general eyewear under the name arckiv began as an eyewear specialist in the late 1990s, producing its own original designs but being notable for its extensive library of museum grade, antique, prototype and vintage frames, quickly becoming a renowned specialist in eyewear. the company eventually moved into the design of clothing and accessories. after splitting in 2010 to form two distinct companies, arckiv became solely focused on menswear, while general eyewear became a stand-alone company and brand formed from the continuation of the original eyewear division.