Personal tailors and private beaches: sunglasses designer Garrett Leight shares his life's luxuries
The son of the founder of Oliver Peoples, Garrett Leight grew up immersed in the world of glasses design. In 2009 he opened his first eyewear concept store in Venice Beach, Los Angeles, and in 2010 he launched his eponymous brand, Garrett Leight California Optical.
Now he has collaborated with his father, Larry Leight, to create Mr Leight, a luxury eyewear company that brings together the jet-set aesthetic of a bygone era with contemporary fabrications.
Handmade in Japan using the finest materials, each pair of Mr Leight sunglasses is inspired by a particular destination, with the first collection centred around Southern California, where both Larry and Garrett were raised.
As Mr Leight launches in the UK, Garrett shares the little luxuries that he’d rather not live without.
What does luxury mean to you?
Quality, service and exclusivity. I make my own style and choose the brands and experiences that suit my tastes best.
Who is your favourite tailor?
My tailor is off the market. It’s actually my wife who has a degree from Accademia Koefia in Rome. She has her own studio in our home and no one can tailor a suit for my body better than her.
Which brand of shirt do you favour?
I love shirts by Camoshita. The Japanese brand combines American Ivy League influences with the soft construction of Southern Italy and the relaxed tailored aesthetic really appeals to my style.
What’s on your feet?
Common Projects for sneakers and Trickers when I went to dress up.
Other little luxuries you love?
Goro, which is only available in Japan, is my ‘go to’ for luxurious sterling accessories. Goro Takahashi is one of Japan's most respected craftsmen and he makes each piece by hand – his attention to detail is like nothing I've ever seen before.
Which watch do you have your eye on?
A Vintage Rolex GMT from the 1980s in silver with jubilee bracelet and black bezel. I don’t own one yet but am keen to sooner rather than later.
Dream drive?
A 1963 Lincoln Continental hardtop in mint green no tint.
Private jet or yacht?
Private jet. It would make my life way easier.
Which architect would design your dream home?
John Lautner: he’s the epitome of classic and casual Californian architecture. His homes are unique, original, and not just landmarks but livable spaces. In my opinion he's the best Californian architect to ever live.
Sight for sore eyes?
The coastline and ocean for miles and miles, as far as the eye can see.
Artist you’d love to collect?
Mark Rothko: his work is inspirational to me as an eyewear designer. The vibrant colours and gradient paintings inspire many of the colours I choose to work with. And as works of art they can really liven up a space. They have a positive aura about them that gives me a clear mind.
Collector’s item?
Like my father, I am an avid collector of vintage eyewear.
Who is your favourite chef?
I’m lucky to live in a city that has so many incredible chefs and one of my favorites is right in our neighborhood. Travis Lett of Gjelina is a dear friend and has never ceased to impress me with his food creations. I don’t understand how he makes vegetables taste so delicious.
Your home from home?
Park Hyatt in Tokyo and the Crillon in Paris. I love those hotels because I value service, comfort and great design. I travel so much, the last thing I want is inconvenience upon arrival. These hotels know how to treat their guests.
What’s your ultimate escape?
We have a private home and private beach on the island of Kauai. It’s majestic and I’d love to spend all of my days there.
What are you drinking?
Clase Azul Tequila.
What luxury can’t you live without?
At this point in my life it’s flying first class. I love LA, but flying to Europe and Asia, which I have to do several times a year, is a very long flight.
More My Luxuries...
