Patty Perreira is an eyewear designer to the bone. She’s worked on collections for Prada, Miu Miu, Jil Sander and Vera Wang, but it was during her 17 years at Oliver Peoples that her passion for design and unique vision grew. During her tenure there she helped to elevate the status of the brand, as well as bring Paul Smith Spectacles and Mosley Tribes to market. Then in 2007, Perreira, along with Bill Barton, the former president of Oliver Peoples, started their own luxury eyewear line, Barton Perreira. In less than two years, the company, driven by Perreira’s inspired designs, has established itself as one that defines style and elegance with accounts in fashion Meccas like Fred Segal, Barneys, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Jeffrey New York and Davante. Perreira’s ever-evolving body of knowledge and keen sensibilities have garnered her much acclaim and respect within the industry and her designs have graced the faces of a veritable “Who’s Who” of Hollywood and fashion royalty. As F.Y.Eye learned, with such a stellar pedigree, it’s not hard to imagine Perreira becoming luxury eyewear’s next great super star.
1. What are the most important influences on your design work?
Everything I love...jewelry, architecture, nature, Jamaica, cars, motorcycles. Basically, I find inspiration in everything.
2. What excites you most about design?
The entire process--from conception of an idea to all the steps in between. When I have the final product in my hand and it looks and feels as I imagined it, it is very rewarding.
3. Describe the ultimate Barton Perreira man and woman.
Confident, stylish individuals who appreciate quality and design. They don’t need logos to validate their status or identity.
4. What’s been the greatest challenge in interpreting your design philosophy or perspective into an eyewear line?
Having the confidence in myself to believe I could do it and then getting such an amazing response. I do not have the words to express my gratitude for all of the love and support I have received.
5. What are some of your favorite pieces or characteristics of your eyewear collection?
I am very proud of the quality. I think it is beautifully made and I feel my expertise in every shape and color. I also love the snakeskin and leopard detailing on the Emmanuelle sunglass, as well as the mesh grilles on the Acheron and Swindler.
6. What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
“Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality,” from Bob Marley. ■
