Malibu Confidential

The campaign features rising stars: Ross Butler, from Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why and Riverdale, and Corey Knight, lead in Luca Guadagnino’s HBO series, We Are Who We Are, alongside influential models: Hannah Ferguson and Yasmin Wijnaldum. The campaign is seen through the lens of famed fashion photographer, Dennis Leupold, known for his work with Rihanna, and the film is captured by prominent cinematographer, Basil Fauchier. The scene is set against the backdrop of a residential Malibu icon, the Steinman House, designed by the mid-century modern architectural pioneer, Craig Ellwood.

Crafted in 1956, the Steinman House feels as visually modern today as it did when it was first introduced. The structure was built with a sense of design integrity that was meant to blend indoor and outdoor environments to fit the lifestyle of southern California. With the use of glass windows on almost every angle from ceiling to floor, the house itself transports any visitor to the lush greenery and sleek pool that sits beside it. With views of the Pacific Ocean and palm trees in any direction, it’s the closest one could get to a mid-century modern paradise. To blend, the scenes of the campaign match the tone and lifestyle that Ellwood and his clients would have felt during their era. Ellwood himself aimed to live a life that felt cinematic with Italian sportscars, bonds with LA’s creative scene, and an appreciation for the finer things in life. This direction and sense of California energy is set in the foundation of the house, and with this, trickles into the vibe and aesthetics of the campaign.

The Spring 2021 collection intertwines within this story. The new styles feature odes to the bold, colorful times of the 60s and 70s alongside custom gradient lenses, luxurious metal frames, distinct acetates, and elaborate filigrees. Each piece conveys as much intention, detail, and craftsmanship as the Steinman House exhibits, while still exuding a sense of relaxed California elegance that the stars of the campaign display. For a few highlights within the collection, the Weslie Sun and optical frames, feature a vintage-inspired nose bridge alongside gradient glass lenses for an effortlessly relevant feel.

For a glamourous cat-eye look, the Laiya has a flattering deep lens shape which exudes grace and sophistication. When it comes to an everyday staple, Casian has a strong acetate build alongside a square shape that feels timeless. To those hoping for a feminine fashion-statement, Ysela and Willetta, both offer a 70s inspired bold-aesthetic.
For another retro angle, Martineaux feels ultra-stylish with its distinct keyhole bridge and custom Sunset Tower-inspired filigree. And for a modern-classic element, frames like Desmon alongside Gregory Peck 1962, embody newness, while still feeling like a core OP style.

Alongside the bold, new shapes, the Spring 2021 collection reintroduces iconic acetates from the Oliver Peoples’ archives, including: YTB and 382. First introduced with the launch collection in 1987, these two acetates are reimagined for the today alongside new frames and reintroduced favorites. Distinct from most acetates, YTB offers a yellow base tortoise design for a vintage-inspired look that pairs well with a vibrant Green C lens. 382 was introduced that same iconic year and became noteworthy in film history being prominently featured in the landmark movie, American Psycho. As part of the re-launch, 382 is brought back in O’Malley optical and sun for a modern match on the style featured in the film. Both YTB and 382 acetates, were strong when they were last available in the 80s, because tortoise acetates are so neutral and flattering for the skin that it felt right to bring these best-sellers back.