If there was anyone who could transform a basic pair of glasses into a powerful statement of individuality, it was Gai Gherardi. She didn’t just create eyewear—she crafted a unique perspective on life, both literally and metaphorically. 

The world seen through Gai’s lens was so much more vibrant, daring, and downright enjoyable. The co-founder of l.a.Eyeworks passed away in Los Angeles on March 16, following a brief illness due to cholangiocarcinoma. 

Early Days

Gherardi was born on July 8, 1946, in Glendale, California, but she grew up just an hour south in Huntington Beach. It was there, in the vibrant halls of her high school, that she made a statement with her maverick style—combat boots and all, even at prom! It was also where she met McReynolds, and they hit it off right away, bonding over their shared love for folk music and, of course, eyewear. 

Credit: Youtube (Mido)

Glasses were a passion for both of them. When they launched their flagship store on Melrose on September 9, 1979, Gherardi reminisced in an interview about how glasses were still seen as a bit of a prosthesis back then. “People were hesitant to wear them,” she said. “But we were bold enough to dig deep and find amazing frames.”

Just months after opening, they sent a sketch to a French eyewear manufacturer—a classic acetate frame inspired by the ones lifeguards wore. They named this unisex style “The Beat.” Since then, they’ve created hundreds of original frame designs in vibrant colors, all crafted in Europe and Asia to meet the highest industry standards.

Gai Gherardi: Deeds To Remember

Their unique signature frames have graced the halls of the London Design Museum, the London Craft Council, the Los Angeles Craft Museum, the London College of Fashion, and the Chicago Athenaeum, just to name a few. The exclusive “Face It” collection features l.a.Eyeworks frames that have been custom-embellished by talented artists, designers, and jewelers, and this collection has traveled the globe. 

With a deep passion for glasses as artistic objects, Gherardi and McReynolds have built an impressive collection of vintage fantasy frames, which has also made its way to museums around the world.

The Fashionista Of Eyewear Industry

From day one, the windows of l.a.Eyeworks have showcased thought-provoking messages and site-specific installations created by commissioned artists, all infused with quirky humor, social commentary, and a celebration of the absurd that reflects on culture, gender, and politics.

The black-and-white portraits of quirky, captivating individuals—each one gazing directly into the lens with that bold tagline: ‘A face is like a work of art. It deserves a great frame.’

But Gai’s magic went beyond just the glasses. It was all about the people. She had a knack (pun totally intended) for spotting beauty in every shape and form, and she was a true advocate for individuality. 

Crédit: Youtube (Cégep Édouard-Montpetit)

One of the most talked-about displays was the late Robert Warner’s striking assemblage of black frames suspended inside condoms, which hung delicately behind the window vinyl labeled “Safe Spex,” a clever response to the government’s struggle to discuss condoms during the AIDS crisis. More recently, playful puns like “Elect to Think,” the Supreme Court-inspired “Eye Object,” and the Pride-themed “Wear Them Out” have added to the fun.

She didn’t merely create eyewear—she crafted confidence. She had a way of making people feel truly seen in every possible way.

A Kind-Soul For The World

Even while she was busy building her eyewear empire, she remained grounded in her roots: playful, passionate, and endlessly curious. She genuinely cared about the world, supported meaningful causes, and never lost that rebellious, joyful spirit that defines l.a.Eyeworks today.

Gherardi was a passionate advocate for the environment, particularly for the endangered California Desert Tortoise. She was also one of the independent eyewear designers involved with the edCFDA, contributing to the initiatives and programs of the Council of Fashion Designers (CFDA). 

In 2021, the Optical Women’s Association (OWA) recognized Gherardi’s efforts to promote women’s leadership in the optical industry by honoring her with the annual OWA Pleiades award.

So, let’s raise a glass to Gai—she truly made the world a brighter, bolder, and undeniably more fabulous place. Here’s hoping we all keep seeing things through her vibrant lens!

Feature Image Credit: Instagram