Eyestylist

Blackfin at MIDO

Sunglasses re-edition reexplores statement-making concept

The Italian eyewear brand Blackfin is announcing new versions of their ARC and SLOT styles at the Milan fair this weekend, reimagining the two styles and giving them a new refinement and character. For the new styles, the lines have become more angular and defined and the shapes optimized for a premium fit, with the idea of creating a very precise balance between aesthetics, comfort and functionality. The two styles are called ARC-R and SLOT-R. Above: ARC-R from Blackfin – launching at MIDO this weekend

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Blackfin Slot-R sunglasses

For the two models, the range of colours selected reflects Blackfin’s desire to give the styles a new look. Five hues are offered including Blackfin Black, Olympic Blue and Iridescent Grey, an unexpected shimmering finish that fades subtly between grey and green and violet and lilac. All the styles have smoke grey lenses. The  company has also produced two numbered Special Editions – in colourways with the description ‘Lunar White Gold and Obsidian Black Gold’ – both of which have been treated with state-of-the-art Nano-Plating PVD coating. For more information visit www.blackfin.eu

Linda Farrow: Simon Jablon on luxury eyewear and a special appearance at Mido ’25

In an exclusive interview and an all time first on Eyestylist, Linda Farrow’s son, Simon talks about the UK brand and its heritage as well as announcing a very special guest appearance for the MIDO event 2025: his mother will be at the show to meet visitors as the brand launches the Iconic collection, a stunning design collection with a campaign featuring Linda Farrow as the model.

LINDA FARROW has an incredible history dating back to 1970, when your mother first created the brand. How have you built upon that extraordinary legacy since you reintroduced the brand in 2003? My mother redefined the eyewear industry elevating sunglasses and optical glasses into a statement accessory. She challenged conventions and pushed creative boundaries with her designs. Upon relaunching the brand in 2003, we were able to revitalise the eyewear market by steering away from the generic designs we saw everywhere else by re-introducing some of her more unique vintage pieces. As the company has grown and we continue to introduce trend lend designs we are very careful to stay true to the brands original DNA – timeless elegance with a modern twist. Today we honour her legacy by combining bold innovation with a commitment to enduring sophistication and high quality. Above: Linda Farrow and Simon Jablon – Linda Farrow stars in the new campaign for the Iconic collection

From left to right: Julian Jablon, Linda Farrow and Simon Jablon as a young boy

What do you remember most about your mother’s passion for eyewear design when you were younger, and – during her career – was she an entrepreneurial creative as well as artist/designer? My mother was a visionary designer who saw eyewear not just as a practical necessity, but as a creative canvas, and pioneered the concept of designer sunglasses long before it became an industry standard. Her passion wasn’t just about creating beautiful frames, but about making them a bold form of personal expression that challenged traditional design conventions. She understood the intersection of fashion, art and functionality long before it became a mainstream concept. Her designs were not just about aesthetic appeal but about creating pieces that told a story, that made the wearer feel inspired and empowered. She was both an artist and a business woman who understood how to turn her creative vision into a ground-breaking brand that stood the test of time.

Archive picture of Linda Farrow working  in her studio

What was the biggest challenge in re-building the brand in 2003, and how have things over the years from your personal perspective, I’m sure there have been some challenges as well as good times? We had to reposition ourselves in a competitive and overly commercialised market, demonstrating that we were more than just another eyewear label, but a design-driven brand with a rich heritage of innovation. As the brand evolved, we encountered challenges in maintaining our design integrity while adapting to changing consumer preferences. The most critical aspect of our rebuild was preserving my mother’s original vision of innovative, boundary-pushing design while creating a sustainable, modern fashion brand.

Linda Farrow continues to be singled out as an example of a highly successful family-owned independent eyewear label…with a global following. How much do you value “independence” in the current climate and in an optical world which is dominated by massive players and mass production? Our independence allows us complete creative freedom. Our design philosophy is to actively challenge conventional and mass-market eyewear designs through bold experimentation and risk taking. Our commitment to innovation is exemplified by working with unusual material such as buffalo horn, sterling silver or palladium, each carefully selected to push the aesthetic and technical boundaries of luxury eyewear.

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With so much focus on craftsmanship and artisan techniques – and particularly Japanese expertise, what for you are the really exciting developments achieved in your collections in the last few years? Mention any particular steps you have taken in terms of adding to the already luxurious quality and innovation-led design work found across the Linda Farrow collections…we know much thought and passion goes into developing product at this high level? Renowned in the industry for their meticulous precision and exceptional technical expertise, we can guarantee unparalleled luxury and craftsmanship in all our Japanese hand-crafted frames. As we ensure to prioritise quality, all LINDA FARROW’s frames are precisely cut, finely polished and assembled, hence why our lead time is longer.

Surrealist collection – Autumn/Winter 2025

Collaborations have been a fascinating part of the LINDA FARROW story, and you have worked with some spectacular fashion designers. What have been highlights for you in your wonderful collaborative design collections and do you enjoy working with brands and exploring new synergies? Our collaborations have been instrumental in expanding our creative horizons. We focused on strategic collaborations with design powerhouses such as Dries Van Noten, Magda Butrym or The Attico, which helped us reconnect with fashion-forward consumers and introducing LINDA FARROW to new global audiences, while maintaining our distinctive identity. Our recent license deal with Jacquemus represents a particularly exciting milestone. Seeing our sunglasses featured prominently in their fashion shows and adorned by celebrities has been a remarkable validation of our collaboration approach.

What will you launch at MIDO this week and what do you look forward to most about this international show? We look forward to showcasing our new Surrealist AW25 collection as the reaction so far from the previews has been fantastic. The main thing is that Linda Farrow herself will be joining us at the show, her first time returning after many years. This event represents a unique opportunity for some of our favourite clients to meet and greet my mother directly, the pioneering visionary behind the brand. This will coincide with the launch of the Iconic collection for which she is featured as the model. For more information visit www.lindafarrow.com – an exclusive interview by Clodagh Norton for www.eyestylist.com. All images were kindly provided by LINDA FARROW.

MIDO 2025 preview

The event in Milan this weekend promises 1200 exhibitors from 50+ countries; among them, international independent brands and creative designers will show their latest designs and innovations in a showcase that promises award-winning design, quality and craftsmanship, innovative future-facing collections and the latest trends in eyewear materials….

MIDO 2025 – taking place from Saturday 8th February to Monday 10th February – is billed to be a particularly impressive show in 2025, and THE  international fair of the season in which to gain early access to emerging trends in eyewear. This year the event in Milan has unveiled a series of layout innovations. Pavilion 6 at Fiera Milano (Rho) will host the Academy this year, a growing start-up area, and a new “area” or square inspired by Italian village piazzas with a “green” theme. Pavilions 2 and 4 have been “reorganized” say the fair organisers, with the Design area offering space for more exhibitors, larger stands, and new entries.

The Academy, which MIDO calls “a special nonconformist location for all those who make originality their motto” will remain the destination for some of the most outstanding creative labels and designers, including many of our recommended brands and favourite designers, with a huge representation of design work from around the world, including Japan, Italy, Canada and the USA. In this feature, we preview for the first time a few of the releases that you can expect to find at the fair – releasing for the first time. Above: The German 3D printed innovators, You Mawo will show new styles across their collection and a brand new creative piece in the YOUniverse series; they are exhibiting in the Academy. Pictured: a new frame called Tate in their BOLD collection: the style has a striking cat-eye-inspired silhouette and confident lines. Designed to exude power and elegance. www.youmawo.com

Kite Tail by l.a. eyeworks is released in black velvet, silver or shiny gold

In a sneak peek for MIDO from the l.a. eyeworks collection, Kite Tail expresses a flight of fancy, playing with the rigidity of the titanium material with extraordinary finesse to create something wavy and organic! The frame is a limited edition, and a gorgeous complement to the new collection which we are told will be primarily acetate. www.laeyeworks.com

‘Lost in space’ by REWIND eyewear: REWIND embodies the essence of Italian craftsmanship

For 2025, the Italian artisan brand, REWIND is expanding its Swarovski crystal line with geometric patterns and light effects that enhance elegance and refinement, with crystals precisely placed to add a touch of brilliance without being excessive. “We really believe that jewellery decoration is coming back,” co-founders Patrizia Puliti and Paolo Corradossi told Eyestylist. “That’s why we are launching new decorations on some of our most iconic models.” www.rewindeyewear.com

Diffuser Tokyo will be a must-see in the Academy

Diffuser Tokyo, the Japanese accessories specialists, will also be showing in the Academy. This brand has a huge selection of cool and beautifully made items for carrying and storing frames – all of which feature high quality materials. Among the new things to see is the Triangular Prism Bag in leather (pictured above). This bag has a compact design suitable for daily use that can be worn around the body with a strap. It can hold three different items such as eyewear and a mobile phone. www.diffuser-tokyo.com

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LOOK model TRI-X: a new innovative design in the Sport Collection

The Italian company LOOK will be showing a range of sports-inspired designs, in the context of athleisure. These include TRI-X, a concept frame composed of only three pieces. The NIL front is joined to 3-D printed temples that feature an innovative hook system that connects the temple to the front and eclipses traditional hinges. The company will also show a re-edition of a sport utility frame which has been reproduced in cutting-edge materials. For more information about the ranges at LOOK, visit www.lookocchiali.it

Bridget by J.F. REY

J.F. REY have announced an extensive sunglasses collection for men and women, inspired by the enduring qualities of icons. The Bridget sunglasses stand out for their bold proportions and interesting triple layering of the acetate material….giving striking looks to the structure and the colours of the frame. Find out more at www.jfrey.fr

Zefiro by Sea2see in the new Breeze Ultralight collection – sustainable materials with properties of lightness and durability – made in Italy

Sea2see will show their new Breeze Ultralight collection at MIDO 2025, produced in 100% recovered marine plastic, with properties of exceptional lightness, durability and extensive colour variation –and – for the temples, 90% recycled stainless steel. By exploring minimal lines and paring back the fronts of the frames to create refined yet easy-to-wear shapes, this line offers a new opportunity for all-day comfort and ease-of-wear, with an aesthetic that is both contemporary and minimal and suitable for everyone. www.sea2see.org

Komono: model Su in emerald green – the style is produced in Acetate Renew

Komono has announce they will show a new line featuring optical and sunglass styles in Acetate Renew called Zero Gravity, inspired by the water’s shape-shifting movements in space. The designs distort and flow with organic elegance. Each style is named after water in different languages – Yoruba, Turkish, Japanese and Maltese. www.komono.com

MIDO takes place from 8th February to 10th February at Fiera Milano (Milan, Italy). For more information and to register visit www.mido.com – For Eyestylist.com updates about new releases among the independent brands at MIDO, follow us here and on Instagram at @eyestylistmagazine.

TVR®OPT: TVR®527 Infinity 8 collection returns

TVR® Japan revives the iconic TVR®527 Infinity 8 Collection for Spring/Summer 2025

Four years after its debut in 2021 TVR®OPT Japan is bringing back the TVR®527 Infinity 8 collection, an exceptionally popular range in their archive which they crafted from premium 8mm Japanese Zylonite material.
Originally introduced to celebrate the brand’s 8th anniversary, the TVR®527 became an instant bestseller, selling out in less than two weeks. It now returns with refined design details, updated sizing options, and an all-new edition that they say took 18 months to perfect.
“Our family’s journey began centuries ago during Japan’s Edo period as skilled thatchers, crafting traditional thatched roofs with reed and straw,” says Sawada Yaemon, Mastercraftsman. “Over time we adapted, evolving from roofing to the artistry of handmade eyeglasses, seamlessly blending heritage with innovation. The 3D-embossed front rivets draw inspiration from the Kirizuma (Gable Roof) design, reflecting the roofs surrounding my home and factory.” Above, refined and distinctive, with exceptional details, the TVR®527 Infinity 8 collection

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TVR®527 Infinity 8 collection

The TVR®527 was born fromTVR®OPT’s first Hybrid Project, reimagining the TVR®504 with bolder aesthetics and intricate details. Inspired by 1960s French eyewear and Japanese craftsmanship, it features an 8mm thick acetate frame, angular “Quadra” lenses, and a masculine square-shaped bridge.
This 2025 edition introduces new C.O. rivets inspired by Japanese jewellery boxes, enhanced temple designs for comfort, and intricate metal accents using Sun Platinum Metal. The frames also feature exclusive details like the Infinite Logo stamping and Dragon in the
Cloud engravings. The design has been launched in three sizes (46mm, 48mm, and 50mm) and seven striking colours, including the limited-edition Tokyo Tortoise SP. Find out more at www.tvropt.eu

Award-winning natural eyewear brand, ROLF heads to Munich

 For the Spring/Summer 2025 season, ROLF expands their natural eyewear collection with 14 new styles in exquisite natural materials and cutting-edge 3D printed material derived from castor beans

These new designs will be unveiled for the first time at the OPTI event in Munich, showcasing fresh details, new colours, and innovative features for which the Austrian brand is well known. “The collection introduces new and refined models from the Substance Collection,” ROLF shared with Eyestylist. “We’re also debuting eyewear for children made from castor beans, fashionable sunglasses with inlays from the Mount Collection, and fresh pieces crafted from natural wood and stone.”

Above: Lotus by ROLF in the Fusion collection – this collection has won multiple awards including the PLUS X Award in 2024, recognised for Innovation, High Quality, Design, Ease of Use and Ecology – it also won ‘Gold’ in the Australian Good Design Awards.

ROLF: expertise in natural materials including wood

ROLF continues to craft frames from wood and natural horn, the materials that defined the brand’s beginnings over 15 years ago. “From the very start, we’ve been creating sustainable eyewear using natural materials and local production,” the team explained to Eyestylist. “Today, we’re constantly evolving our sustainability practices, deepening our understanding of sustainability in all its forms, and striving to improve each year.”

Evolved by ROLF: stone is spectacular as an eyewear material

Recent developments include operating the entire company on 100% green electricity and opening new offices designed to support employee health and well-being.

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In preparation for the 2025 exhibition season, ROLF is also unveiling a new in-house-designed exhibition stand.

Stand design: ROLF takes a new direction in 2025 with a bold, modular stand featuring hexagonal structures

“As with the design of our eyewear,” explained Christian Wolf, “we placed great emphasis on innovation, utilizing in-house expertise, the latest technologies, and minimizing material usage. We’re excited to see how our stand—featuring an architecturally intriguing design and interchangeable image and plant elements—will be received. This stand, which can be assembled and disassembled multiple times, celebrates our passion for nature, creativity, technology, and sustainable practices, all built around our motto: ‘There’s no such thing as impossible!’”

Discover more about ROLF at www.rolf-spectacles.com. This exclusive feature was written by Clodagh Norton for www.eyestylist.com.