Author: Jacob Miller
Few would have the guts to invoke one of the 20th century’s great anti-capitalist manifestos in the sale of eyewear. But then again, there’s very little that’s ordinary about the Society of the Spectacle Eyeglass and Sunglass Shop. Located along the western residential corridor of York Blvd., a few blocks away from Oxy, SoS is part of the cohort of new “summer entrants” to the Highland Park and Eagle Rock communities.
A gated walkway and a well-kept garden greet patrons of this converted 1920s bungalow. Inside, the space feels every bit as cozy and personable as its exterior, with two bounding pugs-Violet and Penny-happily clamoring to greet every customer. Its proprietors are the fashionably bespectacled Amy and Katie O’Connell, two self-described “Highland Park sisters driven by a passion for great eyewear.”
The sisters are longtime neighborhood residents as well as seasoned veterans of their industry. The two come across as smart and creative, funny and friendly, like two quirky aunts. Yet the sisters’ warmth, charm and sincerity belie their extensive professional background. “Between my sister and I, we’ve over 30 years in this business,” Amy said. “And we’re just in love with it. We love giving the gift of sight.” It shows. Tastefully arranged amidst the glass display cases is a stunning collection of the unusual, the stylish, the unique and the artistic. “These are Kirk originals,” Amy said, looking suddenly serious after lifting up one particularly striking octagonal-shaped frame for inspection. “Hand-painted acetate, made in France.” Her encyclopedic knowledge of its provenance sounds like that of a studied sommelier, but for Amy and Katie, it comes from firsthand experience.
“We’ve been all over the world [as employees] with l.a. Eyeworks,” Amy said. “We’ve seen the trade shows, we’ve been with the customers.”
Their experience serves them well in their new setting, as they come off as highly customer-oriented without appearing pushy or inattentive.
“When I have a customer, I want them to look good, but I also want them to look like themselves,” Katie said. “[Eyewear] is such an important thing-it’s on their face. It has to be them.” Such a tailored approach fits refreshingly well against the backdrop of more staid and corporate eyewear chains.In an era of Lenscrafters and LASIK surgery, espousing independence is a brave stand to take against the rising tide of eyewear industry consolidation. Yet to call SoS simply a commercial enterprise is to perhaps miss its most alluring qualities. The shop is every bit as much a collection of eclectic objets d’art, of personalities interwoven into its fabric-in effect, it’s a very direct representation of the O’Connell sisters themselves.
“We’re into 3-D art and books,” Amy nods, gesturing in the direction of a corner shrine to vintage 3-D glasses, prints, and ancient-looking optical instruments. “It’s an amazing time right now for 3-D photography, and this is just a part of us,” Katie said. A neighboring wall exhibits this month’s featured local artist, adorned with paintings of familiar Highland Park scenery by artist Cate Parr.
Amy motions me to another nearby display. “And of course-dog collars!” But like everything else in SoS, what’s on show is far from typical. “These are made in Kenya by a native tribe,” she said, gesturing towards a collar adorned with brass buttons.
Students interested in new eyewear needn’t fear that slim budgets will disqualify them from the O’Connells’ expertise. “I sell at very reasonable prices,” Amy assured me. “And Oxy students of course have a discount.” Truly, a wonderfully materialistic tribute to this year’s 40th publication anniversary of The Society of the Spectacle.
Society of the Spectacle Eyeglass, Sunglass & Gallery is located at 4563 York Blvd. Hours: Tues.-Fri. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.
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