“My brother and I both have a love for eyewear and, as a way of bonding, we used to share eyewear, and it was always a point of excitement for us to get something new and cool,” explains Osei. “The inspiration for Bôhten came from wanting to create something more reflective of those of us who have traveled and moved around and all the inspirations from across the world and the places and the experiences that we have had. But ultimately, it was rooted in Ghana and us being from here.”

Boasting an aesthetic that, according to Osei, is inspired by Kwahu's rich, earthy color palette, Bôhten’s exuberant collections redefine classic eyewear, their luxurious and sustainable nature offering a rustic twist on elegance. Their customer is a traveler, Osei says, a self-aware storyteller that is actively seeking to make their mark on the world and look chic while doing so. Featuring both classic styles including aviators and wayfarers as well as more unconventional designs that utilize a variety of materials, their collections exude a spirit that’s at once modern and retro. “Our creative process draws a lot from the types of materials that we use, the type of shapes that inspire us, as well as a lot of other random things like texture, landscapes, history, and heritage,” Osei reveals, “Most importantly, it’s finding ways to connect the dots between our ideas and the things that have come before us, and using those connections to tell a story.” 

The process of their creation is slow, considered, and as stated by Osei, powered by the question, ‘What else is possible?’. Currently, their design system draws from both an internal team of consultants and artisans. This begins with a written breakdown of an idea which then morphs into a sketch before moving into 2D rendering, and occasionally 3D rendering. Once the render is done, the prototyping of the product begins, eventually progressing into its final stage of production. What the brand is most known for however is its commitment to sustainability. When pressed about this Osei is quick to express that this commitment extends beyond simply ensuring the materials they work with are environmentally friendly. He recalls a quote by Liz Ricketts, an educator and founder of The Or Foundation whose work looks at overconsumption and overproduction, that has stuck with him. It perfectly sums up Bôhten’s approach to going green: “Sustainability is not a product.”