Eyestylist

Belgian spectacle maker, Ludovic Elens takes part in London Craft Week

18th May 2026

One of Europe’s most accomplished bespoke spectacle makers (Maison d’Artisans), Elens showed a new marquetry frame at the event…..

As part of London Craft Week, the Belgian spectacle maker, Ludovic Elens, showed his bespoke spectacles at Scabal on Savile Row this month. The two companies have a close relationship and have developed a limited-edition collaboration collection of sunglasses, launched in 2025, noteworthy not only for its focus on quality and authenticity but also for its beautiful buffalo horn which is worked and polished exclusively by hand.

For the Craft Week event, Elens demonstrated the meticulous process for making bespoke spectacles to the public in a masterclass. Elens uses remarkable materials such as natural horn, antique wood, cellulose acetate from two exclusive Italian suppliers, and, in some designs, precious stones and special inlays, creating fine-fitting frames according to particular wishes and needs.

The new marquetry frame by the Maison d’Artisans – shown for the first time in London – is designed and crafted in buffalo horn, inlaid with the same precision used in cabinetmaking with Cuban mahogany, boxwood and mother-of-pearl. The pieces have been assembled into a star pattern set into the natural horn base and the pattern has been engraved on the upper section of the lenses to create a truly surprising and unique decorative effect. Above: Ludovic Elens at Scabal, May 2026 – London Craft Week

Brown sunglasses with a geometric, starburst-pattern frame and dark lenses on a beige background. — Ludovic Elens Maison d’Artisans – a new marquetry frame shown at London Craft Week – May 2026 – the frame takes over 50 hours to create

Also exhibited during the masterclass event were frames in the Jazz Collection, a limited series of designs by the Maison d’Artisans, available in bespoke sizing, materials and colours, and some of the most unique pieces created by the artisans, including a design decorated with egg shell using the Japanese Rankaku “mosaic” lacquerware technique for the setting.

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Handmade Ludovic Elens frame (centre) featuring eggshell decoration

About Ludovic Elens – Founded in 2015, the Maison d’Artisans – led by Ludovic Elens – designs and creates bespoke spectacles in Brussels in an atelier in the Sabion area. Each piece is handcrafted from start to finish for single wearer, reflecting an exceptional level of craftsmanship, combining contemporary elegance with a personal approach that is now sought after worldwide. Find out more at www.ludovicelens.com

Read previous articles about Ludovic Elens at https://www.eyestylist.com/2019/01/lunetier-ludovic-brussels-belgium/ and https://www.eyestylist.com/2023/07/manalys-x-lunetier-ludovic-a-collaborative-work-of-art/

Tortoiseshell Eyeglasses with Light Beige Temples Resting on a White Round Display Pedestal Against a White Background. | Eyestylist 14th May 2026

Reviews

Yair Neuman’s latest collection: “frames that hug the wearer”

14th May 2026

“All I’m interested in really are those small elements that make an object and its user inseparable”

The latest collection from Y.Neuman presents ‘The Drawing Lessons’, where two separate concepts focus on acetate and bio nylon, materials which Yair Neuman considers honest – employed with restraint – for ultimate comfort. The Acetate range is produced in 8mm Mazzucchelli acetate combined with bespoke beta titanium temples and tips in ultra-matt gold, silver or gunmetal. The designs have brushed and polished fronts, polished edges and backs and are made in France and Japan. Above: acetate model Nov42 by Y.Neuman, with slim titanium temple design – they are designed to grip and hug the head, stopping the weight of the 8mm front from slipping forward – the colour palette is described as “nature not fashion”

Round black eyeglasses with beige temples resting on a white surface. — Y.Neuman – bio nylon frame, Jul42 – the bio nylon frames are made in Oxford, England – this style comes in three finishes: gold, gunmetal or silver

The Bio Nylon concept is plant-based, zero-waste, hyper-flexible, matched with the same titanium structural language. The flexible titanium temples are designed to work with the human face rather than simply frame it – always prioritising comfort. The frame pictured above, the Jul42, has a small, almost-round eye shape, set on a moderate bridge. “Its compactness is the point,” the designer explains here. “a frame that sits with the face, not on it.” With multiple facets across the frame’s depth, prescription lenses are easily secured and shielded from unwanted reflections.

About Y.NEUMAN: Yair Neuman is a lighting and eyewear designer working with collectors, galleries, independent retailers and private commissions. He describes the brand as a facade: “it protects me as an individual and earns trust from the work, but it isn’t the point. The objects are.” Find out more: https://y-neuman.com

Sustainable design

Otis Eyewear: the independent Australian brand is now certified B Corp

13th May 2026

Last month, OTIS Eyewear recertified as a B Corp, alongside its parent company The Leisure Collective

The independent Australian-based sunglasses brand has improved its overall Impact Score to a highly commendable 94.6, an impressive confirmation that making small changes every single day adds up to a lasting, positive difference.
“This is the result of a huge effort from the entire team,” says Nathan Omodei, Director and CEO of The Leisure Collective. “Having the B Corp stamp is an incredible achievement, but we’ve realised its true value is the process, looking closely at the day-to-day and remembering why we do what we do. It’s both a pat on the back at what the team has achieved and a reminder that there’s so much more to be done. We will absolutely continue the good work.”

Sustainability is at the core of OTIS’s culture. Born on the rugged coast of Western Australia, the brand believes that protecting the environments which inspire them starts at the source. This recertification highlights several of their ongoing initiatives.
Mineral Glass: OTIS has been using endlessly recyclable mineral glass lenses since day one, saving almost a ton of plastic each year compared to standard lenses, they say. Made from non-toxic, natural materials like sand and soda ash, these lenses deliver exceptional clarity, permanent tinting, and high UV protection, lasting far longer than plastic alternatives. Above: Otis Eyewear campaign

OTIS Eyewear: Jack Medland (Founder of Moonshine Surfboards) wears OTIS model Kingswood, an eco acetate design – featuring mineral glass lenses

Biodegradable and Bio-Based Frames: OTIS continue to evolve their Eco-Acetate range. These frames are made from renewable resources like cotton seeds and are certified biodegradable. The brand’s Eco-Grilamid frames are crafted from a bio-based resin derived from castor oil, reducing the use of fossil-fuels in production.

Hand reaching down to pick up bright red sunglasses from a sunlit sandy beach with small yellow flowers in the foreground. — Otis Eyewear – eco acetate Untitled frame

Plastic-Free Packaging: OTIS packaging is now 100% free from non-biodegradable plastic, earning a “Beyond Best Practice” rating from the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation. They have also replaced single-use plastic sleeves with a recycled PET cleaning wrap for their glasses.
As a certified B Corp, OTIS continues to audit and refine its processes. They remain dedicated to creating premium, timeless eyewear that suits everyday adventure.

Find out more about OTIS Eyewear, an award-winning Australian eyewear brand, at https://eu.otiseyewear.com

Beige Translucent Sunglasses with Dark Green Lenses Resting on a White Surface, Shown at an Angle. | Eyestylist 12th May 2026

Reviews

Article One: stylish performance

12th May 2026

Designed for people constantly in motion, the new collection by independent eyewear brand, Article One “explores the intersection of precision engineering anchored in sculptural acetate and metal design and wearable versatility”. Models AOMW2.0 in the Article One x Mission Workshop capsule and model Avalon in the main line express the essence of the latest designs

With its new Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Article One expands the evolving vision of modern American eyewear, through styles which are technically grounded, visually quite minimal and designed for people who are always on the move.

Handmade in Japan, the Spring/Summer 2026 collection continues the performance oriented independent brand’s commitment to elevated craftsmanship while introducing a confident expression of performance-driven luxury. The release explores the intersection of precision engineering anchored in sculptural acetate and metal design and wearable versatility. Avoiding overt sport aesthetics or excessive branding, the styles are nevertheless designed for every day use and the demands of a busy active wearer and feature the brand’s signature grip-fit notepad as well as other technical features. Above: AOMW2.0 in the Article One x Mission Workshop 2.0 capsule – this new design sharpens the original collab frame, offering refined proportions and a universal fit. The uni-fit bridge and OBE spring hinges lift the comfort of the frame, while TR18 polarised lenses offer crisp clarity. The style is available in timeless neutrals and seasonal hues – below, Avalon 2.0 by Article One

Close-up of oversized sunglasses with blue lenses and light gray frames, showing curved temples. — Article One: Avalon 2.0 in sage – a bold sport-luxe sun silhouette blending sculptural proportions with refined everyday versatility

A defining feature of the sunglasses collection is the integration of Article One’s new TR-18 Tritan™ sun lens platform, a next-generation BPA-free copolyester lens material selected for its optical clarity, impact resistance, and structural stability. Unlike conventional sports-oriented lens materials, TR-18 Tritan™ was chosen not simply for durability, but for its ability to deliver a cleaner and more refined visual experience while supporting the sculptural profiles central to the collection’s design language. Paired with premium acetate and metal frame constructions, the material supports an eco-conscious approach while reinforcing the collection’s future-forward design aesthetic.

“Today’s consumers want stylish performance without looking like they’re wearing performance eyewear. This collection was designed for people who move through different parts of life seamlessly, from work and travel to city and outdoor environments, and expect their eyewear to flex in the same way….” David Duralde, Chief Creative Officer, OGI + Article One

Across the collection, signature design details reinforce Article One’s evolving identity, including integrated spring hinge systems, custom fit architecture, adjustable grip-fit nose pad systems, and the brand’s distinctive interior temple-tip grip accents, which create subtle performance enhancements throughout the assortment. The collection’s colour palette combines grounded easy-to-wear neutrals with translucent mineral tones, muted industrial finishes, and layered acetate constructions inspired by natural materials, movement, and light. Find out more about the collection at www.articleoneeyewear.com

Article One is part of The Optical Foundry. Find out more about the brand portfolio at https://www.theopticalfoundry.com

Exhibit Wall with Certificates, Photos, and a Red Sculpture, Set Beside Wooden Tables in a Gallery-like Room. | Eyestylist 11th May 2026

Design + Inspiration

Morel: preserving a legacy

11th May 2026

French eyewear company Morel has an eyewear legacy dating back to 1880. Today its history and world of craftsmanship is exhibited in a permanent exhibition at the company headquarters in the Jura in France. In a conversation with Amélie Morel in New York, Eyestylist asked about the curation of the precious materials and how the story of the company unfolds….

Inaugurated in early 2025, the exhibition of company archives and eyewear dating back to the 1880s has been curated inside Morel’s headquarters located in the Jura, the spectacle making region of France. On display is a selection of around 250 of the most representative frames from Morel’s heritage, including both optical frames and sunglasses. The exhibition also features a wide range of related communication materials such as point-of-sale displays, promotional items and catalogues, as well as a variety of objects which reflect the mood and design direction through different decades. Above: illustrating the history of the family-owned company, the exhibition includes company archives, iconic Morel frames and early advertising and promotional materials – a campaign image featuring Amélie and her brothers as children is included in the display

We asked Amélie to highlight her favourite piece amongst the displays. “It’s hard to choose just one favourite,” she said, — “146 years of history can’t be summed up in a single highlight. My three favourites come from different areas: product, communication, and events. First, on the product side, model Tydée, a Morel design which perfectly illustrates our eyewear expertise. This design was developed in multiple shapes, sizes, and colours, and has sold over one million units worldwide. Made from very fine goldfilled wire, it marked a real turning point in Morel’s success and international expansion, particularly in Asia.
I am also very fond of an image from a 1976 advertising campaign. My brothers and I took part as models, which makes it an exceptional personal memory. Even today, this campaign remains highly representative of Morel’s identity.
Finally, my third highlight here is all about SILMO. Since 1967, SILMO has set the pace for new product launches and provided opportunities to meet partners from around the world. It’s a place for connection, exchange, and discovery—and a joyful moment each year for all the Morel teams.”

Modern showroom with red walls, white-framed display cases, and a collage of colorful screens on a wood-paneled wall. — Morel HQ: a permanent exhibition – showing the evolution of the historic French eyewear brand

A particular highlight in the space is a recreation of the original workshop of Jules Morel, dating back to 1880, which has been carefully preserved and presented with the original period tools, accounting books, and even the founder’s original business cards.

“What has been most interesting about creating this curated display is having a place entirely dedicated to our brand, where we can share our story—both as an industrial company and as a family. It has also allowed us to highlight the key moments, the people behind the company, and of course our craftsmanship….” Amélie Morel, Communications Director, Morel

Vintage workshop scene: wooden workbench with scattered hand tools, a blue metal press, and black-and-white photos pinned to a beam by a window. — Recreating the workshop of Jules Morel, dating back to 1880 – original tools and archived pieces from the founder’s studio

Asked to mention the most recent piece on display in the permanent exhibition, Amélie told Eyestylist: “It is a piece that dates from the 2000s featuring what were, at the time, highly innovative materials—such as wood, leather, wicker, carbon and even mother-of-pearl. These designs highlight the use of exceptional materials and showcase the craftsmanship and expertise of the artisans working here at Morel.”

Historically, Morel is perhaps particularly well-known by connoisseurs of eyewear for their gold-filled frames dating from around 1957. These wire rim designs were admired – and still are greatly – for their quality of design and refinement, using fine materials and authentic workmanship. Today the company is involved in many new directions in terms of developing their collections. They have an established collaboration collection with the world-famous architect Jean Nouvel and a relatively new line launched with the French designer, Constance Guisset.

Asked what feedback the company has received from visitors to the space so far since the opening last year, Amélie Morel observed: “Visitors generally leave feeling impressed by the richness of our history and our know-how. Honestly, they love it! We are very proud of our heritage and every chance we get to share it with our partners.”

Images by Ben Becker, published by kind permission of Morel. Find out more about the French eyewear company, Morel at https://morel.com.

Amélie Morel is Communications Director of Morel and President of SILMO Paris (since April 2017) – https://www.silmoparis.com.

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Eyestylist

Belgian spectacle maker, Ludovic Elens takes part in London Craft Week

Yair Neuman’s latest collection: “frames that hug the wearer”

Otis Eyewear: the independent Australian brand is now certified B Corp

Article One: stylish performance

Morel: preserving a legacy