The Japanese accessories brand launched its handcrafted patchwork leather eyewear cases at Mido earlier this year – they are among the most popular styles of the season in this collection, thanks to a level of refinement and finishing that is rare in the business
Diffuser Tokyo, the Japanese eyewear accessories brand known for design excellence and innovation – continues to grow its accessory collections produced to compliment fine eyewear. The patchwork leather eyewear cases are among the latest pieces, and showcase outstanding craftsmanship by one of Japan’s finest leather manufacturers, SOMÉS Saddle. The cases feature a unique patchwork construction made from premium-quality leather, fine stitching and attractive detailing that also ensures the products will withstand the test of time. Above: leather case by Diffuser Tokyo with SOMÉS Saddle, one of their outstanding new pieces for 2026
“It is a product that is rarely seen, even within the leather goods industry, and we believe it truly reflects the highest level of Japanese craftsmanship….” Masaki Hirose, Diffuser Tokyo
SOMÉS Saddle is a Japanese leather goods manufacturer known for its equestrian saddlery and finely crafted leather bags. Many of the products they create are handmade using specialist techniques developed for equestrian equipment where characteristics such as strength and durability are essential. Diffuser Tokyo is a leading maker of fine eyewear accessories. The brand has collaborated with some of the world’s most renowned eyewear brands. Find out more about the full collection at https://www.diffuser-tokyo.com
LOFT Eyewear Show returns to Santa Monica in October
The latest edition in California – created for independent eyewear brands and designers and the optical retail community – will showcase design and innovation for the new season while creating a live meeting point for connection, education, discussion and networking
Taking place on 16th to 17th October 2026, LOFT ‘s Santa Monica edition is considered one of the premiere trade-only events for the independent optical community in the US. For the second year in a row, the event will take place at the historic Santa Monica Post Office, described as a landmark building a few blocks from the beach in the heart of downtown Santa Monica, a beautiful setting for the international eyewear collections and brands that show as part of LOFT each year. The West-coast event hosts a CE program led by Kayla Ashlee from SPEXY, a well-respected training and education company for optometric staff and practice leadership. Above: the 2025 edition was the first LOFT show to take place at the historic venue in Santa Monica
For more information visit www.lofteyewearshow.com
Fine art as fashion: a-morir announces new crystal capsule, “Handle With Care”
Creative handmade eyewear “at the intersection of bespoke eyewear and fine art” – created by Kerin Rose Gold
The dazzling handmade frames draw lineage from WWI Dazzle camouflage and the fractured geometries of 20th century Cubism, with each frame conceived as a subversive objet d’art. Custom trompe l’oeil dimensional forms are 3D printed in studio and meticulously hand embellished in 360 degrees with fine machine-cut European crystals by the brand’s atelier artisans in the New York City studio. Kerin Rose Gold describes each piece as a wearable sculpture that is as confounding to facial recognition technology as it is breathtaking to the human eye. Above: model Wilkinson by a-morir – each design is crafted exclusively for the wearer upon order
The Capsule includes two version of Wilkinson in black and silver, two versions of Lismer in black and silver and a fabulous “lifted” square frame with a “topping” of crystals called Thayer. Adding to the excitement, a-morir launches the designs at the same time as a new website, designed to encapsulate the world of a-morir through 18 years. Take a look at the collection and the new site at https://shop.a-morir.com
Eyestylist.com has written about a-morir multiple times through 15 years; their first handmade product to appear on the site was the incredibly striking floral style called Phillips (https://www.eyestylist.com/2012/03/trend-series-springs-statement-sunglasses-6/ . One of our interviews with the New York designer can be found at https://www.eyestylist.com/2019/11/kerin-rose-gold-a-morir-is-11-years-old/
Eyewear innovation in 2026
Three expressive, innovative and entirely different designs that explore unusual construction, materiality and deconstruction
KOMONO x Maximilian Raynor First introduced on the runway during London Fashion Week as part of Maximilian Raynor’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, “I’ll Cry If I Want To”, the KOMONO x Maximilian Raynor collaboration has evolved as a dedicated eyewear capsule. “With this collaboration, we wanted to translate a strong narrative into wearable design,” says Maximilian Raynor. Blending personal memory with theatrical storytelling, the apparel collection by Raynor evokes a cinematic world where past and present collide, from ghostly birthday scenes and Royal Air Force pilots to 1920s silhouettes and handcrafted garments passed down through generations. Above: Maximilian Raynor SS26 backstage – photography by Sandra Ebert provided by KOMONO
The distinctive vision was translated into a capsule collection of two styles (Rope, pictured above, and another style called Core), with each frame being made in three colourways (Cognac, Maple + Black). Subtle yet expressive details such as metal accents and punk-inspired hardware reference Raynor’s signature design language, resulting in frames that merge emotional storytelling with functional, everyday eyewear. For model Rope, a bold dual structure features an upper front section in acetate with a metal chain “rim’ below. Broad, structural temples feature a section cut from the acetate that matches the lens and a metallic “decorative” bar. For more details visit www.komono.com
KUBORAUM Gorgone LTD Edition Series Inspired by the ancient Greek Gorgons, guardians poised between the human and the divine, Kuboraum presented “Gorgone” as a very limited release. In this LTD Edition, the Masks’ acetate surfaces are amplified by hand-applied metal embellishments that seem to pierce through the rim and coil around the lenses like serpents, echoing a myth rooted in metamorphosis and protection. Find out more at www.kuboraum.com
MM6 Maison Margiela Lunettes 6 Noires In complete contrast, headlining the sunglasses collection for SS26, MM6 Maison Margiela Lunettes 6 revisits an iconic archival silhouette through a pure shield construction, rendered in black. Beyond this flagship model, deconstruction remains a guiding principle, expressed through a more restrained, minimalist language. The model was released earlier in the year. It has been compared by commentators to the iconic L’Incognito sunglasses created in 2008. Find out more at retrosuperfuture.com
This feature was written and compiled by Clodagh Norton on 27th June 2026. All rights reserved. An Exclusive by Eyestylist.com – AI was not used to write this design feature.
FOLC explores expression in bold acetate frames
The summer collection by FOLC features frames with sculptural dimensions, created in exquisite Mediterranean colours and gradient acetates, rich in depth and nuance
In a campaign by the Barcelona-based documentary and editorial photographer, Albert Bonsfills, entitled “La Sobremesa“, FOLC reveals its most spectacular acetate designs for the season, in a mood inspired by the feeling of pleasure that comes from slowing down and enjoying the moment – where taking one’s time is a luxury. The collection is based on a palette inspired by the Southern landscapes of Spain, where earthy khaki tones meet stunning luminous aquamarines. From muted olive hues to translucent sea greens, the collection explores colour through depth, freshness and natural sophistication.
Highlights include model Otira, a voluminous sunglass shape inspired by retro silhouettes and sculptural curved volumes. Defined by its bold front and soft contours, the frame balances statement proportions with fluid lines, creating a distinctive design that feels both timeless and contemporary. Above: model Otira by FOLC – in Taupe
Model Lur (above) takes its name from the Basque word for land. Its shape draws inspiration from the quiet strength and steady character of the earth, reflecting a deep connection with nature. Defined by balanced proportions and grounded lines, model Lur by FOLC embodies a sense of authenticity, resilience, and timeless ease.
Model Rosy has a beautiful architectural shape with thick rims and a curvaceous structure. The style comes in translucent tones of amber and light aquamarine. All the frames at FOLC are produced in fine quality acetate in Italy. The brand emphasises slow design, local small-batch production and a refined, timeless style with particular appeal for design aficionados and eyewear specialists. Find out more about the latest models at www.folc-eyewear.com