BRANDS WE LOVE
THEO
ABOUT US
Everybody is theo
It started with a desire we just couldn’t deny any longer. It was 1987 and we were hungry. Hungry for ‘a different pair of glasses’. And we were fired up to get to work. Together with Patrick Hoet (designer and anagram-namesake of theo) we decided to create original eyewear for own shops in Antwerp and Bruges.
The first theo models we launched made a bit of a splash and enthusiasm is contagious! Colleagues were soon asking us whether they, too, could sell theo in their shops. Little by little and country by country, theo gradually won over more and more hearts. This had an impact on us, of course. It encouraged us to continue on our chosen path.
We were increasingly determined to design glasses that always incorporate a touch of humour, individuality and a certain ‘edge’. And we’ve stayed true to this vision. After all, our goal has never changed: together with the theo optician, to make glasses-wearers happy and to offer them an unforgettable experience.
Now, a good 25 years later, we’re tremendously proud to be able to collaborate worldwide with a select group of individual opticians who have embraced theo and who, in turn, bring our love for design, originality and quality to their customers.
But our story doesn’t end here. In the meantime, theo has grown into a platform where designers of all kinds (glasses, fashion, furniture, etc.) can work in synergy with a small army of enthusiastic employees at our warehouse in Antwerp. The drive to keep on inspiring and surprising is simply in our DNA. That, and our love for our fans.
theo loves you
the Somers family
CUTLER AND GROSS
ABOUT US
Cutler and Gross was founded on the principle that when it comes to eyewear.
It’s not just about how we see the world, it’s about how others see us. For over 50 years now, we have been at the forefront of optical design – as trailblazers, disrupters and pioneers whose legacy has been much imitated, but never surpassed.
A brand built on friendship, it was established by opticians Mr Cutler and Mr Gross in 1969. Thanks to word of mouth, what began in London’s Knightsbridge as a small but innovative bespoke service soon became a fully-fledged mecca for artists, rock stars, writers and royalty. Together, the pair created the perfect balance between taste and technicality, quickly cementing their reputation as industry leaders in eyewear.
By making glasses fashionable, they altered the faces of generations. With every carefully sculpted curve, line or shape, their elegance, character and magic have the power to transform people. Cutler and Gross didn’t just make glasses – they were optical architects in pursuit of a product so intrinsically iconic that no external logo or branding was necessary.
Made in Italy by experienced craftspeople who champion the art of making every frame individually, our methodology breaks the mould – in more ways than one. Hand-crafted excellence, the finest raw materials and a seemingly endless enthusiasm to manufacture styles that celebrate the clarity of vision has made sure Cutler and Gross remains as relevant today as ever.
OUR FOUNDERS
Graham Cutler and Tony Gross combined forces in 1969 in a bid to help change the face of 21st century eyewear. Sons of doctors, the pair met whilst studying to become ophthalmic opticians at Northampton College in the early 1960s. Whilst medical credentials were deep in the pair’s DNA, it was a mutual interest in the culture of fashion, art and design that was the catalyst behind starting their own optical brand.
The alliance of Tony Gross’ flamboyance and flair and the meticulous, detail-driven characteristics of Graham Cutler became the perfect foundation for the opening of the first ever Cutler and Gross store in 1971. Located at 16 Knightsbridge Green, London, it soon became a mecca for those seeking spectacles that promised to offer the wearer so much more than 20:20 vision.
If you buy a handcrafted pair of glasses or sunglasses, you want to see the tiny inaccuracies, the straight, raw edges of the plastic, the pins – they give character, make them unique to the wearer. The Cutler and Gross customer has always been an individual. Eccentric maybe, but a rare breed, certainly.
Graham Cutler
Their hand-made, bespoke frames were the natural choice for many a discerning customer, who valued the Cutler and Gross commitment to quality, fit and good design. Modern-day attitudes to eyewear were transformed forever thanks to their pioneering approach that fused elegance, creativity and cutting-edge craft without compromise.
It’s a philosophy that has endured for over half a century and continues to shape the Cutler and Gross collections to this day.
For the Visionaries
ABOUT US
We all have a vision of how we want our future to be, of what we want to experience or achieve in life and the impact we want to make. But whatever your vision is, clear eyesight helps to bring it to life.
We have been a partner to eye care professionals for over 75 years and see the world through their eyes. As they spend years honing their craft through education, they gradually develop and refine their expertise. And finally, they are recognized for demonstrating that knowledge. But there is more.
Eye care professionals look ahead. They develop a clear vision of what they want to achieve; for their patients, staff and themselves. Ultimately, this vision is what makes their businesses thrive.
To us, eye care professionals are visionaries, who change how their patients see the world, every day. And it is through the clarity of their vision, that they can help their patients achieve their own individual vision for a better life.
HOYA Corporation was founded in the city of Hoya, Tokyo, 1941, by Shoichi and Shigeru Yamanaka, two visionary brothers. For more than 75 years, HOYA’s revolutionary optical and healthcare solutions have been pushing technological boundaries for customers around the world. Learn about our company and history to find out how we became a world-renowned provider of total eye care.
Welcome to the Evolution
ABOUT US
Although they came from distinct backgrounds and different parts of the globe, the friends that joined together to form Akoni Group in 2019 were united and driven by one shared conviction: they were certain that by merging their talents and experiences, they could create an entirely new type of luxury eyewear company, one that honestly delivers exceptional products by relying on only the best designs, materials, craftsmanship, technologies, and care. And the name they selected for this new venture made very clear the exacting standard that the founders intended to meet—Akoni, Latin for “priceless; worthy of admiration.”
Perfectly complementing the founders’ experience and expertise, Akoni Group relies on the world’s finest eyewear craftspeople. These leading artisans, based in Japan, have long been celebrated for their unmatched precision, dedication and skills. Their finesse and mastery guarantee the final quality that completes the distinct vision that lies behind Akoni, a new type of eyewear company.
“Akoni rests on the twin pillars of intelligent design and honest luxury. Our goal is to accelerate the evolution of eyewear, by melding together the best in finesse and innovation. In every area—design, materials, finishes and functionality—we will always be the one pushing the envelope, to deliver the type of quality and design that our customers are searching for.”
Rosario Toscano, Akoni Group CEO and Co-founder
“Authenticity and transparency form Akoni’s soul—but its beating heart is our people. We hand-picked a diverse, multi-cultural, global team with unmatched expertise, passion and commitment, as well as decades of combined eyewear and luxury industry success. By leveraging our collective talents, experience and long-standing relationships with Japan’s finest eyewear artisans and craftspeople, Akoni will remain true to intelligent and honest luxury.”
Salma Rachid, Akoni Creative Director and Co-founder
BALMAIN ARMY
ABOUT US
For more than 75 years Balmain Paris has been inventively building upon a unique and instantly recognizable silhouette, style and attitude that highlights the singular craftsmanship of the Maison.
Akoni Group has managed to skillfully incorporate the singular DNA and easily recognized codes of the historic Parisian house into Balmain Eyewear collection. The strong, often audacious, style of the eyewear collection reflects the assertive and confident spirit of today’s Balmain Army.
The intricate details and high level of craftsmanship echo that of Balmain’s famed ateliers and Japanese artisans behind Akoni Group’s success.
The gold touches recall Pierre Balmain’s signature golden Medallions and gilded buttons. The details and high level of craftsmanship echo Balmain’s famed ateliers.
Made in Japan by expert craftspeople using only the finest materials and time-honored and cutting-edge production techniques.
Some products are made. Others are given life.
ABOUT US
Founded in Australia during 2003, AM Eyewear established an artisan approach to crafting exceptional eyewear – upscale daily staples for the fashion-conscious. Over the last 20 years, AM has matured into a global lifestyle brand. Each set of frames forms as an extension of a person; a personality with soul, and a life well beyond a mere fashion item. Born out of a fanatical love of old school frames that were difficult to find in Australia, AM Eyewear has grown rapidly from a cheeky young upstart into a cult brand respected around the globe.
Drawing on our Australian Made namesake, AM’s mission to create beautiful and exceptional eyewear soon matured into a global wholesale company with leading optical and fashion stockists worldwide. Handcrafted in Italy and Japan, using a combination of Titanium plated with real Gold and Acetates from Japan and Italy, AM Eyewear sunglasses are fitted with co-branded nylon Carl Zeiss lenses and Gold ET AR back coating.
Designed by hand using traditional methods, each step in the manifestation of a frame uses processes passed on by master artisans, combined with the latest in eyewear technology, but only ever truly complete once they are worn. With so much effort going into the design and manufacture of every frame, we choose to dedicate every design to the person who has inspired it.
In an industry where multinational companies are all about the numbers sold, AM Eyewear’s ethos is to be a creator of eyewear and not a counter of eyewear.Funder: Kumar (Simon) Ponnusamy – Our ethos is simple; to design beautiful, unique and exceptional eyewear that makes a difference. From ideation to delivery, we create with respect.
See through the difference.
AM Eyewear
Be Kind To Others