theo is an anagram for Hoet. In 1987, two opticians named Wim Somers and Patrick Hoet, had had enough of the mainstream glasses they were selling. They decided to launch a collection themselves under the name theo. Now, more than 20 years later, Patrick Hoet is still exclusively designing for theo while Wim Somers is the big boss. Both felt the need to thoroughly change the landscape of spectacles.


Quirky, humorous with their outrageous shapes and rainbow palette, theo eyewear has redefined those daring enough to stand out. Modern frame technology is mixed with envelope-pushing designs. Metal frames that look like they are worn the wrong side up, so thin and flat that they look like toy cardboard cut-outs are part of the order of artistry from this amazing collection, handmade in Belgium. The acetates are equally eye-opening, with magnificent splashes of colour and bold contours following the natural bone structure. Fun is an understatement.