Home LOOK GOOD Are Oliver Peoples Worth It? Real Talk on Their Eyeglasses

Are Oliver Peoples Worth It? Real Talk on Their Eyeglasses

by Roda Novenario
A woman sits with her hand on her chin, while a bubble above her head shows her thinking about a pair of Oliver Peoples glasses.

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Oliver Peoples glasses are everywhere these days. From suburban cafes and corporate offices to prominent movie placements and celebrity sightings, people are choosing OP. 

So, are they worth the price, or is it all hype? Let’s look deeper into what’s made these eyeglasses so popular!

What Is It About Oliver Peoples Eyeglasses?

Oliver Peoples has a curious origin. The founders, Kenny Schwartz and brothers Larry and Dennis Leight, were working as Hollywood opticians in the 1980s. As the story goes, these men wanted more than the gaudy frames coming their way. 

Luck brought them to a New York City warehouse with a treasure trove of vintage eyewear. And Oliver Peoples? That was the name on the receipt they found amongst their loot. And so, paying homage to a stranger, the OP brand was born.

Exceptional Craftsmanship

Since its inception, Oliver Peoples has established an enviable reputation as an eyewear company dedicated to heritage craftsmanship. Its frames are meticulously made in a factory in Fukui, Japan, and each piece is handcrafted to the highest standards. 

The company also has a factory in Italy for its acetates and polished metals. Clearly, the team behind the eyewear knows what it’s doing, and they have successfully distinguished their brand from other luxury eyewear.

The stars have noticed, too. Since the 1980s, A-listers, including Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie, and Jennifer Lawrence, have made a beeline for OP eyewear.

Limited Edition Collaborations

If it’s not the indirect celebrity endorsements that solidify Oliver People’s star power, it might be the limited edition collaborations with style icons. OP has consistently offered eyewear in old-school Hollywood styles. 

Their collections pay homage to icons such as Gregory Peck and Elton John. They even partnered with Cary Grant’s estate for the actor’s collection of shades and specs. 

And it’s not just actors and musicians who help sell their specs! Tennis great Roger Federer is one of the latest collaborators with the recent release of the Roger Federer x OP 2025 performance eyewear collection.

Global Presence Through the Luxottica Group

Arguably, one reason for the most recent surge in popularity was the recent changing of hands. Oliver Peoples was purchased by Oakley in 2006, and a year later, Oakley was acquired by the Luxottica Group.

Rocco Basilico is the head of the Luxottica Group’s luxury brands. He became OP’s CEO in 2016 and has since increased the retail footprint by more than 200%.

Favorite Oliver Peoples Eyeglasses

These standout frames exemplify the brand’s distinguished style.

Oliver Peoples GREGORY PECK

Classic tortoiseshell patterned round eyeglasses with subtle metal stylings along the hinges
OP Unisex OV5186 Gregory Peck Glasses

The Oliver Peoples OV5186 Gregory Peck design is a modern reimagining of the eyewear Peck wore when he played Atticus Finch in 1962’s To Kill a Mockingbird. This unisex eyewear exudes the strength and wisdom we’ve always wanted in Hollywood leading men.

Oliver Peoples RILEY-R

Full-rim, Phantos (round) frames with a subtle wood-grain pattern in color “Storm” (grey)
OP Unisex OV5004 RILEY-R Glasses

Oliver Peoples OV5004 RILEY-R eyeglasses are unisex frames with a woodgrain pattern. Available in colors like Storm (grey), Cocobolo (brown and gold), Denim (blue), and Dark Mahogany, these glasses exemplify the classic shape and stylings that make pairing them with your favorite casual outfit or workwear easy.

Oliver Peoples ROSSON

Classic Tuscany tortoiseshell full rim frames with small metal stylings along the hinges
OP Unisex OV5540U ROSSON Glasses

Oliver Peoples OV5540U ROSSON eyeglasses are full-rim classic tortoiseshell frames that are chic and smart. Wear them as you dive deep into your favorite book at that quiet little cafe you’ve been meaning to get back to. 

Oliver Peoples 1998RX

Thin, silver metal, full-rim cat-eye/butterfly-shaped Oliver Peoples frames
OP Women’s OV1328 1998RX Glasses

Oliver Peoples OV1328 1998RX are metallic full-rim women’s eyeglasses in stunning silver. The butterfly-shaped frames are perfect for days you’re feeling dainty, but they pair just as well with playful outfits. This eyewear will make everyone take a second look!

Oliver Peoples CORDINA

Oversized tortoiseshell frames with thin arms and subtle metal stylings at the hinges
OP Women’s OV5567U CORDINA Glasses

Oliver Peoples OV5567U CORDINA eyeglasses are classic Jackie O-style frames with OP’s signature subtle stylings. The temple arms are thin and highlighted by delicate metal studs along the hinges. This is everyday glamour you can wear anytime, anyplace.

Oliver Peoples MR. FEDERER

Semi-matte black rectangular full rim men’s glasses with OP’s logo along the arms
OP Men’s OV5553U MR. FEDERER Glasses

Oliver Peoples OV5553U MR. FEDERER eyeglasses are no-nonsense men’s eyewear with a black semi-matte finish and the brand logo along the arms. They’re sporty and serious, just like their namesake. People will know you’re playing to win when you show up in these frames!

So, Is the Price Point Worth It?

Oliver Peoples eyeglasses come with a hefty price tag, highlighting the exclusivity of these frames. The big question is whether or not the price tag is hype-driven or necessary. 

Let’s remember the key attributes that set OP apart from other luxury brands:

  • Premium materials ✔️
  • Japanese and Italian craftsmanship ✔️
  • True vintage designs ✔️
  • Celebrity-approved ✔️

Yep, the hefty price point is understandable.

Ultimately, though, the decision depends on your priorities. If high-quality eyewear is high on your list of necessities and you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks for a renowned designer name and the craftsmanship that comes with it, these might be for you.

Consider it an investment in classic eyewear that may never go out of style!

Shop the Oliver Peoples Collection


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