Cutler and Gross

Overview

Cutler and Gross is a British luxury eyewear brand producing sunglasses and optical frames, founded in 1969 in London. It is known for merging high-quality eyewear with fashion, art, and music influences, featuring understated British elegance in unisex designs suitable for all face shapes and lifestyles.¹²⁶

History

Cutler and Gross was founded in 1969 in London by opticians Graham Cutler and Tony Gross, who met at Northampton College in the early 1960s. They opened their first optician's office in Knightsbridge in 1971, pioneering fashionable eyewear with handmade bespoke frames initially focused on sunglasses, later expanding to optical designs.¹²⁶ Key milestones include a 2009 Best Accessory award at the UK Fashion Export Awards, a 2011 bi-annual magazine launch, and ongoing collaborations like the 2024 Great Frog collection featuring handcrafted frames with sterling silver and 24-carat gold.²

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Frames are handmade in the brand's atelier in Italy using quality acetate and metal components, ensuring comfort, durability, and lightweight proportions.¹²⁴

Notable Products

• Great Frog Collaboration - Sunglasses and glasses handcrafted in Italy with sterling silver and 24-carat gold metalwork, featuring campaigns with Iggy Pop and Georgia May Jagger.
• Knightsbridge Classics - Understated elegant frames inspired by the 1971 original store, blending British style with Italian craftsmanship.
• Avant-Garde Styles - Outlandish, fashion-oriented designs worn by celebrities like Madonna, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga.

Reputation

Cutler and Gross maintains a consistent reputation among enthusiasts for high-quality, durable handmade frames with thoughtful design and celebrity endorsements from figures like Kate Moss and Bill Nighy.¹² Professionals note its pioneering role in fashionable eyewear and Italian craftsmanship, though some styles are seen as outlandish.¹⁴ It is perceived as affordable luxury in the high-end market.³