The company was founded 1970 in Germany by Hans Stepper (Optician) and Bernhard Ide (Mechanical Engineer) and named Stepper & Ide.

The target was to develop and manufacture molded spectacle frames of high quality. In that time moulding was recognized as an inferiour technology for optical frames because only very cheap sunglasses were made in that way.

After some years of experimenting the new moulded product was well received by the market and SI became known internationally as a manufacturer of good fitting, comfortable eyewear.

However, in the nineties increasing costs forced the company out of Germany and, after an intermezzo in England, Stepper Eyewear was taken over by ARTS Optical in Hong Kong as the major part of ARTS’ brand business.

With access to the latest technologies and experienced manpower, Stepper and StepperS are fast growing brands in the portfolio of “EyeConcept”, ARTS’ brand devoted subsidiary.