It's a STATE of mind

IN 2012 MARC FRANCHI AND JASON STANLEY HAD AN IDEA THAT EVERYONE TOLD THEM WAS IMPOSSIBLE

– that they could find a way to manufacture high quality eyewear in the United States. The two first cousins and self-described ‘gear heads,’ began traveling the world, researching machinery and techniques and eventually built their own factory in Ventura, California.

Also in 2012, Scott Shapiro & Jerry Wolowicz – executives at a family owned, independent eyewear company – set out to create the world’s first truly American brand of luxury eyewear. After countless meetings with artisans and professionals throughout the industry, they finally found a partner that shared their vision.

It was clear that a collaboration with Marc & Jason could quickly become something transformative, and the four of them began discussing a new venture. In 2014, Marc & Jason moved themselves, their families and key employees to Chicago to team with Scott & Jerry and form a new entity.

This is the story so far of State Optical Co. – a brand fueled by an intrinsic motivation to accomplish the improbable and blaze its own path despite evidence that “it can’t be done.” STATE Optical Co. was built to do just that and ultimately redefine what "made in America" could mean.

STATE EYEWEAR 

State Optical Co. is a first-of-its-kind brand of luxury American eyewear proudly being manufactured in Chicago, USA. STATE celebrates the quality, character, and individual style that make their handcrafted frames – like the people who wear them – so genuinely authentic, appealing, inspiring and original.

Get your STATE eyewear at the Rochester Eye & Laser Center Optical Shop. Don't miss our Monthly Optical shop Sale!