FAOSA (often misspelled FAOSIA) Was founded in 1925 by Jose’ Cuttler, who hired a Swiss technician and started manufacturing dramatic, artistic eyeglasses in Mexico City.
By the early 50s the factory employed 115 people and turned out 15,000 frames a month – by hand. They also opened optical boutiques in Miami and Mexico City.

The Zafiro was the most iconic of the FAOSA lineup and were seen on celebrities such as Fidel Castro and Juan G Esquivel, and Mexican president Aldolfo Ruiz Cortines.

Zafiro’s popularity soared when Buddy Holly began wearing them. According to Holly’s optician (J. Davis Armistead, O.D.) ‘They became a distinct part of him’.