In a cultural moment where visibility feels both powerful and precarious, Elaine Welteroth is reframing what it means to be seen. Her latest collaboration with LOOK OPTIC—is more than a design statement. It’s a reflection on intellect, identity, and the kind of resilience that doesn’t always announce itself, but holds steady nonetheless.
“For me, glasses have always symbolized curiosity and perspective,” Welteroth tells ESSENCE. “They signal that you’re paying attention—that you’re looking closely at the world. The lens you choose pulls everything into focus.”
That idea of focus sits at the center of the collection. “In this particular moment in time, a willingness to see the world clearly, for all of its beauty and ugliness, and allowing the world to see you clearly, too, feels particularly important to celebrate,” says Welteroth. “Trusting your own vision—literally and figuratively—is a radical act.”
Named in tribute to Angela Davis, the frame draws from a legacy rooted in conviction and resistance. But rather than leaning into something overt, the former Teen Vogue Editor-In-Chief approached the design with intention and restraint. “Angela Davis represents a kind of intellectual courage that I’ve always deeply admired,” says Welteroth. “She reminds us that ideas themselves can be revolutionary. That speaking truth—even when it’s uncomfortable—can move culture forward.”
Instead of creating something literal, Welteroth focused on capturing a feeling. “I wanted something that felt bold but timeless—something that carried presence without feeling loud,” she explains. “There’s a calm conviction in the way she moves through the world. These aviator frames reflect that spirit: strong lines, thoughtful proportions, and a silhouette that feels intentional rather than trendy.”
For Welteroth, that balance is deeply personal. As a Black woman navigating media spaces where she was often “the youngest or the only,” she learned early on how visibility can come with added weight. “Visibility has always been a complicated thing,” she says. “So many of us are being pushed to a near-breaking point while being expected to be strong enough to hold up our families, our careers, and our communities.”
That perspective shaped the very essence of the Davis frame. “When I think about this idea of being ‘unbreakable,’ I think about the quiet resilience that so many women carry,” she explains. “The strength it takes to stay rooted in your voice and your values, even when the pressure to conform is constant.”
Still, the design doesn’t sacrifice wearability for symbolism. Welteroth was intentional about creating something that could move seamlessly through everyday life. “I wanted to make frames that could actually survive a working mom’s life,” she says. “These glasses have been fully toddler-tested by my two boys—and, just like every woman I know, they can outlast any attempt at being crushed.” The frames also reflect her evolving relationship with style and self-expression. “I’ve actually been a glasses girly since the first grade,” she says. “I was initially obsessed with my glasses—they made me feel different, in a good way. But eventually the cultural messaging sunk in that optical eyewear isn’t considered cool or sexy or feminine.”
With eyewear sitting at the center of the face, Welteroth views it as more than an accessory—it’s a signal. “They frame your identity in the world,” she says. “The Davis frame is for someone who understands that visibility can be powerful when it’s intentional. It’s less about announcing yourself and more about standing firmly in who you are.”
Reflecting on this past Women’s History Month, Welteroth’s definition of resilience continues to evolve. “Earlier in my life I probably associated resilience with endurance—pushing through, proving you could handle anything,” she says. “Now I see resilience as something more nuanced. It’s about knowing when to pause, when to protect your energy, and when to pivot on your path altogether.”
Ultimately, the Davis frame is meant to leave wearers with something lasting. “I hope it reminds them that there is power in owning your perspective,” she says. “The ability to think critically, stay curious, and own your own perspective is incredibly valuable.”
