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Designer Sunglasses and Glasses by Cutler & Gross

View Cutler and Gross Eyewear collections on London Fashion Review Blog

An Introduction to the Cutler and Gross Label

Since its foundation in1969, Cutler and Gross have been well known for producing quality hand-made glasses frames in unique styles. Cutler and Gross are amongst a few pioneering eyewear labels that took eyewear beyond a medical necessity, and to a fashion accessory that makes a statement. Their client base transcends all generations, and with 900-plus styles in their archive, there is something to suit every need.

Their statement eyewear has gained Cutler and Gross a large celebrity fan base including: Debbie Harry, Tinie Tempah, Nicole Richie, Danni Minogue, Elton John, Claudia Schiffer, Paloma Faith, Madonna, Victoria Beckham and Kate Hudson. As well as featuring in many advertising campaigns, including for Elnett, Cutler and Gross eyewear is a popular accessory in the catwalk shows of many established designers.

Cutler and Gross Timeline Snapshot

• 1969: Cutler and Gross is founded by Graham Cutler and Tony Gross.
• 1971: The first Cutler and Gross store opens in Knightsbridge, the exclusive area of London that houses famous department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
• 2001: Cutler and Gross vintage is established, in Knightsbridge, London. Different from the flagship, Knightsbridge store, Cutler and Gross Vintage stocks vintage frames from past collections.
• 2007: Opening of the first Cutler and Gross boutique in Asia in shopping centre Elements in Hong Kong. The store was relocated to Central in 2010, still stocking the full range of Cutler and Gross eyewear as well as limited editions and Vintage collections.
• 2008: Cutler and Gross show their new and past collections at Selfridges London in a ‘Wacky Races’ inspired showcasing.
• 2009: ‘Erdem for Cutler and Gross’ and ‘Giles for Cutler and Gross’ collaboration collections are launched. Additionally, Cutler and Gross are presented with the award for Best Accessory, by HRH Princess Royal at the UK Fashion Export Awards.
• 2010: An in store Cutler & Gross shop opens for one month in Space, London offering over 100 pairs of sunglasses and optical frames from a variety of seasons including collaboration frames. Also this year, Cutler and Gross eyewear featured on the front cover of Graham Pullin’s book ‘Design Meets Disability’, which explores how design and disability can inspire each other. The book was also dedicated to the company’s founders Graham Cutler and Tony Gross.

Inspirations and Aesthetic of Cutler and Gross Eyewear

“It’s nice if glasses can be sexy and mysterious. People who need glasses don’t have to be separated from glamour” - Tony Gross

Cutler and Gross focus very much on individuality; they do not have a ‘logo’ and tend to stay away from over-the-top branding. The brand takes inspiration from the worlds of music, the arts, finance, fashion, journalism and design to create totally unique eyewear collections.

Cutler and Gross: Catwalk Favourites

Cutler and Gross eyewear has been a favourite accessory in  catwalk collections for many prominent designers over the past few seasons. This has surely increased the profile of the brand and led to some exciting collaborations

• 2009: Cutler and Gross eyewear features on the catwalks of Erdem, Giles Deacon, Jasmine de Milo, Twenty8Twelve, Jenny Packman, Richard Nichol and Osman Yousefzada.
• 2010 A/W Fashion Weeks: Their eyewear featured on the catwalks of Daks, Osman Yousefzada and b Store.
• 2011 S/S Fashion Weeks: At Paris Fashion Week, they feature of the catwalks of Emanuel Ungaro, Cacharel and Maison Martin Margiela. In London Fashion Week, Cutler and Gross feature in the catwalk shows of Holly Fulton, Richard Nicoll and Twenty8Twelve. Additionally, in New York Fashion Week, Cutler and Gross made an appearance on the catwalk of Tim Hamilton.
• 2011 A/W Fashion Weeks: In London Fashion Week, Cutler and Gross featured on the catwalks of Holly Fulton and Meadham Kirchoff. During New York Fashion Week, Cutler and Gross appeared on the catwalk show of Timo Weiland.

Designer Collaborations of Cutler and Gross

Cutler and Gross have collaborated on capsule collections with a range of diverse designers to create limited edition frames in unique styles..

• Erdem: In 2009 Cutler and Gross collaborated with Canadian designer Erdem to create a collection of sunglasses for the Spring/Summer 2010 collection. The collection was inspired by an image of a Japanese fisherwoman dressed in brightly printed shorts charging out from the waves across black sand. The glasses are a juxtaposition of vibrant colour pops with darker backgrounds on a sixties style round frame. The sunglasses were created in black, black lace, tortoise, neutral stone and Erdem’s customised Kyoto print.

• Maison Martin Margiela: In 2010 Cutler and Gross teamed up with avant-garde French fashion label Maison Martin Margiela. The collection of sunglasses featured two lines, ‘Wrong Size’ and ‘Anatomic’, both appearing in acetate and metal varieties. The ‘Wrong Size’ line consists of classic Cutler and Gross aviator-style frames which are deconstructed then reconstructed with ill-fitting lenses creating a unique range of sunglasses. The ‘Anatomic’ line consisted of large futuristic, wraparounds sunglasses that are designed wrap around the wearer in a custom fit.

• Giles Deacon: In 2010 Cutler and Gross collaborated with Giles Deacon to create a range of retro inspired ‘Cats Eye’ sunglasses. Mirrored lenses added a modern twist to the retro style.

• Comme Des Garcons: 2009 saw the second collaboration of Cutler and Gross with Comme Des Garcons. The ‘Future of Black’ limited edition collection consisted of three designs, all fitted with extra dark grey tinted lenses to create a totally black look. The glasses came inside a unique glasses case covered in Comme des Garcons own fabric.

• Mulberry: In 2008, Cutler and Gross collaborated with British accessories giant Mulberry. The collection showcased a small history from the archives of Cutler and Gross, dating back from the bold block colours of the early eighties to rock & roll style of the nineties. The Betsie, Jackie, Francis and Debbie come in both bright and neutral colours, ranging from bright turquoise and fuchsia to navy’s and whites. The classic Aviator completes the range in striking gold titanium. All the sunglasses come with their own individual cases in patent coloured leather to compliment these different styles.

Cutler and Gross is at the forefront of eyewear fashion. Without a doubt, expect many more exciting collaborations and further catwalk appearances from Cutler and Gross in the future.

The Cutler and Gross Museum

In August of 2011, launched their very own museum, spanning the entire top floor of the Knightsbridge flagship store. The lacquered room will become a permanent display featuring four thousand frames dating all the way back the 1969, the year of Cutler and Gross’ inception. Also featured on the top floor is the Bespoke Service Mirrored Room – here the customer (by appointment only) can create their own glasses in any frame and lens combination or choose a completely bespoke service and have a on-off pair designed specifically for them.

If you like the look of Cutler and Gross, check out fellow British eyewear label, Linda Farrow.

Visit the official Cutler and Gross site, here.

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