Eyestylist

DaTE returns in September

24th August 2026

The Italian event celebrating contemporary eyewear and independent brands returns next month, taking place for the first time in Napoli, Italy

DaTE with take place from 12th to 14th September in the historic Salone Margherita, Napoli (Italy). The show organisers have announced that more than 130 brands have confirmed their presence from Italy and further afield. A delegation of around 30 buyers from Europe will attend, thanks to the event’s collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). The organisers say that the international presence confirms the show’s growing global reach and its success in bringing companies and industry professionals from across Italy and abroad to the new city venue.

A complete list of exhibitors is available online at https://dateyewear.com/espositori Above: DaTE offers a lively yet intimate meeting point for the optical industry with some of the most prestigious independent eyewear brands exhibiting

DaTE 2026 will welcome a variety of brands, including Ahlem, ANNU, Blackfin, Capote Eyewear, JF Rey, Maybach, MYKITA, Rolf and Randolph Engineering

Hand holding pale pink square-frame sunglasses with dark lenses, among display boxes of colorful eyewears in a store — Independent eyewear collections from around the world exhibit at DaTE

Taking place for the first time in Napoli, the new venue has been selected as a perfect embodiment of the spirit of the DaTE event. Salone Margherita is a symbol of the Neapolitan Belle Époque, and its elegance and charm will provide, say the organisers, a setting capable of turning the visitor experience into something that goes beyond that of a traditional trade show.

“DaTE was created to build connections between people, ideas and inspiration. That is why every choice is an integral part of the project,” says Davide Degl’Incerti Tocci, President of DaTE. “Last year we chose Riccione, this year Napoli, an ideal setting to encourage the cross-pollination of creativity, design and business that today creates value for the entire industry.”

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This year’s event in Napoli promises collections from Europe, the US and Asia

On Saturday, 12th September from 8 p.m., the Salone Margherita will also host the DaTE Party, an opportunity for companies, designers, opticians, buyers, journalists and industry professionals to meet and connect. During the evening, the 2027 dates and the city that will host the next edition will be announced. The party registration opens on 2nd September 2026 at: https://dateyewear.com/party

DaTE is a free-entry event reserved for industry professionals, opticians, buyers and journalists.Visitors should register in advance at https://dateyewear.com/en/visitatori

Design + Inspiration

theo’s Locks x Glues: an innovative approach

17th August 2026

Two new families of frames – introduced this summer, have been built around one innovative idea: bringing separate elements together in striking singular designs

The two collections, one in titanium and the other in acetate, explore two distinct themes. Locks has evolved from the study of the locking block, the technical detail that secures the lens within the frame. Rather than treating it simply as a functional element, the designer has made this detail a defining statement feature of the design.

Two-tone fronts draw the eye to the precise point where lens and frame meet, highlighting the detail that holds the structure together. The locking blocks, stamped directly from a single piece of ultra-light titanium (rather than being welded), then become an integral part of the front. In this way, the technical detail has provided a starting point for a new design language – one in which the construction itself becomes part of the frame’s visual identity. Above: the new Locks family of frames – designed by Patrick Hoet – which celebrates the technical detailing of the frame, transforming it into a statement

Pink metal-framed eyeglasses with clear lenses and adjustable nose pads — Seal by theo comes in two-tone colours – part of the Locks collection

Model Seal by theo is one of five designs in the Locks family, which includes a quirky signature round design, Clamp and an elegant oval named Hook. All the names refer to the locking action itself (Clamp, Hook, Seal, Click and Grip!)

Tortoiseshell round eyeglasses with clear lenses on a white background — tec7 by theo in the Glues collection: an acetate cat-eye design

In the Glues family of frames, designed by Ti Vandenbroucke, the constructions are a study in connecting multiple layers – and holding things in place. Every frame in the six-piece family is constructed using multiple layers of colourful acetate, bonded together as one. A “mitred” hinge construction in the designs creates a seamless transition between the layer of the front and the temples. The series includes a total of six shapes, including the cat-eye and the circular style, pictured below.

Bright pink round-framed eyeglasses with translucent plastic on white background, close-up view — Loctite by theo: a new signature round shape from the Belgian brand

Characterful, colourful and very expressive, the Glues by theo are named after adhesives and come in translucent patterns and colourations : “from the front you see shape and colour. From the side you discover how the layers truly come together.”

To find out more about the new creative eyewear designs by theo for Autumn, visit our latest features on Eyestylist – https://www.eyestylist.com/2026/07/theo-eyewear-collaborates-with-young-designer-byron-wang/ and check out www.theo.be

All images provided courtesy of theo eyewear. This feature was written by Eyestylist.com. AI was not used in this article.

Head-and-shoulders Portrait of a Man with Curly Dark Hair and Glasses, Wearing a Beige Shirt over a White Tee, Against a Plain Light Background. | Eyestylist 12th August 2026

Design + Inspiration

Eyewear trends: The language of reduction

12th August 2026

MYKITA cites the memorable small specs worn by Alexander Skarsgard in Pillion as an indicator of what’s to come this Autumn

Lightness, greater precision, and optical frame dimensions that are generally smaller, and surprisingly so for men: these are some of the characteristics that suggest that the language of reduction will be amongst the design highlights for the season to come. For MYKITA, this language has long been part of the design philosophy across the collections and promises a striking aesthetic for new models coming up.

Their LITE, LESSRIM, and NO.1 collection take an approach to design which expresses a contemporary appreciation for precision over excess and a style of minimalism that still finds room for interesting details and new and innovative interpretations of classic shapes. Above: model Arvel by MYKITA – from the LESSRIM collection – a circular stainless steel design with spiral hinge

Front view of silver metal eyeglasses with white nose pads resting on a white surface near the bottom of the image — Saul by MYKITA in shiny silver – a colour that will be important this winter

According to MYKITA, the LITE and LESSRIM design concepts distil eyewear to its essential elements through the ultra-light stainless steel construction, refined proportions and exceptional adjustability. New arrival Skylar from the NO1 collection continues this

exploration with its organic lines and curvy sports feel. A fairly compact rectangular silhouette, the structure is softened by rounded edges and a subtle upward sweep that lends the frame a subtly expressive character.

Rose-gold metal eyeglasses with rectangular lenses on a white background, showing nose pads and slim arms at the edges of the frame — Skylar by MYKITA in Champagne Gold

Going beyond nostalgia for turn-of-the-millennium minimalism, MYKITA’s designs reflect a contemporary appreciation for precision over excess. All the styles are handmade at MYKITA Haus in Berlin. Find out more at www.mykita.com

About the brand / MYKITA is a design house for pioneering eyewear, renowned for a pure yet radical aesthetic. Patented engineering meets specialised craftsmanship to create frames with a distinctive tailored quality and long lifespan. All collections are handmade at the MYKITA HAUS in Berlin. Founded in 2003 by Moritz Krueger, MYKITA has taken an unconventional path, developing an independent production with a holistic way of doing things and a strong belief in interdisciplinary collaborations and creative exchange to drive progress. The focus is on creating exceptional products that last while practising transparency on its environmental and social responsibilities.

Open Black and Tan Leather Eyeglasses Case with Brown-framed Glasses Inside on a Light Speckled Surface. | Eyestylist 5th August 2026

Reviews

Diffuser Tokyo: fine leather eyewear cases with SOMÉS Saddle

5th August 2026

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

Diffuser Tokyo: handcrafted leather eyewear case with a mix of leather finishes

“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

Diffuser Tokyo: the minimal pouch-style design made with SOMÉS Saddle

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

Busy Indoor Expo with Attendees Talking and Browsing Jewelry Displays Along a White Wall, White Chairs, and Round Hanging Lights Overhead. | Eyestylist 3rd August 2026

Design + Inspiration

LOFT Eyewear Show returns to Santa Monica in October

3rd August 2026

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

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In 2025, the event welcomed exhibitors and visitors from the US and Europe, with consistent commitment from brands who exhibit at the New York Edition, held annually in March. This year, the organisers promise more than 60 collections from Spain, Italy, the UK, the US, France, Japan, Germany and other European countries. They include LAFONT Paris, l.a.eyeworks, Blake Kuwahara, BEVEL, Barton Perreira and MASUNAGA.

LOFT – Santa Monica 2026 takes place from 16th to 17th October 2026 at Santa Monica Post Office, 1248 5th St, Santa Monica, CA 90406, USA.

For more information visit www.lofteyewearshow.com

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Eyestylist

DaTE returns in September

theo’s Locks x Glues: an innovative approach

Eyewear trends: The language of reduction

Diffuser Tokyo: fine leather eyewear cases with SOMÉS Saddle

LOFT Eyewear Show returns to Santa Monica in October