The MIDO 2026 eyewear trends confirm a deeper shift: eyewear is no longer a simple accessory but a field of emotional and cultural expression where design interacts with personality, memory and environment. In a fragmented global context, collections celebrate freedom, authenticity and simplicity while connecting heritage with contemporary languages. Design, architecture, art and nature converge […]
A turning point in the optics industry
Oliver Goldsmith pioneered the trend of elevating glasses from a simple medical device to a style statement. This innovative approach attracted celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Michael Caine, who popularized iconic models such as the “Manhattan” and the “Lord.” This shift in perception marked a turning point in the industry, showing that eyewear could reflect the personality and style of its wearers.
In 1956, an iconic moment in the brand’s history occurred when Hollywood star Grace Kelly was photographed wearing Oliver Goldsmith glasses on the French Riviera. This image, which went viral in fashion magazines of the time, propelled the brand to must-have status among celebrities, establishing Oliver Goldsmith as more than just an eyewear brand, but a true style icon. Some of the brand’s most famous models include:
Manhattan
This iconic model, made famous by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, embodies pure elegance with its oversized frame. Recently reissued to captivate today’s generations, the Manhattan is perfect for those seeking a timeless touch of glamour.
$540,00 👉 Buy Now
Lord
Worn by Michael Caine in the 1960s, this distinctive square frame is another emblematic piece. With its bold lines and assertive look, the Lord is ideal for those who want an elegant and confident frame.
$500,00 👉 Buy Now
The Winter Sun Collection: style and functionality for everyday use
Continuously seeking innovation, Oliver Goldsmith also launched the Winter Sun collection, featuring glasses with lightly tinted lenses designed for indoor or low-light use. These lenses, initially called “cosmetic lenses,” help reduce eye strain from digital screens while offering UV protection. Practical and stylish, this sub-collection is perfect for those looking for a model that combines elegance with functionality.
👉 See the Winter Sun Collection here
A family-owned business across generations
Oliver Goldsmith is not only a fashion brand but also a family business whose legacy has been carried on for four generations. Today, the founder’s great-granddaughter, Claire Goldsmith, passionately leads the company, ensuring that each model embodies the values and authenticity that have made the brand successful.
“As a child, I would spend hours looking at photos of icons and celebrities wearing Oliver Goldsmith glasses… I want our collections to continue carrying that legacy of prestige,” Claire explains. By reinterpreting archival designs while introducing modern styles, she perpetuates her great-grandfather’s vision while meeting the expectations of today’s customers.
Craftsmanship that emphasizes quality and attention to detail
One of Oliver Goldsmith’s core philosophies is craftsmanship. The brand values quality and attention to detail in each frame, using high-end materials like Italy’s Mazzuchelli acetate and Carl Zeiss lenses.
“Show me something made by a machine with as much personality and attention to detail as something handmade. What we do here is special,” Oliver Goldsmith said in 1965.
This commitment to craftsmanship and artisanal know-how remains at the heart of every creation, providing customers with eyewear that is both beautiful and durable.
Oliver Goldsmith, a timeless brand
Today, nearly 100 years after its founding, Oliver Goldsmith continues to influence the eyewear world with creations from the Oliver Goldsmith collection that blend tradition and modernity. The brand’s history is one of bold vision and dedication to quality, staying true to its mission of creating glasses that transcend fleeting fashion trends.
Whether you choose an iconic model from the OG ICONS collection by Oliver Goldsmith or the versatility of the Winter Sun collection, each Oliver Goldsmith frame embodies unique craftsmanship and timeless style.
For more iconic brands and eyewear fashion trends, explore Parisee for exclusive interviews and much more that will immerse you in the world of eyewear fashion. Also, check out our article on the iconic round glasses of John Lennon: The Glasses of John Lennon.
