1990s LA Eyeworks Frames | Archive 0378
$4.17 per wear · worn 30 times
The more you wear it, the lower it gets.
- Ships to the US
From the brand’s own pages, read October 5
First impression
Say what you think, then see how everyone else read it.
Details
A rare archive optical frame from the 1990s by l.a. Eyeworks, handmade in Italy. The Masonette 202 features a refined rectangular silhouette in mottled tortoise acetate with softly sculpted edges and a substantial bridge, reflecting the brand's distinctive balance of architectural form and expressive color. Preserved in excellent vintage condition, the frame remains fitted with empty lenses, ready for custom prescription installation. Frame Model: Masonette (262) Decade: 1990s Country of Origin: Italy Lenses: Empty, ready for custom Condition: Excellent vintage Measurements: 44-22-140 Historical Context Founded in Los Angeles in 1979 by lifelong friends Barbara McReynolds and Gai Gherardi, l.a.Eyeworks redefined what eyewear could be. At a time when glasses were largely treated as medical devices, the duo championed them as wearable art—bold expressions of individuality rather than something to hide behind. Their philosophy, "A face is like a work of art. It deserves a great frame," became one of the most iconic statements in optical history. Instantly recognizable for sculptural silhouettes, fearless color palettes, and unconventional proportions, l.a.Eyeworks helped establish Los Angeles as a global center for independent eyewear design. Every frame begins as a hand-drawn sketch before being meticulously handcrafted in Japan or Italy, balancing artistic experimentation with exceptional craftsmanship. More than four decades later, the brand remains one of the most influential independent eyewear houses in the world, inspiring generations of designers to see glasses not as accessories, but as a celebration of identity. A Note from AZYR: l.a.Eyeworks holds a special place in our hearts. We had the privilege of knowing co-founder Gai Gherardi, whose generosity extended far beyond her remarkable designs. Before her passing, Gai mailed us a box of l.a.Eyeworks frames to be recycled—one final act that reflected her belief that great eyewear deserves a long life. It's an honor to continue that mission, restoring vintage frames and returning them to the world where they belong. May Gai's legacy—and the spirit of l.a.Eyeworks—live on forever.
