FAOS: THE GREEK SUNGLASSES DESIGNED TO STAY WITH US FOR YEARS

An interview with George Avramis, Founder of FAOS
Originally published on Jenny.gr

Greek eyewear brand FAOS doesn’t simply aim to protect our eyes; it wants to offer us a unique experience every time we wear it.

When we first came across FAOS sunglasses, several things immediately caught our attention: the design, the quality, the lenses, the style and the comfort. They brought together everything we were looking for in a pair of sunglasses and everything the team behind the brand had in mind when they set out to create FAOS from the ground up.

Today, FAOS has built a growing following around the world, is preparing to open its own store at the historic Arsakeion Megaron in Athens, and is becoming one of our favourite eyewear choices for summer and beyond. Brand founder George Avramis tells us more about the journey behind FAOS.

When did the FAOS journey begin, and what was the original vision behind the brand?

The idea for FAOS was born many years ago, but at the time, the conditions weren’t right for us to achieve the level of quality we consider essential for a contemporary European brand. In 2022, we finally found the right partners and were able to meet the standards we had been looking for. This allowed us to launch our first collection in 2023 — with enthusiasm, an obsession with detail and, admittedly, a certain sense of pride.

Why FAOS? What does light mean to you, and how does that translate into a pair of sunglasses?

FAOS means “light” in ancient Greek, and in a single word it captures both our inspiration and the need we want our products to fulfil.

It is our inspiration because light is what gives colour and substance to every moment we experience. And it represents a need because we want to enjoy that light freely, without compromising the health or comfort of our eyes.

What is the process behind creating a frame, from the initial idea until it reaches our hands?

A handcrafted pair of FAOS sunglasses goes through a journey of at least seven months before reaching its final destination.

It begins with inspiration and design — both product and industrial design. The raw materials then arrive from Italy and France, before the technical production process takes over. The acetate sheet that will form the front of the frame is cut, the temples and metal structural components are shaped, and the pieces are polished in specialised rotating drums before undergoing finishing techniques that require both time and patience.

Finally, the lenses are cut and fitted into the frame, and every pair undergoes a rigorous quality-control process. The production stage alone represents a journey of at least five months.

How closely do you follow fashion trends?

Quite closely, but consciously never completely.

FAOS expresses a relaxed, Mediterranean way of life rather than high fashion. Just as our summers and our most beautiful moments have something timeless about them, we approach our products in the same way — designing them to stay with you for years, rather than for just one or two seasons.

What was the biggest challenge in building a Greek eyewear brand?

Proving that a Greek brand can stand confidently alongside any international name.

We collaborate with factories around the world, but our raw materials, specifications and quality-control processes follow the same strict standards one would expect from the most established names in the eyewear industry.

How do you stand out in a market filled with international brands?

Through the emotion you create.

Buying a product today is an experience; it is a decision that develops over time. To earn someone’s choice among so many alternatives, we have to offer something that is genuinely our own: a product, an emotion and a sense of optimism about the moments they will experience while wearing it.

How do you see sunglasses — as a functional accessory, a fashion piece or a statement item?

As a memory you can wear.

Sunglasses often frame our faces during some of the best moments of our lives — in a group photograph, a video or a selfie. They remain part of those memories forever, and whenever we wear them again, they remind us of what we experienced and how we felt at that particular moment.

Your personal favourite from this year’s collection?

Serifos.

It is, in a way, the sibling — and neighbouring island identity — of our signature Kythnos model. The two share several characteristics in the front of the frame, but Serifos has a distinctly more retro character, created for those who consciously choose to stand out, and to do so with style.

Discover the full FAOS collection at www.faosconcept.gr