Grounded in a five-decade-deep design archive, our collections seek to reimagine iconic Cutler and Gross glasses and sunglasses for the faces and lifestyles of a modern audience.
The Creative Review series takes a closer look at the latest collection. Written in conversation with our Creative Director Alessandro Marcer, it explores the thought and inspiration behind each design. The latest instalment examines the 1439 Optical, new to the Cutler and Gross Autumn Winter 2026 collection.
Where a lot of eyewear styles tend to be reserved in scale, the 1439 fully commits to commanding attention. “I wanted a frame that balanced different confidence and eras of eyewear” Alessandro Marcer explains, “The squared off geometry takes design cues from Americana styles and larger proportions that are daring, reminiscent of the 70s and 80s.”
The 1439 Optical in Olive with custom tinted lenses in Peppermint.
Bold, American eyewear trends grew from the development of more adaptable materials used in design. The evolution and production of acetate post war allowed eyewear to become lighter, brighter and more extravagant, acting as an expression of style, rather than simply medical devices. These advancements in acetate allowed for opticians and framemakers to be more provocative with shapes— think of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic 1953 cat eye, Michael Caine’s distinctive 1965 thick-rimmed silhouette and oversized, square frames of 70s and 80s disco era.
“I wanted a frame that balanced different confidence and eras of eyewear. The squared off geometry takes design cues from Americana styles and larger proportions that are daring, reminiscent of the 70s and 80s.”
— Alessandro Marcer, Cutler and Gross Creative Director
The 1439 Square Optical in Black.
Balancing a large structure, the 1439 features thick proportions that make this style feel like a statement. A broad brow line sits above strong rectangular lenses to give the frame its architecture. On the contrary, the slightly rounded and dropped lenses keep the design wearable and soft. Giving the best of both worlds, it’s confident for every day and evocative to a degree suitable of high-energy and hedonistic lifestyles.
While the design borrows from optics of Americana, the construction speaks of considered Italian craft. 5-barrel hinges at the temple offer the smoothest precision engineering, while at the front, signature Compass star pins anchor the design as small but exacting details that reward a second glance. Look closely at the temple pins to reveal the latest design code, as a flush-set Oyster pin for a sleeker stamp of brand heritage.
The 1439 Square Optical in Deep Blue Crystal.
The Autumn Winter 2026 collection debuts the 1439 in rich shades of Italian acetate, like classic Black on Crystal and Havana, while also introducing two new contenders in smoky Olive and Deep Blue Crystal.
Shop The 1439
Lean into the hedonistic appeal of the 1439 with an array of tinted sun and optical lenses, available in all Cutler and Gross global stores. Simply book an appointment online or visit the team to view kaleidoscopic hues, transitional and gradient lenses.
Book Custom Lenses
The 1439 Optical in Deep Blue Crystal, with custom tinted lenses in Parma Violet.
Creative Review: The 1439 Square
Grounded in a five-decade-deep design archive, our collections seek to reimagine iconic Cutler and Gross glasses and sunglasses for the faces and lifestyles of a modern audience.
The Creative Review series takes a closer look at the latest collection. Written in conversation with our Creative Director Alessandro Marcer, it explores the thought and inspiration behind each design. The latest instalment examines the 1439 Optical, new to the Cutler and Gross Autumn Winter 2026 collection.
Where a lot of eyewear styles tend to be reserved in scale, the 1439 fully commits to commanding attention. “I wanted a frame that balanced different confidence and eras of eyewear” Alessandro Marcer explains, “The squared off geometry takes design cues from Americana styles and larger proportions that are daring, reminiscent of the 70s and 80s.”
Bold, American eyewear trends grew from the development of more adaptable materials used in design. The evolution and production of acetate post war allowed eyewear to become lighter, brighter and more extravagant, acting as an expression of style, rather than simply medical devices. These advancements in acetate allowed for opticians and framemakers to be more provocative with shapes— think of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic 1953 cat eye, Michael Caine’s distinctive 1965 thick-rimmed silhouette and oversized, square frames of 70s and 80s disco era.
— Alessandro Marcer, Cutler and Gross Creative Director
The 1439 Square Optical in Black.
Balancing a large structure, the 1439 features thick proportions that make this style feel like a statement. A broad brow line sits above strong rectangular lenses to give the frame its architecture. On the contrary, the slightly rounded and dropped lenses keep the design wearable and soft. Giving the best of both worlds, it’s confident for every day and evocative to a degree suitable of high-energy and hedonistic lifestyles.
While the design borrows from optics of Americana, the construction speaks of considered Italian craft. 5-barrel hinges at the temple offer the smoothest precision engineering, while at the front, signature Compass star pins anchor the design as small but exacting details that reward a second glance. Look closely at the temple pins to reveal the latest design code, as a flush-set Oyster pin for a sleeker stamp of brand heritage.
The Autumn Winter 2026 collection debuts the 1439 in rich shades of Italian acetate, like classic Black on Crystal and Havana, while also introducing two new contenders in smoky Olive and Deep Blue Crystal.
Shop The 1439
Lean into the hedonistic appeal of the 1439 with an array of tinted sun and optical lenses, available in all Cutler and Gross global stores. Simply book an appointment online or visit the team to view kaleidoscopic hues, transitional and gradient lenses.
Book Custom Lenses