In 1986 opticians Larry and Dennis Leight acquired a collection of vintage American eyewear from the 1940‟s-60‟s at an estate auction. The collection of over a thousand frames included clip on sunglasses, rimless and metal frames as well as a receipt signed “Oliver Peoples” whom they believed to be the original owner.
They decided to sell the collection in their West Hollywood store they named the collection Oliver Peoples as a tribute. The classic and retro styles were a departure from the futuristic and contemporary styles that dominated the eye-wear market in the late eighties. The collection was such a success that they decided to design their own frames inspired by the original auction lot.