Exhibition “Por Detrás das Sombras”
The exhibition “POR DETRÁS DAS SOMBRAS” (Behind the Shadows) evokes one of the accessories that has undergone the greatest transformation over time, presenting a selection from the André Opticas Collection (which includes over 3,000 vintage pieces), showcasing some of the most important items in the history of eyewear. In the vault room, a selection of around 400 pairs of glasses highlights the key brands, styles, designers, and changes in shapes and materials that have shaped the evolution of glasses from the 1950s to the present day. While it focuses on contemporary times, there are significant historical flashbacks, including examples from the 17th century.
The aim is to show the public the evolution of eyewear, its major transformations in shape, color, material, and applied technology, as well as how it has contributed to the definition of different styles and languages over time, being both actors and vehicles of various perspectives on material culture. André Opticas was founded in 1981 within an optical family in Oeiras.
In the same year, André Leal was born, and from an early age, he accompanied his parents on their travels, work, and shared passion for eyewear. By the age of 15, he already had experience in lens cutting, frame repairs, and it was around this time that his interest in collecting, especially bold eyewear models, began. Collecting has always influenced his life, his friendships, his travels, and his profession.
Pyramid by Oliver Goldsmith 1960 na André Opticas
Created in 1966 by A. Goldsmith at the request of Vidal Sassoon for a specific haircut that the hairdressing company was set to showcase that year. I still haven’t managed to find a decent image of that combination… but I promise to share it once I do.
Oliver Goldsmith Vintage Archive Available@AndréOpticas
..
Audrey Hepburn@Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Designed in 1952 by Raymond Stegeman, the Wayfarers would go on to become an icon…
Highly appreciated at the time, they already had a respectable fanbase when, in 1961, the diva Audrey Hepburn appeared
wearing a pair of black Wayfarers in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, along with many Oliver Goldsmith glasses, which were always Audrey’s great preference…
..
Oliver Peoples Vintage Exclusive at André Opticas
For the past two years, we had been hearing rumours about a possible re-edition of some Oliver Peoples icons.
That Mr. Larry Leigh had many people requesting it, and that he was searching through his entire archive for some true classics. From the start, we were eagerly anticipating what was to come, as throughout the many years we’ve worked with Oliver Peoples—before they even established themselves as a brand in Europe—they have always set the standard for high-end eyewear.
Unfortunately, some recent changes in the optical market have “cornered” Oliver Peoples into a new paradigm.
On one hand, the acquisition by Luxottica, a giant in the eyewear world, led to the mass expansion of retail points and production. On the other hand, the shift from manufacturing in Japan to a new factory in Italy has resulted in the production of many more frames than at the previous facilities. These differences in numbers are, in our opinion, partly due to a loss of quality in some pieces, rather than improved manufacturing methods.
On one hand, the acquisition by Luxottica, a giant in the eyewear world, led to the mass expansion of retail points and production. On the other hand, the shift from manufacturing in Japan to a new factory in Italy has resulted in the production of many more frames than at the previous facilities. These differences in numbers are, in our opinion, partly due to a loss of quality in some pieces, rather than improved manufacturing methods.
Thankfully, we still have a vast collection, all produced in Japan… But not all news is bad!
We’re pleased to inform you about the re-edition of three models from the early collections of Mr. Larry Leigh. It seems he found a few frames with original hardened glass sun lenses…
The first model released by Oliver Peoples, the OP-505 from the 1986 collection, the OP-1955, and the unmistakable O’Malley, inspired by Peter O’Malley, President of the Dodgers.
Produced in the original factory, this limited edition is crafted with the first-class materials we love so much. In addition to the premium materials, the lenses feature the original colours from that era.
We have two complete sets available in Lisbon—but don’t sleep on it… These collector’s pieces quickly sell out at the few points of sale where they are available.
CAZAL VINTAGE 955 Exclusive at André Ópticas
The Legend is back!!! Cazal 955 dos 80’s. MC Hammer, Run DMC, Notorious BIG lançaram os Cazal nos EUA onde hoje são peças de culto. Resultado dos nossos “diggings” temos uma série super-limitada nas cores: RED, YELLOW, BLACK, WHITE, BROWN GOLD.
Tornados célebres no filme Snatch, estas belezas são das peças mais procuradas por coleccionadores e entusiastas dos óculos de Sol