American Optical, the iconic eyewear brand known for its long heritage and commitment to craftsmanship, is thrilled to unveil its first optical frame collection of the 21st century. Combining styles inspired by rich archives with fresh, vintage-inspired looks, this collection marks a significant milestone in AO’s more than 150-year journey of producing iconic eyewear.
American Optical first manufactured spectacles in the US in 1833 and, at one time, was the largest optical company in the world. Drawing from extensive archives, the new collection features a perfect blend of classic and contemporary designs, presenting a diverse range of options to suit various tastes and preferences. The 12-piece collection includes metal, acetate, and combination styles.
Owing to American Optical’s iconic style, several models in the 2023 collection may look familiar. The Sampson was worn by Truman Capote and the Liner by Bob Dylan. You’ll also find highly sought after vintage style Easter eggs in the collection - like cable temples, a saddle bridge, and the AO silver decor piece that became a signature of American Optical safety glasses.
Committed to looking after American Optical’s heritage and reputation for quality, each frame is meticulously crafted in the US from the finest globally sourced components to deliver the utmost comfort and style. As CEO, Scott Shapiro explains “Stewarding the American Optical brand into the future is a fun and exciting opportunity for our whole team, but it’s also a responsibility we take very seriously. We can’t wait to introduce this new launch to all of our friends in the optical industry and invite them to continue to partner with us on this incredible journey.”
This collection builds on a successful relaunch of the AO Eyewear brand in 2020, under the stewardship of STATE Optical Co, in which AO’s most iconic styles, including the Original Pilot and Saratoga were restored to their former glory and reintroduced to optical practices nationwide.
Now, see the new optical collection and other offerings from American Optical.
ABOUT AO EYEWEAR
Known for its heritage and quality, American Optical’s eyewear division pioneered eyewear design and manufacturing in the US. As the first sunglasses on the moon and a favorite of JFK, AO’s history is American history. AO Eyewear is as committed as its original founders to producing the highest quality, innovative, American-made eyewear products that withstand the test of time.
American Optical first manufactured spectacles in the US in 1833 and, at one time, was the largest optical company in the world. Drawing from extensive archives, the new collection features a perfect blend of classic and contemporary designs, presenting a diverse range of options to suit various tastes and preferences. The 12-piece collection includes metal, acetate, and combination styles.
Owing to American Optical’s iconic style, several models in the 2023 collection may look familiar. The Sampson was worn by Truman Capote and the Liner by Bob Dylan. You’ll also find highly sought after vintage style Easter eggs in the collection - like cable temples, a saddle bridge, and the AO silver decor piece that became a signature of American Optical safety glasses.
Committed to looking after American Optical’s heritage and reputation for quality, each frame is meticulously crafted in the US from the finest globally sourced components to deliver the utmost comfort and style. As CEO, Scott Shapiro explains “Stewarding the American Optical brand into the future is a fun and exciting opportunity for our whole team, but it’s also a responsibility we take very seriously. We can’t wait to introduce this new launch to all of our friends in the optical industry and invite them to continue to partner with us on this incredible journey.”
This collection builds on a successful relaunch of the AO Eyewear brand in 2020, under the stewardship of STATE Optical Co, in which AO’s most iconic styles, including the Original Pilot and Saratoga were restored to their former glory and reintroduced to optical practices nationwide.
Now, see the new optical collection and other offerings from American Optical.
ABOUT AO EYEWEAR
Known for its heritage and quality, American Optical’s eyewear division pioneered eyewear design and manufacturing in the US. As the first sunglasses on the moon and a favorite of JFK, AO’s history is American history. AO Eyewear is as committed as its original founders to producing the highest quality, innovative, American-made eyewear products that withstand the test of time.