History | LOTOS Eyewear

Pioneering Excellence

With an unbroken legacy of over 150 years in business, LOTOS's heritage spans five generations of successors and two esteemed families, its glorious history paving the way for a bright and enduring future. Starting in high-end jewelry, the company later extended its artistry into the crafting of state-of-the-art eyewear, paying tribute to both its heritage and its future in the union of tradition and innovation.

1872

LOTOS founded in the "City of Gold"

In the enchanting town of Pforzheim, Germany, Philipp Döppenschmitt, hailing from Hanau, established LOTOS with the emblem of the lotus flower, symbolizing beauty and purity. As the brand flourished, it gained global recognition for its diverse range of meticulously crafted and intricately designed jewelry masterpieces. The brand's original design patterns, sketchbooks, and jewelry creations were first curated in the world-renowned Pforzheim Jewelry Museum where they remain on display to this day; the German government, additionally, cherishes these treasures in the archives of the municipal government.

LOTOS, with its rich heritage spanning more than a century and a half, continues to captivate with its commitment to excellence, blending the worlds of jewelry and eyewear into a harmonious symphony of luxury and craftsmanship.

1958

The Magnificent New Beginning

It was LOTOS's many achievements as a pioneer in the jewelry industry that laid the foundation for the brand's illustrious repositioning as an eyewear manufacturer. Reinhold Schmidt, a master goldsmith from Eisingen who would assume the mantle of leadership as the fourth-generation steward of the LOTOS company, embarked on a new chapter by crafting his first batch of 18K gold eyewear components and frames. His extraordinary metalworking skills, together with his innovative techniques and frame designs, garnered global attention, giving rise to an unparalleled luxury eyewear collection. The bejewelled masterpieces he created not only won multiple international exposition awards, but also captured the attention and admiration of well-known brands both locally and internationally, who entrusted LOTOS with the creation of their own precious eyewear. In 2007, Reinhold Schmidt was honoured by the German government with the title of Golden Graduated Goldsmith Master, for his many contributions during 50 years of dedication to the industry.

1987

The Dawn of a New Era

The reins of the LOTOS family business were passed on to Stephan Schmidt, the son of Goldsmith Master Reinhold Schmidt and the fifth-generation descendant. From that point forward, Stephan focused on developing the high-end eyewear business. He actively explored global markets, regularly participating in international exhibitions in Paris, London, New York, Moscow, Tokyo, and more. These endeavors reshaped the brand's image and brought LOTOS eyewear to every corner of the world. In the 1990s, the brand made its debut in Japan, receiving widespread acclaim from Japanese luxury enthusiasts. Its allure gradually swept across Asia, and its success story extended into the next century. After over 30 years of rapid development, LOTOS 18K gold eyewear can now be found in nearly every region, leaving its mark as a symbol of opulence and craftsmanship.

2000

Milestone in the Brand’s Development

The turn of the millennium marked a significant milestone in LOTOS' development, as the brand continued to embody the essence of traditional handmade jewelry while also developing unique carving techniques and jewelry inlaying skills. In 2003, the brand established a new headquarters and introduced high-end auxiliary equipment, representing a perfect fusion of modern craftsmanship and the spirit of the artisans. In 2010, LOTOS entered into a partnership with Puyi Optical, further expanding its presence in the Chinese and Asian luxury eyewear markets. The brand achieved remarkable sales success in the Greater China region and celebrated the grand opening of its first global flagship store at Shanghai IFC Mall in 2013.

2022

LOTOS' 150th Anniversary

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the brand, LOTOS flagship store in Shanghai IFC Mall underwent a stunning renovation. The store embraced a serene and elegant black color scheme, complemented by luxurious crystal and marble decorations with exquisite gold elements. The store also featured a new multi-dimensional "DUO" pattern design, showcasing the fusion of LOTOS' century-old exquisite craftsmanship and contemporary innovative spirit. The brand's goldsmith also created a series of commemorative masterpieces. Among them was the "LOTOS VISION" from the One-of-One" collection — a creation featuring 151 marquise-cut diamonds, each meticulously cut and faceted to capture and reflect light with precision, creating a dazzling profile and emanating a brilliant charm. Each diamond shape also resembled a small boat, symbolizing the brand's journey through the currents of history.