Theo Eyewear: The Story Behind the Boldest Glasses in the World | Part One

At The Optical Gallery, we don’t just sell eyewear—we curate identities. If you see glasses as more than just a necessity, then you need to know about Theo Eyewear—a brand that completely redefines what eyewear can be.

In Part One of our exclusive Theo Eyewear deep dive, we explore:
✅ The origins of Theo Eyewear – How two Antwerp opticians revolutionised the eyewear industry.
✅ Who runs Theo today – Meet the family carrying the brand into the future.
✅ The visionary internal designers – The creative minds shaping Theo’s identity.
✅ Theo’s unique collections – A look at some of their most iconic designs.
✅ The Optical Gallery’s Exclusive Theo Exhibition – Your chance to experience Theo like never before.

🎥 Watch Part One Below! ⬇️

The Story of Theo: Eyewear Without Limits

Theo Eyewear began in Antwerp, Belgium, with two opticians—Patrick Hoet and Wim Somers—who wanted to create something radically different. In an era when glasses were purely functional, they saw an opportunity:

What if eyewear was designed like art?

By playing with unexpected colours, asymmetric shapes, and experimental materials, Theo quickly became a favourite among people who saw glasses as an extension of their personality—not just a tool for vision.

🎨 Fun Fact: The name “Theo” was created by rearranging the letters in "Hoet," one of the founder’s surnames. It was simple, playful, and captured their creative philosophy perfectly.

A Family-Run Brand with a Passion for Eyewear

Fast forward to 2017, Theo underwent a major transformation. Wim Somers took full ownership of the company, but Patrick Hoet continued to design for Theo’s Eyewitness Collection—a signature line of asymmetrical and unconventional frames.

But this wasn’t just a business move—it was about keeping Theo’s vision alive. Today, the Somers family runs the company:

👓 Toon Somers – The creative leader who works closely with Theo’s designers.
📢 Mik Somers – The strategic brain behind marketing and operations.
🏪 Jan Somers – Manages Theo’s retail and distribution.

With this next generation at the helm, Theo continues to push boundaries and reinvent eyewear for those who refuse to blend in.

Meet Theo’s Internal Designers – The Creative Minds Behind the Frames

Theo isn’t just a brand—it’s a design powerhouse. Behind the scenes, some of the most talented eyewear designers are creating frames that defy expectations.

✨ Patrick Hoet – A true pioneer, known for innovations like 3D-printed titanium frames and laser-cut steel eyewear. His Eyewitness Collection remains one of the most recognisable in Theo’s lineup.

🎨 Ti Vandenbroucke – Originally from Hoet, she joined Theo and brought playful, artistic storytelling into her collections, including Pinball, Artisme, and Stained Glass.

🖌️ Serge Bracké – A master of vibrant, imaginative designs, responsible for collections like Mosaic, Pop Art, and Steam Trains, inspired by artistic movements and everyday creativity.

Theo’s Iconic Collections – Eyewear That Tells a Story

Unlike most eyewear brands, Theo doesn’t just release frames—they create collections with a purpose.

👁️ The Eyewitness Collection – Famous for its asymmetry and imperfect balance, making every pair feel completely unique.

🎱 Pinball – Inspired by the movement of pinball machines, featuring ball-like elements on the temple tips and track-like details.

🖼️ Mosaics – Initially controversial but now a favourite, this collection combines small lens sizes with intricate acetate designs.

🎨 Painter Palettes – Inspired by the way artists mix colours, these frames layer translucent acetates to create unique, shifting hues.

At The Optical Gallery, we love introducing clients to Theo’s collections because they’re not just frames—they’re wearable art.

Experience Theo First-Hand – Theo Eyewear London Takeover Exhibition

Want to experience every Theo frame in every colourway? We’re hosting a one-of-a-kind Theo Exhibition on 17th May 2025 in Twickenham!

This is your chance to:
✅ Try on Theo’s most iconic frames in their full range of colours.
✅ Meet our expert team for personalised eyewear styling consultations.
✅ Learn more about Theo’s unique designs and why they’re a global phenomenon.
✅ Discover exclusive lens customisation options from Marma London to complement your chosen Theo frame.

🎟️ Tickets are FREE – but spaces are limited!

🔹

Why Theo Eyewear? Is It for You?

Theo isn’t for everyone—and that’s exactly why people love it.

✅ If you want glasses that make a statement, Theo is for you.
✅ If you believe eyewear should be as expressive as your clothing, Theo is for you.
✅ If you appreciate art, design, and craftsmanship, Theo is for you.

💡 And here’s the best part: Theo sets the trends that other brands try to copy.

Find Your Perfect Theo Frames – Let’s Talk Eyewear!

At The Optical Gallery, we take Theo Eyewear beyond the store shelf. We offer:

🔹 Expert eyewear styling consultations – Whether in-store or via video call, we help you find the perfect Theo frame for your face, style, and personality.
🔹 Custom lens solutions – We craft lenses that match not just your prescription, but your lifestyle.
🔹 A completely personalised experience – Because eyewear should be about YOU, not just another sale.

📞 Book a FREE Video Consultation Today!
💻 https://opticalgallery.co.uk/pages/contact

📍 Visit Us in Twickenham, Chessington & Cheam Village

🚀 Stay Tuned for Part Two! In the next video, we’ll explore Theo’s craftsmanship, their latest collections, and why their frames are truly worth the investment.