If you’re a fan of timeless eyewear, you’ve probably heard of Cutler and Gross. They’re known for their iconic British designs and high-quality materials. They’ve attracted a wide audience of dedicated followers, from celebrities to eyewear lovers.
Now, the brand is expanding in the U.S. through a strategic partnership with Europa Eyewear. Here’s what to know about this classic British brand.
Luxury Eyewear Is On the Way Up
Cutler and Gross is expanding in the U.S. in 2026, which is one indicator among many that the luxury eyewear industry is growing. (It’s projected to reach $38 billion by 2034!) And the U.S. is still the place to be for European and global brands.
Why Cutler and Gross is the brand for eyewear lovers
Cutler and Gross is the iconic British brand that has been stealing hearts for decades, but I’ll properly introduce them since they’re starting to make waves Stateside.
The brand was founded by two opticians, Graham Cutler and Tony Gross, in 1969, which gives away the origins of the name. They opened their first store in a fancy London neighborhood in the early ’70s, starting their reign of popularity.
Back before the invention, or rather, the takeover of social media, Cutler and Gross thrived on word of mouth. And quickly, the who’s who of the London scene, from writers to pop stars, were flocking to the store. But unlike some brands, which remain cult classics, Cutler and Gross has broken into the mainstream. This is partly because of its flamboyant style and high-quality craftsmanship.
Over the decades, the brand has become a leader in premium eyewear. They offer something different from other specialized eyewear brands, such as Oakley and Ray-Ban. The focus on aesthetics and a very cool London-inspired style make Cutler and Gross a go-to brand for those who love unique eyewear.
Making a Splash in the U.S.
While you can already buy Cutler and Gross in the U.S. through retailers such as EZContacts, the Europa deal could also mean new styles and a new direction in the U.S.
With this deal, Cutler and Gross will be moving from their current manufacturer, Marchon, to Europa Eyewear.
Europa Eyewear has its headquarters in Vernon Hills, Illinois. The company is a leader in design and manufacturing in the U.S. In fact, it has the largest eyewear factory in the States, which is a big deal.
The fact that Europa has decades of experience in the U.S. market makes it an ideal local partner for Cutler and Gross. This deal with Cutler and Gross is also good news for Europa, as it’ll be their first launch into the premium market.
Europa currently focuses on independent brands, such as Scott Harris and American Optical. A big fish like Cutler and Gross is a nice catch for Europa.
Style Without Compromising Quality
One of the things that makes Cutler and Gross stand out is their exciting shapes, carefully thought-out designs, attention to detail, and, above all, elegance. Their sunglasses have that main character appeal.
One of the reasons is that the founders were opticians, not just eyewear or fashion enthusiasts. They went about creating eyewear that speaks to people while being a practical product. In fact, that’s one of the reasons there’s no major branding or visible logos. It’s less about being flashy and more about simple elegance.
The CEO of Cutler and Gross, Jack Dooley, emphasized how Europa also shares the values of heritage and craftsmanship.
“We are genuinely delighted to partner with Europa,” Dooley said. “What matters most to us is continuity and care. Our customers deserve calm transitions, familiar faces and partners who understand the long view.”
The Fashion Lore of Cutler and Gross
Celebrities from Elton John to David Bowie to Grace Jones were some of the first to put Cutler and Gross on the map. The eyewear was funky and paid homage to the rise of individualism in fashion. Eyewear was at its height of being expressive and quirky, and the brand tapped into the growing demand for such styles in the U.K.
Back then, it was the only optician in London that created frames from scratch. The bespoke touch is what made Cutler and Gross a hit with an increasingly fashion-conscious crowd.
Recent Movie Sightings and Recommended Styles
There are a few classic styles that bring out the best elements of what Cutler and Gross are about. From the thick frames to the brow-brushing shapes, it’s a good brand if you want to be bold.
Celebrities still flock to Cutler and Gross for their confident designs, chunky frames, and recognizable shapes. They also look great on-screen because of the high-quality acetate frames and construction. That’s why Daniel Craig wore a pair recently in Knives Out, while Javier Bardem sported a pair in the F1 movie. Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett wore Cutler and Gross in Black Bag.
This aviator-style acetate frame comes in the fun ‘Granny Chic‘ model. This is the pair Cate Blanchett wore, so you know they’re stylish.
Celebrities, including Pedro Pascal, Keira Knightley, and supermodel Naomi Campbell, are a few recent celebrities who have worn the brand on the red carpet or while out and about.
These geometric glasses are an example of a typical head-turning Cutler and Gross pair, such as the ones seen on Daniel Craig.
TL;DR
- Cutler and Gross has been around for decades as a cornerstone of premium eyewear. Now, the brand is expanding in the U.S. through its deal with the American company Europa Eyewear.
- The brand was founded in the ’60s in London by a pair of opticians who eventually started making bespoke frames (the only ones in London).
- They quickly became a favorite of icons such as David Bowie, Grace Jones, and Elton John.
- As the brand grows and expands, its partnership with Europa could mean more styles and localized offerings of Cutler and Gross glasses.
- Europa Eyewear has the largest eyewear manufacturing facility in the U.S. and a portfolio of independent designers. Cutler and Gross is a major win for the company, helping them expand into the luxury market.
