver Peoples eyewear has been prominently showcased across numerous influential films and television series, reinforcing the brand’s status and competitive edge within the luxury eyewear sector.
Key appearances include:
- 1989: Denise Crosby wearing OP-505 frames in Pet Sematary.
- 1991: Featured in Bret Easton Ellis' novel American Psycho and its 2000 film adaptation, with Christian Bale sporting the signature 'O'Malley' frames. Julia Roberts donned 'M-4 Sun' models in Dying Young.
- 1993: Whoopi Goldberg wore MP-2 frames in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit; Laura Dern appeared with Oliver Peoples glasses in Jurassic Park.
- 1994: Anthony Edwards consistently used Oliver Peoples eyewear on the TV show ER.
- 1996: Jeff Goldblum wore Finley frames in “Independence Day”.
- 1997: Bruce Willis sported 'O'Malley Sun' glasses in The Jackal.
- 1999: Brad Pitt featured Oliver Peoples styles in Fight Club.
- 2004–2005: Denzel Washington wore M4 frames in Man on Fire; Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were seen with the brand in Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
- 2007: Nicolas Cage chose MP-2 frames for National Treasure, Book of Secrets.
- 2013: James Spader appeared wearing Oliver Peoples in NBC's The Blacklist.
- 2014: Mark Wahlberg featured the brand in The Gambler.
- 2017: U2's Bono wore 'Row After Midnight' models.
- 2022: Kevin Costner was seen with Oliver Peoples glasses on Yellowstone, while Theo James and Aubrey Plaza sported them on HBO's The White Lotus.
- 2023: Jeremy Strong portrayed Kendall Roy wearing the brand’s eyewear in HBO's Succession.
These high-profile placements have significantly enhanced Oliver Peoples’ brand visibility and contributed to its expanding share within the luxury eyewear market.
Collaborations
Oliver Peoples has engaged in numerous strategic partnerships that have broadened its product range and amplified its market presence. The brand’s first notable collaboration occurred in 1994 with Sir Elton John to design eyewear frames, with proceeds benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
In 2009, actress Zooey Deschanel launched a signature sunglasses collection with the company, increasing its appeal among diverse audiences. The brand also introduced Gregory Peck-inspired frames in 2012, paying homage to "To Kill a Mockingbird."
Additional collaborations include alliances with French womenswear label Isabel Marant in 2013, as well as partnerships with fashion houses Rodarte and Public School alongside fragrance brand Byredo in 2015. These ventures expanded Oliver Peoples’ luxury offerings.
In 2016, Oliver Peoples joined forces with The Row, founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, further enriching its portfolio of upscale collaborations. Revisiting Hollywood classics, the company released Cary Grant-inspired eyewear tied to "North by Northwest" in 2019.
Branching into lifestyle accessories, Oliver Peoples partnered with premium audio manufacturer Master & Dynamic in 2020. Subsequently, collaborations with Italian luxury brand Brunello Cucinelli and fashion label Frère in 2021 reinforced its standing within high-end markets.
Most recently, in 2023, Oliver Peoples collaborated with New York-based womenswear designer Khaite, continuing its strategy of aligning with influential fashion innovators to foster business expansion and bolster market share.
Boutiques
By 2022, the firm managed a total of 42 retail locations spread throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, reinforcing its international footprint and supporting its expansion efforts.