Los Angeles, a city adorned with a diverse array of architectural marvels, captivates both residents and tourists alike. Yet, behind the familiar facades that make up its iconic skyline and the mansions, museums & movie studios that hint at its not-so-humble beginnings lie hidden faces, concealed from public view, leaving us to wonder about the mysteries of the past that lie within the ornate structures. It seems the astute city planners and architects have artfully embedded clues within the foundations, whispering tales of the city's bygone era only to those with eyes to see.
Photo1990 - shot from the David Lawrence Gray Architects website.
In this realm of hidden narratives, Oliver Peoples stands apart as a brand that forgoes logos to get its point across. Instead, it has incorporated key signifiers that indicate consumers are holding frames from the brand. One of the most important of these signifiers is the brands' use of intricate filigree work. Drawing inspiration from the iconic landmarks of Los Angeles, these delicate jewelry-like details not only recount the brand's own story but also pay homage to Hollywood's rich heritage. Though often unnoticed, these elevated filigree motifs also mirror the concealed intricacies found within the city's iconic landmarks, inviting us to uncover their enigmatic stories. Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles historic Sunset Strip, the Sunset Tower Hotel has stood as a symbol of glamour and elegance since its construction in 1929. Designed by architect Leland A. Bryant, this iconic landmark showcases a distinct Art Deco style that exudes sophistication and echoes the golden age of Hollywood. As one gazes upon its facade, adorned with intricate art, symbols, and icons, a tapestry of history and allure unfolds. The Sunset Tower Hotel holds within it a wealth of art, icons, and symbolism, captivating visitors with its rich heritage and enigmatic stories.
Circa early 30s detail shot. From CA State Library.
The Sunset Tower Hotel's facade is a visual masterpiece, capturing the essence of its time and place. The delicate filigree work, reminiscent of fine jewelry, evokes a sense of grandeur and refinement. Meticulously crafted motifs of sunbursts, floral patterns, and geometric shapes adorn the facade, creating a mesmerizing display of architectural beauty. These symbols, with their subtle complexity, reflect the hotel's connection to the allure of Hollywood's past and the cinematic dreams that unfolded within its walls. Beyond their exquisite beauty, the symbols and icons adorning the Sunset Tower Hotel's facade carry hidden meanings and narratives. The sunburst motif, prominently featured on the hotel's facade, holds a symbolic representation of radiance and optimism. Evoking the rays of the sun, it reflects the vibrant energy and allure of Los Angeles, the city of dreams. This motif also pays homage to the hotel's location on Sunset Boulevard, a thoroughfare associated with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. It serves as a visual reminder of the hotel's role in the entertainment industry and its connection to the stars who once graced its halls. Circa 1933 exterior detail shot. Photo from the CA State Library.
The floral patterns found within the artwork on the facade carry their own symbolic meanings. Flowers, with their inherent beauty and delicate nature, symbolize growth, renewal, and the abundant natural landscape of Southern California. They evoke a sense of vitality and remind us of the allure of Hollywood, where dreams blossomed like flowers in the California sun. The intricate floral motifs also demonstrate the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into the design of the Sunset Tower Hotel. Geometric shapes play a significant role in the symbolism of the hotel's facade. The clean lines, triangles, squares, and zigzag patterns represent the influence of the Art Deco movement, which celebrated progress, modernity, and the machine age. These shapes embody the forward-thinking spirit of the era, emphasizing the hotel's role as a beacon of innovation and style. They also reflect the precision and architectural prowess employed in the creation of the Sunset Tower Hotel, highlighting its status as an architectural gem. Triangles, squares, and zigzag patterns convey dynamic movement, embodying the forward-thinking spirit of the time. These geometric elements also emphasize the architectural precision and craftsmanship that went into creating the Sunset Tower Hotel, establishing its status as a true masterpiece of design.The overall composition and arrangement of the icons and artwork on the facade tell a larger story. They collectively create a visual narrative that speaks to the glamorous history of the hotel and its connection to the golden age of Hollywood. Through their meticulous placement and intricate design, they capture the essence of a bygone era, inviting us to imagine the glamour and intrigue that unfolded within its walls. The icons and symbols adorning the Sunset Tower Hotel's facade serve as a visual narrative, whispering tales of Hollywood's golden age and the luminaries who frequented the establishment. The facade itself becomes a canvas, capturing the essence of the era and preserving the stories within its ornate details. It invites us to imagine the glamorous soirees, clandestine meetings, and whispered conversations that unfolded behind its doors. Oliver Peoples, renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail, incorporates intricate filigree work into its frames, establishing a connection that echoes the captivating filigree motifs found on the facade of the Sunset Tower Hotel. For those who are unfamiliar, Filigree work is a technique that involves delicate metalwork, typically in silver or gold, where fine wires are twisted, bent, and soldered together to create intricate patterns and designs. It requires a high level of precision and artistry to achieve the desired result.
Detail shot of the Lynes (clear) & Parcell (Purple) Frames, Courtesy of Oliver Peoples.
In the case of Oliver Peoples, the brand drew inspiration from the Sunset Tower Hotel's facade for their "Art Deco" filigree, and the hidden narratives it holds. The filigree work in their frames mirrors the exquisite artistry and intricate patterns found on the hotel's exterior. Just as the Sunset Tower Hotel's filigree motifs capture the essence of Hollywood's golden age, Oliver Peoples' filigree work serves as a visual homage, connecting wearers to the allure and elegance of that era. The delicate motifs in Oliver Peoples frames echo the sunbursts, floral patterns, and geometric shapes that adorn the facade of the Sunset Tower Hotel. The intricate filigree work, much like the hotel's design, exudes sophistication and refinement. It captures the spirit of a bygone era, evoking a sense of glamour and nostalgia. By incorporating filigree work into their frames, Oliver Peoples creates a tangible link between the wearer and the stories woven into the architectural tapestry of Los Angeles. It allows individuals to carry a piece of the Sunset Tower Hotel's hidden narratives and Hollywood's golden age with them, as they don eyewear that reflects the artistry and elegance associated with this iconic landmark. The Sunset Tower Hotel stands as a timeless testament to the allure of Hollywood and the rich history of Los Angeles. Its facade, with its intricate art, symbols, and icons, tells a story of elegance, glamour, and the dreams that once permeated its halls. The artistry and hidden meanings woven into the facade's filigree work offer a glimpse into the city's golden era, forever imprinted on the face of this architectural gem. Oliver Peoples, with their meticulous craftsmanship, seamlessly weaves these narratives into their frames, allowing wearers to carry a piece of Los Angeles' rich heritage and architectural beauty with them.
As we decode the hidden narratives within the Sunset Tower Hotel's facade, we become witnesses to the magic that permeates the city of dreams and the everlasting legacy of Hollywood's golden age. In essence, Oliver Peoples' filigree work serves as a visual language, inviting wearers to connect with the intricate stories embedded within the Sunset Tower Hotel and experience the magic and allure of Hollywood's past in a tangible and personal way.
GALLERY
Pic 1: The hotel back when it was the St. James Club (1985-1992). Photo from the David Gray architecture firm’s website.
Pic 2: The similarities between the Sunset Tower and Oliver People’s Art Deco filigree can fully be seen in this pic!
Pic 3: A shot of the beautiful Art Deco details that adorn the exterior of the building. Photo from the David Gray architecture firm’s website.
Pic 4: Artwork showing the same high level of design used by Oliver Peoples in creating their signature filigrees.
Pic 5: The blending of classic Art Deco and modern style is one of the reasons that both the Sunset Tower and Oliver Peoples are two of my favorite LA institutions.
Pic 6: The hotel standing tall like a beacon on the Strip in 1976. Photo by Roy Hankey.
Pic 7: Side profile of Oliver People’s Parcell & Lynes frames with their Art Deco filigree.
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