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.

Each season, the Creative Review series spotlights two frames from the latest collection. The journal is written in conversation with our Creative Director, who shares his thoughts and inspirations behind the design.

The first instalment explores the 9324 sunglass and optical.

Cutler and Gross’s relationship with the silver screen extends through time, worn by the likes of Julia Roberts in ‘Notting Hill’ and Colin Firth in the ‘Kingsman’ franchise. In turn, the glittering yet gritty world of film has often formed a point of reference for our Creative Director.

The 9324 frame is a case in point. An undeniable protagonist this season, it draws inspiration from the cinematic allure of Sophia Loren and 1950s Hollywood.

Creative Director, Cutler and Gross

The Italian actress was frequently captured dashing past the paparazzi in a pair of dimension-defying sunglasses. Our Creative Director admired the unapologetic boldness of Loren’s frames and sought to evolve the theme for the present day.

With each sketch he drew, more edges emerged – the browline dramatically dipped, the lugs slanted – until an octagonal shape formed.

The artisans in Cutler and Gross’s atelier were then challenged with realising the sketch in acetate. Drawn with astonishingly thick 25mm-temples, the weight of the frame had to be carefully considered. The solution came in the form of chamfering and milling – the exterior and interior edges were precisely cut away, increasing the complexity and three-dimensionality of the frame.

The resulting Cutler and Gross sunglasses and glasses introduce newfound proportions to the repertoire.

Creative Director, Cutler and Gross

Taking shape as a sunglass, the 9324 was crafted in four distinct colourways. Alongside classic Black and Dark Turtle, Joshua Green entered the colour palette. The luminous-green acetate draws from the desert landscape and time-tall trees of Palm Springs, which formed the backdrop of the Spring Summer 2024 collection. The 9324 sunglass was also rendered in a limited edition Blue on White acetate, the latest addition to our Colour Studio collection.

Engraved with deep grooves, this season’s Modernist core wire threads through the frames, providing structure and subtle detail. For the Black iteration, however, our Creative Director transformed the core wire into an exoskeleton on the temples, placing the craftsmanship front and centre.

Creative Director, Cutler and Gross

The 9324 Cutler and Gross glasses are crafted from glossy Black acetate and gilded with design signatures: Oyster and Compass Star pins. Chamfered crystal edges redirect light from the temples and add further intrigue.  

The 9324 sunglasses and glasses sit within our Spring Summer 2024 collection. Drawing inspiration from Palm Springs in the 50s and 60s, the inimitable frames reflect the glittering grandeur of this bygone era. Head to The Journal to discover the campaign and meet the globally renowned photographer behind it.

Cutler and Gross offers complimentary in-store adjustments to tailor frames to face shapes; the temples can be loosened or tightened to create the perfect fit. From complimentary styling appointments to prescription lenses and eye tests, find out more about our extensive range of in-store services.

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