How a small Australian sunglasses brand became a global success

Australia’s OTIS Eyewear celebrates 25 trips around the sun this year. Born in 2000 from humble roots in a small surf town in WA, they’re now a booming brand in the USA, New Zealand, UK and Europe, as well as at home. The journey hasn’t been easy though. In 2012 they almost shut the business down. It was a turning point that marked a renewal of their commitment to quality, timeless style and more sustainable practices.

“The aftermath of the global financial crisis really put us on the back foot,” explains OTIS Director & CEO, Nathan Omodei. “It was basically cut our losses or dig in and give it a final go. The team decided there was both too much history and future potential there, so went all in. We came out with a handful of breakthrough designs and expanded into a whole bunch of new territories. It was like we were a startup a decade in. We’ve tried to keep that adventurous spirit since and it’s paid off”.

OTIS pioneered the use of mineral glass lenses in the lifestyle space in Australia. The highly scratch resistant, optically precise and endlessly recyclable material continues to be the world’s pinnacle option for sunglasses. They also developed certified biodegradable frame materials in their Eco-Acetate and radically reduced plastic in their packaging. This year, OTIS have launched an Optical Range online, giving those who need prescription lenses the ability to get their favourite styles for all-day, all-year use.   

To celebrate a quarter of a century as a ‘small giant’, OTIS will be looking back to look forward in 2025. They’re releasing highlight stories from their journey, plus dropping special styles with badging inspired from archive designs.

To take a look at their bright past and future, head to otiseyewear.com for more.

OUR STORY | OTIS was founded to transcend the boundaries between style, durability, sustainability & technical excellence. Born on the rugged, surf-rich coast of Western Australia in 2000, we create sunglasses that look good, last the distance and complement an eclectic lifestyle. Welcome to OTIS.