Theo
When two optical wizards with the same dream happen to cross paths, nothing less than a perfect work of art can emerge. The Belgian brand Theo was born from a desire to create exceptional eyewear.
9. April 2025, Author: Barbara Garaj, Photo: Nora Sapárová
Opticians Wim Somers and Patrick Hoet were brought together by the same vision – to start their own business and craft glasses that would reflect personality and style.
How it all began
Wim Somers was working with his wife Jamme in an optical shop in the heart of Antwerp. Patrick Hoet had taken over an optician's in Bruges that he'd inherited from his mother. Both were searching for unique pieces, mainly wanting to expand their range, but they weren't finding anything special. Instead, their paths crossed and in 1987 they founded Theo together.
The brand name doesn't require much explanation. It came from an anagram of one founder's name – Patrick Hoet – and suddenly Theo existed. They started out in their shops in Antwerp and Bruges, but their eyewear sparked enormous public interest. Soon plenty of other shops began falling for their original frames.
The brand managed to climb from a small company to a significant player in the international optical market. Today Theo frames are sold in 50 countries across roughly 1,400 shops worldwide.
Two of Wim's three sons, Mik and Toon, joined the family business, while the third son Jan joined his mother at Somers Opticians. Eventually Patrick Hoet decided to sell his share to Wim, though he stayed on with the company as a frame designer.
Theo loves you!
The Belgian brand's designers collaborate on collections with various artists, creating eyewear together with a pinch of humour, perspective, and a hefty dose of fearlessness. They bring functionality, playfulness, and innovative use of colours, materials and shapes into their craft.
The brand carefully selects which opticians to work with. We're delighted that ZITA is among the chosen shops that can spread the love for design, quality and originality through their eyewear. Theo simply loves you – and you can see for yourself at Pradiareň.
