The story of Barton Perreira

Bill Barton and Patty Perreira started BARTON PERREIRA in 2007 and sold their first collection of glasses directly from the sketching table to some of the world's most exclusive stores and department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York, and Bergdorf Goodman. Their first collection contained 42 models with both sunglasses and regular glasses.

The direct success of the company did not come by chance, but both Bill and Patty had solid experience in the industry from before. Patty co-founded Oliver Peoples where she worked for over 18 years, the last 11 years as a designer. Bill was CEO of the same company. In 2006 they chose to move on in their careers and it wasn't long before they decided to start an eyewear brand together on their own terms, where they could develop and refine the ideas they once built Oliver People's initial success on.

Although BARTON PERREIRA is based in Los Angeles, their frames are handcrafted in Japan as it is only there that the complexity and precision of detail they seek can be achieved. While mass-produced glasses take a few minutes to make, it takes four weeks to complete a pair of BARTON PERREIRA. They only use materials of the absolute highest quality, such as Japanese titanium, and acetate of the zylonite variety. Zylonite Acetate is extremely light, durable and maintains a deeper gloss on the finish. All acetate frames are tumbled for several days and then polished twice by Japanese craftsmen to create a seamless, glossy and smooth finish.

BARTON PERREIRA's inspiration has been drawn over the years from architecture, cars, watches, art and fashion. It has always been the historical or classical influences that appealed to Patty. The modern and trendy quickly fall out of fashion. The iconic objects are the things that people appreciate over time and that last. This is how BARTON PERREIRA wants their frames to be experienced.

For Patty Perreira, the most important design aspect has always been the balance of the frames, the combination between fit, weight and the physical feeling when they sit on the face. Patty doesn't understand how you can be comfortable in a pair of heavy and clumsy frames. Although BARTON PERREIRA has larger models, the focus has always been on the glasses being light and comfortable to wear. "I think this is what makes BARTON PERREIRA stand out and differentiate us from other brands. Many can design beautiful frames, but many times they miss the important detail."

All the frames are personally hand sketched by Patty. It is never up to the factories how a pair of frames should be produced, therefore there are over 120 different types of hinges to be found in their frames over the years. "Everything is adapted to the specific design. And to me that's luxury, it's not about the price," says Patty.