Garrett Leight | Doing Alright, Gettin’ Good Grades

Garrett Leight wears GARRETT LEIGHT FOR ALTON LANE suit, shirt and shoes, MR. LEIGHT sunglasses, OMEGA watch, HARRY WINSTON ring, PAGE SPENCER ring, and talent’s own bracelets.

Garrett Leight has this appeal that is somewhere between Willy Wonka and Mr. Rogers, though on a more adult level, as in, he is that guy who’s always great for a cocktail and hang. The Wonka and Rogers comparisons do not end there. The Venice born and raised Leight’s cornucopia of eyewear at his eponymous stores are a vestige of a time when personability and style were bedfellows to the overall shopping experience. Perhaps that is where the Rogers comparison matches up most. He is a person’s person selling a product which other establishments seem to forge solely on technological modes.

With this cultural understanding of people in his constellation, he has been a stand-out voice in building a community around his world of designs and branding, which combine and cultivate a glorious crew of creatives who not only work with his design sensibilities, but also represent the aspirational identity that comes with his frames. With that level of attention and a beloved namesake, he also recently took on a collaborative capsule with the clothing brand Alton Lane. We got to chat with the man behind the lens to talk about his brand, vision, and the collaborative spirit.

What pushed you to start your own band?

I created Garrett Leight California Optical because I realized there was a need for a great optical store in my hometown of Venice Beach. The eyewear being created at the time wasn’t exciting me, nor was it reflecting the community I was surrounded by. I knew I wanted to create eyewear that my friends and family would want to wear.

How would you describe GLCO’s style and vision?

Our style is simple—we’re good at classics and that’s what our main focus will always be. However, we want to make sure that we are giving the customer what they want, and also create ‘of- the-moment’ frames.The vision of GLCO has been to create the best and most unique eyewear experience. We approach everything we do from the initial designs to the service we provide in-store with the customer’s value in mind.

What drew you to collaborating with Alton Lane as their Guest Designer?

Having been in eyewear my whole life, I know how much a frame can complement and enhance any look. I’m always looking to push my creativity, especially in different categories other than my own. I was excited to work with the Alton Lane team on this opportunity and bring my point of view to their pieces.

What inspired you to create your capsule collection based on the West Coast culture?

I wanted the capsule collection to reflect my style and my surroundings. I worked with the Alton Lane team on creating pieces that were reminiscent of California in the coloring choices of blue, brown and sand. I also wanted to make sure the pieces in my collection reflected what I would wear, and made it a point to create modern-day, casual pieces as well as lightweight materials that would be wearable year round in warm weather.

Who is the person you are dressing? What are their goals and views on the world?

The person I have in mind is someone who wants to look put together in a well fitted, high quality piece, without having to sacrifice comfort or style. They’re creative and are able to express that through their clothing.

Do you have a favorite piece from your collection with Alton Lane?

I will always be a sucker for a perfectly tailored head to toe navy suit with a blue linen button up. The one I created for Alton Lane matched with the blue leopard Chukka boot is my favorite look from the capsule collection.

What song best describes the new collection and why?

Fall 2019: The Mamas & Papas - “California Dreamin’”
Spring 2020: The Lively Ones - “Surf Rider”

Are there any other collaborations you have in the works?

Next year is our 10-year anniversary and we have some really exciting projects in motion that I can’t wait to share. We’re infusing the GLCO lifestyle into other categories, working with collaborators throughout 2020.

What advice do you have for young designers just starting in fashion?

What would you have told your younger self? Put your ego away and surround yourself with great people who can help you and who are strong where you are weak. Self-awareness and collaboration are going to be all the difference in building your vision.

Are there any new materials with which you’ve experimented recently for frames? What materials would you like to see integrated that haven’t before?

We’ve been exploring new materials such as biodegradable acetate and UV activated color changing acetate.

Name five leaders in their field for whom you’d like to design a bespoke pair of glasses.

Elon Musk, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Lebron James, Childish Gambino, and Ellen Degeneres.

What is your favorite hour of the day?

8-9pm, if my kids are asleep.

If you’re making us lunch, what’s on the menu?

Carne asada tacos. Rice & beans. Mexican Coke.

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Photographed by: Brian Overend | @brianoverend

Grooming:  Frankie Payne using Chanel Les Beiges at Opus Beauty