Teddys Eyewear

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Theodore Bliss is a fifth-generation Californian who grew up working on his family's avocado farm. As a surfer, artist and collector of exotic cars, he has always had a passion for things handmade. On a trip to Lake Como in Italy, Bliss came across a beautiful pair of sunglasses made by local artisans and was inspired to continue the tradition of handcrafted Italian eyewear. He blended tried-and-true shapes of the past with the modern refinements of the future, and his unique brand was born. Teddys Eyewear is expertly crafted, shaped, finished and assembled in micro batches over eight to 14 weeks by skilled artisans from a small family-run eyewear factory located just outside of Rome. All pieces are authentically different from one another and made from only the finest Italian components, materials and lenses to ensure the highest quality. "I wanted to present a collection of eyewear in limited production inspired by California classics but featuring contemporary details," Bliss says.