Ever looked at Will Graham in NBC’s Hannibal and thought, "I need those glasses"? You aren’t the only one. Those frames are basically a supporting character in the first season. They aren't just there to help him see; they're a fortress.
Honestly, finding the exact pair is a nightmare now. People have been scouring the internet for years, hitting up old forums and eBay listings, usually with zero luck. If you're looking for the short answer: they are the Cadore Moda PL-2090 DK Tortoise.
But there is a catch. A big one. The brand basically vanished off the face of the earth years ago.
The Mystery of the Cadore Moda PL-2090
Bryan Fuller, the show’s creator and a man who loves a good aesthetic detail, confirmed the brand on Twitter way back in 2013. He noted the model was the Cadore Moda PL-2090 in a Dark Tortoise finish. These aren't your typical "nerd" glasses. They have this specific, slightly undersized, oval-ish shape with a flat bottom that gives Hugh Dancy that "sweaty, brilliant dog-dad" look we all know and love.
Most people don't realize that the frames used on set were likely vintage or deadstock. Cadore Moda was an Italian manufacturer that folded in the early 2000s. By the time Hannibal was filming, these were already rare.
If you look closely at the screen, the temples (the arms of the glasses) actually bow out slightly on Hugh Dancy’s head. This suggests the frames were technically a bit too small for his face. In the world of high-end costume design, that’s not an accident. It makes Will Graham look uncomfortable in his own skin. It adds to the vibe that he’s a man constantly trying to shrink away from the world.
Why the Glasses Disappear
Have you noticed that as Will gets "darker" or more "refined," the glasses vanish?
In Season 1, the will graham hannibal glasses serve as a literal shield. Will has what he calls an "empathy disorder." He can't help but see everything from everyone's perspective. It's exhausting. The glasses are his "person suit." He uses them to avoid eye contact, hiding behind the reflection of the lenses so he doesn't have to fully engage with the people around him.
When he gets out of the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane in Season 2, he ditches them. He’s more polished. His hair is trimmed. He starts wearing tailored coats instead of rumpled fishing vests. Without the glasses, he's making eye contact. He’s looking Hannibal right in the eye. It’s a power move. He’s no longer the wounded animal hiding behind a barrier; he’s the fisherman.
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How to Get the Look (Without the Vintage Price Tag)
Since you can't just walk into a LensCrafters and ask for the "Will Grahams," you have to get creative. Collectors and cosplayers have identified a few alternatives that get the silhouette right.
- The Etsy Replicas: There are several sellers on Etsy who specialize in Hannibal props. They often find frames that mimic the PL-2090's flat-bottom shape.
- The "Hickey Freeman" Theory: Early on, fans thought they might be Hickey Freeman frames because of the specific rivet patterns on the hinges. While they aren't the screen-accurate brand, some of their vintage "Boston" style frames are incredibly close.
- Oliver Peoples and Tart Optical: If you want high-end quality, look for "Arnel" style frames or the Oliver Peoples "Gregory Peck." They aren't exact—they're usually more rounded—but they capture that mid-century intellectual aesthetic.
Kinda wild, right? A pair of discontinued Italian glasses from a defunct company became the international symbol for "unstable FBI profiler."
The "Plain Glass" Theory
There is a massive debate in the Fannibal community about whether Will actually needs a prescription. Some fans—and even some hints from the cast—suggest the glasses might just be plain window glass.
Think about it. In Season 1, Jack Crawford literally pushes the glasses up Will's nose during an interrogation. It’s an invasion of Will’s private space. If they were fake, it makes the "shield" metaphor even stronger. He’s wearing a mask he doesn't even need, just so he doesn't have to be "seen" by the people he’s investigating.
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Key Takeaways for Your Cosplay or Style
If you're hunting for a pair of will graham hannibal glasses, don't just look for "tortoise shell glasses." You need to look for these specific features:
- Small Lens Diameter: They should look almost a size too small for your face.
- Flat Bottoms: The lower rim shouldn't be a perfect circle; it should have a subtle horizontal slope.
- Dark Tortoise: Avoid the bright, "honey" tortoise. You want the dark, muddy browns that blend into the shadows.
- Keyhole Bridge: This is the little "upside-down U" shape over the nose. It's essential for that vintage 1950s/60s academic look.
Actually, the most authentic thing you can do is find a pair that feels like a barrier. Will wears them because the world is too loud and too bright. When you put them on, you should feel like you're stepping behind a curtain.
To start your search, I'd recommend checking out Magnoli Clothiers or searching eBay for "vintage Italian P3 frames." They won't have the Cadore name, but you'll get the silhouette that defined the early days of the show.