The Designer Behind Kendall Jenner's Chic Specs Speaks

The Designer Behind Kendall Jenner's Chic Specs Speaks on the Trendsetting Style
Model-of-the-moment Kendall Jenner recently stepped out during Paris Fashion Week in a pair of attention-grabbing eyeglasses. Ironically, it's what wasn’t there that photographers and bloggers are clamoring for.
The oversized eyewear with thin, light white frames and completely clear lenses are by Garrett Leight California Optical and reminiscent of a retro 1970s movie director's frames meets Gloria Steinem's signature specs, and overall draw a stark contrast to the heavy, black rectangular frames Jenner is usually snapped wearing on the street.
The style is sure to spawn some followers of Jenner fans sporting giant clear frames (whether or not they have prescription lenses) and that’s just fine, because she actually looks totally adorable in her new accessory, using the large and light colored glasses at the center of her latest statement making sartorial play (cue the copy cats).
Here, founder and designer of the brand behind Jenner's specs, Garrett Leight, shares his thoughts on the model's choice in eyewear and why in this case, Kiefer Sutherland’s onscreen style serves as major inspiration.
P: What was your inspiration behind the "Palms" glasses in gold-butterscotch that Kendall Jenner is sporting?
Garrett Leight: I was actually inspired by Kiefer Sutherland's character in the movie Freeway. The shape is different, but the general feeling is the same. There are just so many acetate frames available, I wanted to create something different, but possibly for the same customer.
Is it an older style or custom made for Kendall?
It is actually an older style from about three seasons ago. I think it was a little early because at the time it didn't catch on. But it feels like now people are gravitating towards these kinds of styles.
Are you seeing more oversized optical as a trend?
Yes, it seems to be going back that way. That's where it was at when I was designing my collection in 2009. Then it sort of went away. It's crazy that a trend has already come and gone and is now coming again all within the time I launched my collection.
You do a lot of light and white milky frames — why is this color (or lack of color) flattering to the faces?
I love light colored frames because they somehow have the ability to blend in but also stand out. The subtle touch of color is an interesting look and I've always liked the versatility on many skin tones.