Key Life Events

Gai Travelle Gherardi, known for her innovative contributions to the eyewear industry, passed away on March 16 at the age of 78 due to bile duct cancer, a diagnosis she received shortly before her passing. She died at her Hollywood home, leaving behind an inspiring legacy in the realm of fashionable eyewear.

Born on July 8, 1946, in Los Angeles and raised in Huntington Beach, Gai was the daughter of a fashion retailer and a musician who led a band. She ventured into optometry early in life, inspired by her friend and future business partner, Barbara McReynolds.

Pioneering Eyewear as Fashion

In 1979, Gherardi and McReynolds opened L.A. Eyeworks on Melrose Avenue. Their vision was groundbreaking: they believed eyeglass frames could serve as bold fashion statements rather than merely utilitarian objects. Gherardi emphasized the role of glasses in personal expression, stating, “Glasses afford spontaneity… they’re a great accessory, a great prop.”

Under her leadership, L.A. Eyeworks became known for its striking designs, featuring audacious shapes, vibrant colors, and clever marketing names like “Rooster” and “Whirly Bird.” The introduction of laser engraving in the early 1990s further distinguished the brand, allowing for personalized artistic designs.

A Cultural Impact

Gherardi’s revolutionary approach garnered a diverse following, especially among artists, actors, architects, and the L.G.B.T.Q. community. The shop’s distinctive advertising campaign, featuring over 200 black-and-white portraits of celebrities wearing their frames, reinforced their position as a style leader. Photographed by Greg Gorman, this campaign highlighted figures like Grace Jones and RuPaul, amplifying the shop’s visibility.

As noted by Dave Schilling of The Los Angeles Times, Gherardi’s frames were seen as “an expression of pure opulence” and a signal of individual identity, reflecting a playful embrace of style.

Legacy and Philanthropy

Posthumously, Gherardi has been recognized as a fundamental figure within the eyewear industry. Her contributions extended to philanthropy, notably in fostering support for L.G.B.T.Q. causes, including significant donations exceeding $100,000. The Council of Fashion Designers acknowledged her as a key player in the field of independent eyewear design.

In her 27 years of partnership with her sister Heather Gherardi, who remains an optician, Gai built a brand that was not just about eyewear, but about fostering community and creativity. The shop remained a hub for artists, regularly showcasing artwork and employing artists to create unique lens-cleaning cloths.

Reflections on Her Life and Work

Gherardi often described her work as a spiritual journey, emphasizing the transformative experience of selecting eyewear. “You put glasses on someone, you touch their head, and you look in their eyes,” she articulated in a 2017 interview, highlighting the emotional connection forged through eyewear.

Her playful perspective on style and beauty was encapsulated in her ethos: “Why be boring when you can have fun?” This mantra not only defined her approach to design but also her life, permeating the vibrant culture of L.A. Eyeworks.

Final Thoughts

Gherardi’s legacy lives on in the countless individuals she inspired to embrace boldness in personal style. With her innovative spirit and gracious demeanor, she not only transformed the eyewear industry but also cultivated an inclusive space where creativity could flourish. Gherardi is survived by her partner, Rhonda Saboff, along with her sister Heather, and her enduring influence will continue to resonate within the fashion community.