Fearless sculpted and architectural forms, bold avant-garde statements and a fresh blast of artsy colour…..this summer’s optical frames leave plenty of room for expressive new styling for the face
Absolutely every fashion channel and influencer has flagged a sunglasses trend or two for the summer season, while optical frames have been all but ignored by mainstream press. Yet our feed of new optical frame launches and updates reveals a particularly fresh wave of expressive designs and ideas on colour – offering a freedom of choice that feels liberating…
Eyestylist.com has selected six individual styles to illustrate the direction, frames that paint a picture of the boldest undercurrent in optical frame trends where breaking the rules allows for bold expression in colour and form. Above: Oscar Mamooi “avantgarde” optical model Neptune – inspired by the ephemeral ripples drawn by the wind on the sand. Mamooi’s shapes are dreamy and chic, always offering expressive yet flattering shapes and colourways – www.oscarmamooi.com
The Japanese brand, Masahiromaruyama releases unique frames based on the concept of unfinished art. This week, the brand has announced the new styles Monocle and Step, both with full-rim designs that have a striking presence. MM-0112 (above) has a refined structure with layered and distinctive detailing. The model features uniquely designed left and right end pieces on the reverse side, while the end pieces are fixed using only rivet pins. The ‘layered” effect from the front to the end pieces and temples creates added depth and character in this design. www.masahiromaruyama.com
Announced this week, Toppings by theo explores the interplay between softness, contrast and graphic elegance, playing with layering in both shape and material. The titanium structure of each frame creates precision and lightness, while the rounded acetate overlay adds softness, colour and expression. The contrast between the two materials creates a frame that feels graphic yet smooth, structured yet playful. Find out more about Toppings at www.theo.be
Nina Mûr’s Luminiers collection celebrates design as art. Each frame has an architectural structure, exploring completely new forms of aesthetic, technical and emotional expression. The collection is designed with colours for different seasons. Warm tones of lavender, ruby and yellow are suggested for summer. Nina Mûr uses its distinctive high-quality sustainable materials in Luminiers, transforming the glasses into objects of desire and contemplation—meant to be worn and displayed. https://ninamur.com/en/luminiers-collection/
For J.F. Rey, colour leads the way as the creative spark behind expressive designs. JF1599 – one of their many dazzling women’s optical styles with a summery vibe – is oversized with a geometric shape. Thhe layered acetate construction creates depth and relief. Transparencies and eye-catching colour contrasts form a graphic palette that is modern and expressive -. www.jfrey.fr
This feature was written by Clodagh Norton at Eyestylist.com. All rights reserved. AI was not used in the writing of this content.
Artan Rushidi, contemporary artist shows at Le Bar à Lunettes
The multidisciplinary artist has created an installation at the optical boutique Le Bar à Lunettes in Liège
After beginning his studies in architecture, Artan Rushidi became a contemporary artist. Today he creates artworks exclusively using shoelaces. “My work consists of tying them, assembling them, and making them bloom. I have always enjoyed standing apart, and shoelaces gradually became my medium of expression. It is a new language, but one that deeply reflects who I am.” Rushidi has worked in collaborations before, creating an installation with the famous Belgian crystal manufacturer Val Saint Lambert. “We integrating a floral knotted artwork into one of their crystal vases. It was a meeting between two forms of craftsmanship, two materials, and two different worlds.”
“It was a first experience for me, but I hope it will not be the last,” he told Eyestylist. “I enjoy challenges and the opportunity to look at things differently, to connect my work with other worlds, other environments, and to reach a different audience. This collaboration allowed me to discover a rich, inspiring, and fascinating universe.”
His latest installation is showing at Le Bar à Lunettes (www.lebaralunettes.be) in Belgium, a design boutique specialising in luxury eyewear and brands like Ahlem and Lapima. “Occupying a space, taking installations out of the studio, and seeing them come to life elsewhere is a completely new experience. I was very happy to create this first project with Le Bar à Lunettes. Thibaut has a strong artistic vision, with a slightly futuristic approach that resonates with my own practice.” Above: portrait of the artist
The artworks displayed in the boutique were created especially for Le Bar à Lunettes, which goes beyond being a simple retail space. Upstairs, an exhibition area provides a gallery space for the artist’s series of knotted canvases. The idea was to create a journey, inviting visitors to see things differently and “perhaps also to become connected to one another.”
“I would love to see more collaborations emerge, explore different themes, and build bridges between optics and my work with shoelaces,” says Artan. “Sometimes a simple encounter opens a door, and that is exactly what happened with Thibaut. I was honoured to install my work in his boutique during this “Spring” exhibition.”
Asked about how the installation unfolded, Rushidi said the creation process varies depending on my state of mind. “I can spend a few days on a piece, or several weeks. Some works contain kilometres of knotted shoelaces integrated into formats reaching up to two by two metres. Each artwork requires time, repetition, and a form of almost meditative patience.”
Asked to explain how he thinks a retail space can lend itself to an experience of art, he told us: “I truly believe that art belongs in these spaces. I like the idea that my work can surprise people, spark curiosity, and create questions among visitors entering the boutiques that host my pieces.
Sometimes you need to surprise people to leave a lasting impression, to bring art into places where it is not expected. It is an exciting challenge to occupy such unique and beautiful spaces. These encounters give the artworks a new life and create an unexpected dialogue with the public.”
Find out more about work by Artan Rushidi at www.artanrushidi.com
This Eyestylist exclusive feature was written by Clodagh Norton and published on 26th May 2026. All rights reserved. Photos by kind permission of Artan Rushidi. Eyestylist.com does not use artificial intelligence to write or edit copy published on this website.
Mik Somers, theo eyewear: “Vision empowers creativity”
In conversation with theo’s Mik Somers in New York City at LOFT, we discovered the expanding world of theo retail in Antwerp and an eyewear company that continues to grow “with more structure, and even greater vision”.
In a chat about brand building and the evolution of the brand, Somers told Eyestylist that by adding two more theo stores in the Antwerp area, they have been able to build on their relationship with nearby customers – with new experiences – while adding to the vision of the brand. The network of stores – overseen by Mik’s brother Jan, shares the same philosophy, while each location brings its own character and interpretation. Stoot Optiek in Edegem (www.stootoptiek.be) builds on the established philosophy of Somers Optiek (https://www.somersoptiek.be / https://www.eyestylist.com/2018/12/somers-optiek-colour-celebration/) – the original store in design-driven Antwerp, with its own new interpretation and selection of curated frames alongside theo eyewear. The interior of Stoot Optiek is open and light offering customers a bright contemporary gallery-like retail space where eye-catching flashes of colour and bold fittings create a relaxing place to be, ideal for conversation and an easy and convivial experience through which to find the right frame. Above: Compliments by theo is located in an iconic building in Schilde, a neighbourhood north east of Antwerp – photography by Alain Six
‘Compliments by theo’ is the most playful and accessible expression of the theo DNA. The store was born when an iconic building in Schilde became available. For Mik, Jan and Toon, it was the ultimate opportunity to build something really new. “An optical store built around one simple idea: making people happy with the glasses they wear.”
The store and its team endeavour to provide a neighbourhood destination with real energy where you can walk in for better vision and leave with something more. The decor is built with modern tactile materials, including beige terrazzo, wood veneers and stainless steel – complimented by vibrant accents.
“Here everything revolves around experience and discovery…the selection is refined, featuring national and international brands that stand out through their shape, colour and character. Not loud, but just right…” theo on Compliments
During our conversation about the stores, the discussion turned naturally to the evolution of the business and the changes that have shaped theo in recent years. Since taking over from his father, Mik explained that with his brothers he had recognised the need for “more structure and more vision” — something he believes the company has successfully established over the last few years.
That clearer framework has also brought greater definition to the collections themselves. While theo continues to deliver the originality and bold and unique character it has always been known for, through close collaboration with Patrick Hoet’s Studio, Serge Bracké and contributing designers James Van Vossel and Nathalie Crasset, the direction behind the products is now more considered and cohesive.
According to Somers, that structure has not restricted creativity but strengthened it. “Vision empowers creativity as you clearly know what you want,” he explained, noting that everyone involved in the design process has a clear understanding of the task…and the direction it is taking.
What also became evident was the value in continuity within the company. Reflecting on the long-standing relationships between theo and its collaborators, Somers suggested that while he could not say whether it was necessarily an “advantage”, it had undoubtedly created stability. “The power of the brand is the stability we offer to consumers and to opticians,” he said. “We have become very reliable as a company. Some say that theo is the most stable company in the eyewear industry. It is never outrageous — it is always there and you know what to expect. Of course there are surprises, but it will always make sense.”
That consistency has also influenced the way theo approaches its collections today. Somers rejected any suggestion that it was a matter of simply becoming more commercial. Instead he described the evolution as the result of a much clearer collection architecture. theo, he explained, has always produced commercial products alongside more avant-garde ones, but today the balance is more intentional, ensuring the full offer — from accessible everyday styles to the more experimental concepts — evolves as one from season to season.
Looking back, he admitted there were years when the collections felt less balanced, with one season leaning heavily towards the outrageous and another towards basics, creating a little unpredictability for customers and retailers alike. “You never knew what was coming next,” he reflected. “So now we do. And it works.”
So what comes now for 2026? “A lot of attention has gone on the new stores,” Mik told Eyestylist as we turn our attention to the year ahead. “This year we are refocusing on growth and working closely and really well with all our partners around the world. Stability is really important to us. This year, as well, we are continuing to invite groups of opticians to visit us in Antwerp…on 10 or 15 Mondays throughout the year.”
Find out more about theo at www.theo.be.
This feature was written by Clodagh Norton at Eyestylist.com. We do not use artificial intelligence to write or edit copy published on this website.
Colour focus: Hover and Hylde by Götti Switzerland
Round, retro-inspired glasses and a softened square statement design released by the Swiss eyewear brand
Two new ophthalmic styles by the Swiss eyewear maker – Götti Switzerland – explore colour through innovative construction of the layered material. The fronts combine several transparent layers of acetate on a darker base colour, the result of which is a vibrant interplay of colours and reflected tones when worn on the face. Both frames come in interesting, contemporary colour combinations exploring gradients, and range from an attractive olive and mocca pairing to a striking aubergine and petrol combination. Above: the two new optical styles at Götti Switzerland – launched this month
Götti Switzerland has become a reference in the eyewear industry for quality, style and fit and is particularly well-known for its 3D-printed Dimension frames and premium collections using luxurious materials like natural horn. The acetate line is popular for its combination of good “essential” design, comfort and fine finishing to achieve beautifully polished “glowing” frame surfaces. Since 1998, the acetate frames by the Swiss brand are made in collaboration with selected factories in Germany and Austria – selected by founder Sven Götti for their outstanding production quality and expertise. Find out more at www.gotti.ch
Belgian spectacle maker, Ludovic Elens takes part in London Craft Week
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
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.
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/
This feature was written by Clodagh Norton, who attended the Masterclass on Savile Row in May 2026. All rights reserved.