London, UK - In 2026, Oliver Goldsmith celebrates 100 years at the forefront of eyewear, marking a century in which the brand did more than make glasses -it changed how the world thought about them.
Founded in London in 1926, Oliver Goldsmith challenged the prevailing view of eyewear as a purely medical device. From the very beginning, the brand believed that glasses should be expressive, beautifully designed, and worn as part of one’s personal style. That conviction would go on to reshape eyewear into an essential fashion accessory -one that speaks quietly but decisively about who you are.
Over its glittering century, Oliver Goldsmith has been worn by some of the most influential figures in modern cultural history. Audrey Hepburn immortalised Oliver Goldsmith on screen, transforming sunglasses into symbols of intelligence, independence and elegance. Michael Caine defined a new language of masculine style in Oliver Goldsmith frames throughout the 1960s. John Lennon made eyewear part of countercultural identity, while Princess Diana wore Oliver Goldsmith as an expression of modern royal confidence. Figures such as Grace Kelly and Peter Sellers further cemented the brand’s place at the intersection of fashion, film and society.
These were not endorsements, but choices - made by individuals who understood that eyewear could communicate character as powerfully as clothing. Oliver Goldsmith frames became part of the visual language of cinema, celebrity and culture, proving that great design endures because it is right, not because it is loud.
“Oliver Goldsmith has always been about confidence, not conformity,”
says Claire Goldsmith, fourth-generation custodian of the family business.
“Seeing our frames worn by people who shaped culture is a reminder that eyewear can be both personal and historic. Our centenary is a celebration of that legacy and of what comes next.”
Throughout 2026, Oliver Goldsmith will mark its centenary with a year-long programme of celebrations, including special limited edition releases drawn from the archive, immersive exhibitions exploring 100 years of eyewear, and collaborations that honour the brand’s unique relationship with cinema, fashion and cultural icons.
As Oliver Goldsmith enters its second century, its purpose remains unchanged: to create eyewear with integrity, craftsmanship and enduring style - frames that are worn, remembered, and passed on.
