Holiday Gift Guide-Stocking Stuffers-STATE Optical Company

Disclosure: This is not a compensated or sponsored post. I was provided the product for review purposes only. All opinions expressed here are my own.

For years eyewear design and manufactured has been split into 2 areas, luxury craftsmanship in European markets like Italy and France versus low cost, mass production frames in high production markets like China. Enter the team behind STATE Optical Company. The first luxury eyewear brand to be designed and manufactured in the USA.

It takes about 75 steps to manufacture one pair of acetate eyeglasses; about 50% of these have to be done by hand. Each of those steps takes place in the STATE Optical factory in Vernon Hills, Illinois. The designs are created in Northern California by head designer, Blake Kuwahara.

The only two elements that aren’t currently produced in the States are the hinges (made by German OBE) and the raw material (made mostly by Italian Mazzuchelli). The dream is that if we are able to prove there’s a market for a luxury brand of eyewear produced here in the US, and we can bring a brand new cache to the phrase, “Made in America”.

STATE Optical Co. is very new to the market, but already having a big impact and is drawing a lot of attention. The reception for this brand has been big. There is a demand within the industry for American made eyewear and these are wonderful. STATE is more than the name of the brand, it speaks to our STATE of mind, advancing the STATE of the industry, and of course, the STATE we’re proud to call home

If you are looking for that special gift for someone this holiday season that is hard to get for. These would be perfect for them.