Skip to main content

State Optical Co. Makes Luxury Handcrafted Glasses the American Way

You need a pair of glasses. At least you have an abundance of options. Walk into your local optometrist and there before you are row upon row of frames: Ray Bans, Ralph Lauren, Persol, hell, Tiffany & Co.  even got into the frame game. Except, they’re all largely owned and manufactured by one company: Luxottica.

Luxottica owns 28 of the largest frame labels in the world, allowing them something close to a monopoly, marking up prices to whatever they feel like, while manufacturing 90% of the frames in countries like Brazil, India, and China.
Therefore, we are excited to learn State Optical Co. is seeing American manufacturing through a new lens– as makers of luxury eyewear right here in the USA.

State Optical Co.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Enter Scott Shapiro who knows his eyewear: his family owns Europa Eyewear. The idea for State Optical had been kicking around Shapiro’s head for a while when he met cousins Marc Franchi and Jason Stanley. Franchi and Stanley were already making eyewear in California and Shapiro knew he’d found the perfect partners to make State Optical a reality. Franchi and Stanley took Shapiro up on his offer to move to Chicago and there they started State Optical Co. in a large factory with machinery sourced from all over the world

Recommended Videos

Shapiro also teamed up with Blake Kuwahara, that mad genius visionary of optometry. Kuwahara is internationally recognized for his designs, which draw inspiration from classic frames, but that are somehow fantastically unique. When it’s something you wear everyday, shouldn’t it say something about you? And shouldn’t it be the best?

State Optical Co.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Not the type to rush perfection, each State Optical frame takes about 14 days to complete in their Chicago factory. It requires 75 individual steps to craft the frames, much of which is done by real humans. Frames are named for Chicago streets; the logo even pays homage to Illinois becoming the 21st state in the union. It’s American sensibility and heritage updated– and worn proudly on your face. You can even tour their factory on Tuesdays and Fridays!

State Optical’s attention to detail and human touch mean these are some seriously impressive glasses. Beyond just looking great, they created a special hinge with a company in Germany that prevents the arms from loosening, leading to the wildly annoying slippage most Four Eyes are acutely aware of. Each frame is hand polished and designed to last, because luxury should also mean quality.

And, just in time for summer, State Optical has released a line of sunglasses. They feature the same bold designs, interesting colors, and superb craftsmanship.

It’s time to see glasses in a whole new way.

Elizabeth Dahl
Elizabeth Dahl is a southern girl in the heart of Los Angeles who lived far too long before learning what an incredible food…
Tiffany & Co. revives legendary Atlas watch collection
Tiffany & Co. has officially relaunched its iconic Atlas® watches
the Atlas watches feature graphic Roman numerals and streamlined silhouettes

To the surprise of absolutely no one, Tiffany & Co. has resuscitated its storied Atlas collection, reimagining the legendary Roman numeral motif for today's discerning watch collectors. Released originally in the 1990s and inspired by the iconic Atlas clock at Tiffany's Fifth Avenue flagship, these timepieces bring together timeless elegance and contemporary sophistication.

Precision craftsmanship, unmistakable style

Read more
Adidas Originals dominates Paris Fashion Week with bold style
Adidas Originals takes over Paris Fashion Week
person tying adidas shoes

With just under a year left until the FIFA World Cup lands in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, it’s no wonder that every brand has football fever. Brands like Nike and New Balance have launched their football iterations, which will gradually build excitement over the next year. However, football isn’t only coming to our wardrobes, it’s officially landed on the runway. Last month, Adidas Originals took their football inspiration to the next level via a series of collaborations with multiple fashion designers during Paris Fashion Week. While it seems like football-inspired looks, also known as “blokecore”, is here to stay, no one has established this trend more than Adidas. With new iterations of their various football-inspired footwear, Paris Fashion Week becomes the center of Adidas Originals’ football world, and their multiple collaborations are only a piece of what to expect over the next year from the brand.

Adidas brings football to the runway at Paris Fashion Week

Read more
The art of timeless design: Why Urban Jürgensen is one to watch
How Urban Jürgensen redefined haute horlogerie with its remarkable comeback
Urban Jurgensen has returned to the forefront of horology

The revival of historic watchmaker brand Urban Jürgensen has been a marvel to witness as it once teetered on the brink of obscurity. Today, UJ has re-emerged as a benchmark in the industry, working under the direction of a visionary new leader. Founded in 1773, the brand faced the possibility of extinction in the late 20th century before being revitalized by a group of watchmaking purists. Currently, Urban Jürgensen is getting rave reviews for blending centuries of craftsmanship with modern innovation — proving that true luxury is timeless.

Tradition meets state-of-the-art innovation

Read more