From Oakley to Moscot: How Legacy Brands Use Coffee Table Books to Showcase Eyewear Innovation

Storytelling is more than just words on a page—it can be a powerful fusion of imagery and narrative that captures history, culture, and innovation. Toronto-based writer and content creator Ade Oluokun exemplifies this through her unique approach to storytelling, blending compelling visuals with rich narratives. In a recent interview, she shared how her passion for photography led her to explore the power of pictures as a form of storytelling, showing how images can be just as expressive as words.

This same philosophy is evident in the world of luxury coffee table books. More than just decorative pieces, these books have become collectible artifacts that allow brands to document their journeys, craftsmanship, and impact on culture. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the eyewear industry, where legacy brands like Oakley, Persol, and Moscot use coffee table books to preserve their histories and showcase their design philosophies.

Below, we explore three must-read coffee table books from Oakley, Persol, and Moscot—each offering a glimpse into the artistry and evolution of these iconic eyewear brands.

Oakley: The Oakley Book

Founded in 1975 by James Jannard, Oakley revolutionized eyewear with its cutting-edge technology and high-performance designs. Originally focused on creating gear for extreme sports, the brand quickly became known for its wide array of sport glasses like the Hex Jector and Spindrift frames. As retrofuturism is embedded in the brand’s DNA, much of its eyewear features innovative lens technology, impact-resistant materials, and futuristic aesthetics. Today, Oakley remains a leader in performance eyewear, worn by athletes and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.

While details on The Oakley Book are limited, a post on the fan-run O-review forum indicates that it is a deep dive into the brand’s relentless pursuit of innovation. Chronicling 40 years in the eyewear industry, the book features a mix of historical insights, behind-the-scenes development stories, and hundreds of striking images of Oakley’s most groundbreaking designs. Readers can expect to see how Oakley pushed the limits of eyewear technology, from its Prizm lens innovations to its bold, aerodynamic frames.

Persol: A Work of Persol

Persol’s story began in 1917 when Italian optician Giuseppe Ratti set out to design protective eyewear for pilots and race car drivers. The result was a brand that became synonymous with handcrafted Italian elegance and durability now helmed by creative director Riccardo Pozzoli. Known for its signature arrow detail and crystal lenses, Persol has been a favorite among artists, actors, and eyewear aficionados for over a century.

A Work of Persol is a celebration of the brand’s dedication to artistry and craftsmanship. The book explores Persol’s century-long legacy through archival photographs, intricate design sketches, and narratives that detail the brand’s impact on eyewear fashion. It also highlights the brand’s presence in cinema, with Persol sunglasses gracing the faces of Hollywood icons like Steve McQueen and Daniel Craig’s James Bond. The book is both a visual and historical tribute to the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Persol.

Moscot: Moscot:New York City, Since 1915

Moscot’s roots stretch back to 1915 when founder Hyman Moscot began selling eyeglasses from a pushcart on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Over the next five generations, the brand evolved from a small optical shop into a global eyewear powerhouse—while maintaining its deep ties to New York City’s culture and heritage. 

Published in partnership with upscale book label Assouline, Moscot: New York City, Since 1915 is a rich, visual history of the brand’s legacy. The new book features over 300 illustrations across 304 pages, capturing Moscot’s journey from its humble beginnings to its status as a fashion icon. Archival materials, rare photographs, and personal stories from the Moscot family make this book a compelling read for both eyewear enthusiasts and lovers of New York City history. As Zack Moscot, the brand’s chief designer, puts it, “You’re not just putting on a pair of eyeglasses when you wear a MOSCOT; you’re putting on a slice of history of downtown New York City.”

For eyewear lovers, design enthusiasts, or anyone fascinated by brand storytelling, these books offer a visually stunning and insightful journey into the lesser-known history of some of the most influential names in eyewear.