Tony Gross, of the pioneering optician and frame stylists Cutler and Gross, has died at the age of 78.
Gross, pictured opposite, met his business partner Graham Cutler at Northampton College while studying optometry. On graduating in 1963 Gross went into practice but saw an opportunity to make spectacles more exciting.
Cutler and Gross began selling hand-made fashion frames in 1969 and opened a Knightsbridge practice in 1971. The duo quickly became famous for providing eyewear to Icons such as Elton John, Princess Diana, David Hockney and Grace Jones.
Cutler and Gross flourished during the 1980s as the yuppie culture grew and in 1983 the pair launched their first ready to wear collection from the Italian region of Cadore and their list of famous clients grew. Gross suffered a severe stroke 11 years ago and sold his stake in the business to pay for his healthcare. He died peacefully on March 6.