Garrett Leight Eyewear: The Definition of Effortless California Style
Some brands are so aligned with their hometown, they become part of its identity. Garrett Leight Eyewear, or GLCO, is one of them.
Founded in Venice Beach, California by Garrett Leight in 2010, the brand’s sun and eyeglasses are the epitome of LA coolness. From the versatile silhouettes to the comfort-oriented frames, the eyewear channels that unmistakable California ease. GLCO creates eyewear that you’ll genuinely want to live in every day.
Though the brand is relatively young in the eyewear world, it comes with an impressive legacy. Garrett is the son of Larry Leight, co-founder of high end eyewear label Oliver Peoples. The eyewear legend has since joined GLCO to collaborate with his son, namely for the brand’s Mr. Leight collection. Together, Garrett and Larry combine their eyewear expertise and design know-how to create some of the nation’s most coveted designs.
Image credit: Garrett Leight Eyewear
The Aesthetic Language: Effortless, Chic, and Distinctly LA
Currently designed in LA’s Arts District, GLCO eyewear draws inspiration from California and the people who call it home.
The designs, typically named after iconic LA streets and neighborhoods, exude laidback California vibes. GLCO takes classic shapes and recreates them through a contemporary lens, resulting in effortlessly elegant eyewear that’s also infinitely wearable.
Leight has stated that his design team’s biggest influences are the movies, music, art, and fashion they consumed growing up, but you can also see the nature-inspired touches in GLCO’s eyewear. Soft colors that resemble sun-drenched glows. Organic patterns reminiscent of Californian forests and beaches.
It’s the ideal eyewear for people with a genuine lust for life.
The Craft: Designed in California, Perfected By Hand in Japan
Each Garrett Leight frame is proudly handmade in Japan, a country renowned for its eyewear manufacturing expertise. Artisans who have honed their skills across generations provide elevated levels of precision, working meticulously on every little detail of the designs.
GLCO eyewear offers a high level of quality through the use of premium materials such as cured cellulose acetate, titanium, and woodgrain. Their lenses especially stand out, featuring scratch-resistant mineral glass with an anti-reflective coating and layered mirrors for enhanced protection and clarity.
Fit, comfort, and proportion are also integral to GLCO. Each frame undergoes rigorous testing to ensure no detail goes amiss, which means it can take years to perfect a design before it gets released to the public.
Image credit: Garrett Leight
The Following: A Natural Fit for LA’s Style Set
Unsurprisingly, GLCO became a quick hit with the LA crowd. It’s grown a strong following of native Angelenos as well as the Hollywood stars that call the city home. Garrett Leight frames have graced the faces of Hollywood A-listers and style icons such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Selena Gomez, and Kendall Jenner.
What Makes Garrett Leight Eyewear a Good Choice?
You don’t have to be Californian to love GLCO eyewear. The designs are perfect for anyone who can appreciate a relaxed coastal lifestyle:
Those who want timeless, versatile designs that make sense for nature outings or city days.
Those who value quality, and want eyewear that will hold up no matter what.
Those who love fashion and want to look good, but never want to try too hard.
Some styles try too hard. Garrett Leight Eyewear never has to.