Nightlife Guru John Terzian Serves Up Classic Shades With Garett Leight California Optical

An exclusive collaboration is happening between eyewear brand Garrett Leight Califonia Optical, and nightlife aficionado John Terzian, with the new California Editions GLCO x John Terzian Sun frames. Exploring Terzian’s personal style and love for classic design, GLCO is tapping the nightlife tastemaker for his impeccable style queues. Terzian is responsible for the creative development and concept design of The h.wood Group’s iconic portfolio of projects and brings a distinct aesthetic and elegance to each venue.

This limited-run John Terzian x GLCO collaborative collection is handmade in Oakland, California, and officially launches on April 11, 2023. GLCO is a California-based eyewear company founded in Venice Beach and designs its products at a studio in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles. The eyewear company draws inspiration from people, places, and stories of California, incorporating the laid-back philosophy of California culture into each frame. Additionally, each product features the VC/CA 90291 stamp as a nod to the company’s Venice roots.

The collection’s retro-inspired frame is a nod to John Terzian’s personal style, usually wearing a suit or tuxedo for every occasion. A pair of sunnies worn by actor Sidney Poitier is the template for these frames, available in four distinct colorways, with dark chestnut and transparent eye frames and multiple lens color options. Terzian and The h.wood Group add their high-end concepts, passion for service, and expertise in creating unforgettable and iconic celebrity-filled events into these frames.

“I am excited to finally debut my first eyewear collaboration alongside Garrett and his brand,” said John Terzian, Owner and Co-Founder of The h.wood Group. “Timeless style is both a personal and professional passion of mine, be it in what I wear or the spaces I create. I have long admired Garrett as a like-minded purveyor of flawless craftsmanship, partnering together to bring this project to life was synergistic. Together, we have translated the distinct aesthetic and nostalgic design signature to my work into an optical expression that is an exciting commentary of modern eyewear.”

John Terzian co-founded The h.wood Group with his friend Brian Toll. Despite setbacks early on, Terzian persevered and learned the ropes of the hospitality business, ultimately building a mini-conglomerate of clubs and restaurants that generated over $35 million in revenue the previous year. The h.wood Group catalog includes Los Angeles hot spots Delilah, The Nice Guy, and its recently opened Dubai outpost.

Terzian’s ability to attract high-profile celebrity clientele has undoubtedly played a role in the success of his venues is why GLCO has tapped the stylish entrepreneur. He plans for further expansion with new concepts opening in L.A. and a new eatery in a Chicago hotel. In 2018, Terzian sold a stake in The h.wood Group to the global lifestyle company Hakkasan Group. They have been keen to align the brand with other tastemakers in sectors that influence a stylish lifestyle.

GLCO uses the most exclusive, highest quality materials from the best suppliers in the industry with hundreds of years of experience. The cured acetates, ranging from deadstock to colorways exclusively designed and produced for GLCO, are sourced from the top acetate houses in Japan, Italy, and China, assuring customers of quality and stylish eyewear.