OLIVER PEOPLES is an eyewear brand now known worldwide. It was founded in LA in 1986, inspired by a collection of vintage frames dating back to the 1920s acquired by founder Larry Leight and others. America in the 1920s, when the vintage frames they focused on were created, was known as the "Roaring Twenties," and enjoyed an unprecedented economic boom because its territory was not damaged by the Great War. Eyewear produced during this period was characterized by intricate decorations, luxurious materials, and an intellectual and sophisticated atmosphere that evoked the social status of the people who wore them.
EYEVAN, a Japanese brand, was noticed by OLIVER PEOPLES immediately after its founding, as OLIVER PEOPLES proposed such understated vintage styles. At that time, EYEVAN had already produced numerous hit models based on the concept of "eyewear to wear." This caught Larry Leight's eye at an American exhibition in 1989, leading to a license agreement with OLIVER PEOPLES, and since then, OLIVER PEOPLES eyewear has been manufactured and sold under the technical and design expertise of Optic Japan, which operated EYEVAN.
The three models we are introducing this time are deadstock of three models released during the period when they were manufactured and sold under the technical and design expertise of Optic Japan. Their model names are Sheldrake, 505, and MP-02.
These are all designs that EYEVAN had already released before the license agreement with OLIVER PEOPLES, but became immensely popular models under the OLIVER PEOPLES brand. And these are special models that were exclusively released at the time, produced using Japanese tortoiseshell.
Current OLIVER PEOPLES has ended its license agreement with EYEVAN, so its design and production management systems have changed significantly from before. It is a known fact in the industry that OLIVER PEOPLES products from the Optic Japan era are of the highest quality. These are classic models that were produced during that period using the best materials and have not faded with time.
The Sheldrake, characterized by its rounded shape and classic keyhole bridge, is a design also known as Boston-Wellington. This style, which is now seen more frequently, was created by EYEVAN at the time, and the names Boston and Wellington themselves were also named by EYEVAN's representative at the time.
The 505, characterized by its end pieces that sandwich the front from front and back, was also a hit model alongside the Sheldrake. The design, created at a time when the idea of a combination frame of metal and plastic was itself novel, has since been imitated by countless brands. Furthermore, this structure is frequently used in the current EYEVAN 7285.
The MP-02 is also one of the well-known models. It is a smart-looking pair, just like the one worn by Johnny Depp, who played a scientist in the movie "Transcendence." The method of sandwiching metal with plastic, and the engraved patterns on the metal, are eye-catching details that are also found in the current EYEVAN 7285. This model has already been sold.
And in each of these models, tortoiseshell, which is an ideal and highest-grade material for eyeglasses, is used. Compared to commonly used acetate, it is very light, and at the same time, it adheres well to the skin, making it very comfortable to wear. On the other hand, it is a material that is difficult to fit, and cannot be entrusted to an optician without sufficient skill.
It is also a rare material in that international trade is prohibited by the Washington Convention, so the only way to obtain it is by using stock material imported before the convention was issued in 1994.
This is a special collection created with the best design born in Japan and recognized in America, under a globally recognized eyewear brand name, using the best materials. The birth of such a flawless collection in every aspect was certainly due to the technical and design capabilities of Optic Japan at the time, but perhaps also due to a fortunate timing that could be called a twist of fate.
Surely you will never see it again. It is genuine deadstock, set with the original cloth and case.
Sheldrake
505
