(PRESS RELEASE) l.a.Eyeworks and OGI announce the formation of The Optical Foundry, a multibrand eyewear platform made up of independent optical brands, including l.a.Eyeworks, its sister design initiative FICTION, and the OGI family of eyewear collections (OGI, OGI | Kids, Seraphin, Scojo, Bon Vivant and Red Rose).
Robert Rich, CEO of l.a.Eyeworks and former CEO of OGI from 2004 to 2016, will lead The Optical Foundry.
“Given the evolving challenges of the optical market, I’m excited to pursue a strategy where the maximization of resources and organization will allow each brand under The Optical Foundry umbrella to more fully pursue their own unique and independent visions,” Rich said.
l.a.Eyeworks and OGI will maintain their primary bases of operation in Los Angeles and Minneapolis, respectively.
Gai Gherardi and Barbara McReynolds continue as founding co-designers of l.a.Eyeworks and FICTION, with Gherardi also serving as creative director of the two brands. Margo Willits remains in her role as international sales manager for l.a.Eyeworks and FICTION. l.a.Eyeworks will also advise on a refocusing of the direction of OGI’s in-house design team.