Eyestylist

The 34th Hong Kong Int’l Optical Fair took place last week: “Bright Eyes: New Horizons”

November 11th 2026

Eyestylist.com attended the Hong Kong Int’l Optical Fair for the first time ever this month…

This year, the 34th Hong Kong International Optical Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA) attracted some 12,000 buyers from 101 countries and regions. Buyers from outside Hong Kong travelled from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, the US, as well as ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, reaffirming, they say, the fair’s role as a premier international platform connecting the global optical industry for trade and collaboration.

This year the Brand Name Gallery featured 200 companies, including BIG HORN and LOOMINELITE from Hong Kong; Ouieike and PARZIN from the Chinese Mainland; Classico from Taiwan; Lafont Paris and Sabine Be from France; ByWP and Stepper Eyewear from Germany; Modo and Off-White from Italy; Design Shower and VR&VERGT from Korea; TIJN from the Netherlands; Brevno from Russia and Masunaga from Japan. The exhibits spanned fashion eyewear, functional eyewear and technology products, showcasing design trends and technological developments in the global optical market.

The HKTDC and the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association co-organised the 26th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition which encourages original design and nurtures local talent, promoting the development of Hong Kong’s eyewear design and branding industry. With the theme “Mix & Match”, this year’s competition encouraged designers to showcase eyewear as a fashion accessory and a medium of self-expression through innovative designs. The competition comprised Open and Student Groups, with a new Technology Concept Award introduced for the Student Group. Above: the entrance to the Hong Kong Int’l Optical Fair 2026

Open Group entries at the *26th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition*

An award presentation ceremony is held on the opening day of the fair, with the winning and shortlisted entries displayed throughout the exhibition. In the Open Group, Cheng Wai-ho won with his design “Audio Reactive Chroma”, featuring a built-in spectral colour sensor that detects target colours and synchronises the frame colour with the wearer’s outfit, while also incorporating audio-recording functions. In the Student Group, Lee Sum-yau won top honours with “Paris Fantasy”, inspired by the architectural beauty and romantic atmosphere of the River Seine. The inaugural Student Group Technology Concept Award went to Lo Hoi-pui for “Adal-EYE”, a design inspired by AI-powered instant transformation that allows seamless switching between eyewear and jewellery, supporting versatile mix-and-match styling.

GETD, the AI Glasses Solution Provider: their AI glasses produced with the designer, Marcus Marienfeld from Switzerland

Among the product highlights we discovered GETD who exhibited the joint creative project with Swiss luxury eyewear partner, Marienfeld. This smart collection won the Silmo d’Or in 2026 in the Smart Glasses category. Described as luxury AI glasses, these colourful, lightweight, full carbon fiber frames with a sleek and elegant profile offer AI interaction, health monitoring, premium audio, environment noise cancellation for call and Apple ‘Find My’ integration. The smart functions are integrated into the temples while preserving the aesthetics, comfort and identity of the Swiss-made frame styles. GETD has also achieved remarkable integration in buffalo horn frame designs. The company, headed by Peter Ruan, is able to offer eyewear brands collaborations and joint developments for AI integration. Find out more: https://igetd.com

We also met the teams at Best Power Enterprises Ltd – who specialise in smart products combining hearing assistance and vision correction – designed particularly to assist the elderly – and Rayke Intelligent Technology who have developed smart frames for children that offer different features such as monitoring a child’s viewing distance during screen time as well as posture while reading.

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

Lafont Paris at the Hong Kong event – as part of VOS

The European brands featured at the event included Lafont Paris, a heritage brand that is consistently popular in Asia, DESIGN SHOWER, who were showing a completely new concept for the first time in acetate, aluminium and beta titanium (it was so new that it did not yet have a name…) and BYWP from Germany, a technical label offering ultra-thin stainless steel designs.

Sugimoto-kei from Japan: fine handcrafting with a traditional elegance

A number of eyewear manufacturers from Japan’s renowned Fukui region were also represented at the event, under the banner of the Fukui Optical Association. We spoke with producers of fine frames at M/Z Japan, gen and Sugimoto-kei, a Sabai collection which is beautifully crafted.

Sabine Be from France exhibited at the event

Sabine Be from France displayed a striking selection of their brightly coloured frames for optical retailers visiting the event.

Clodagh Norton at Eyestylist.com attended the Hong Kong Int’l Optical Fair in person – from 4th to 6th November 2026 as a guest of HKTDC on the occasion of their 60th Anniversary.

To find out more about the HONG KONG Int’l Optical Fair and future announcements for the new dates for 2027, visit the website at https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/

Design + Inspiration

Brows are big news…look out for an experimental twist

November 9th 2026

Browline frames – and new ways of playing with the old-school design and its effect on the face – are a special focus for some independent eyewear designers this winter…expect the unexpected and a deliberately inventive mood…

Classic browline glasses – from the 50s and 60s – bold, chunky and always somewhat intellectual, are a source of inspiration once again. Appearing for the first time in the late 1940s, the style combining heavy brow and sleek metal wireframe has become iconic both for men and women and readily available from independent eyewear brands, with a very classic look or a more avantgarde interpretation – exploring the dimensions, shapes and colours – bringing the look right up to date. Above: the campaign for Upside Brows, by theo – the collection brings the natural feature of the human brow into the design instead of competing with it, says the brand

theo © 2026 Alain Six – model Stance offers presence, attitude and confidence

The frames in the theo collection Upside Brows are “all about the effect”: designed by Patrick Hoet, the emphasis has been placed on the bold lower acetate rims while the upper titanium line is fine and lightweight. Depending on the particular shapes and colours, the frames have very different effects on the face. The idea is inspired by Gianfranco Ferré designs from the 1990s. Patrick was drawn to the distinctive combination of a fine metal upper line and acetate below. For Upside Brows, that visual reference became the starting point for a new exploration of balance, material and expression. As a brow does more than sit above the eye, here it gives the direction to a look, carrying the expression and helping shape the balance of a face. www.theo.be

Cutting a fine figure at SILMO this year, the Giganticus is a memorable, statement frame with chunky animated browlines, rounded contours and a distinct structure. Clever cut-backs showcase layered colour and pattern combinations. www.laeyeworks.com

Balfanz by Seraphin: heritage-driven yet modern

A frame that explores the look with a touch of fresh colour, model Balfanz in the Seraphin Collection pairs classic structure with refined metal detailing. The sculpted browline adds definition and presence, while the slim lower eyewire of this shape keeps the silhouette balanced and light. The style offers a polished, tailored feel for all occasions. Created in Japan, the frame features premium acetate and stainless steel. Find more inspiration at www.ogieyewear.com

Nylor – model Lily reinterprets a 1950s browline silhouette in a feminine design for women

Also shown at SILMO, model Lily by Nylor plays on the contrast between softness and character. The bold upper line en lances the expression of the eyes, while its curves offer a natural and expressive femininity. The frame is designed as a personal signature – elegant, independent and free-spirited. Find out more at www.nylor.frr

This feature is by Eyestylist.com – copyright applies.

Reviews

MOREL x Constance Guisset

November 5th 2026

MOREL continues collaboration with designer Constance Guisset, launching three new designs

The new styles – Alinéa, Guillemet (opticals) and Glyphe (optical or sunglass style), are, like those in the first collection, inspired by the art of calligraphy, featuring a distinctive aesthetic style inspired by the thick and thin strokes of the calligrapher’s pen, and the continuous sweeping curves and interplay of colours that are so distinctive in the art of fine handwriting. Above: model Guillemet by MOREL x Constance Guisset

Models Alinéa and Guillemet feature shapes which are more generous and expressive, building on the spirit of different punctuation marks, elements that were seen also when the collection first launched. This time, the proportions have evolved and some curves seem more pronounced, while new colour combinations bring a fresh dimension to the collection. The different hues echo one another, and the gradients blend seamlessly with a delicate translucency – sometimes with three colours in one single design.

Glyphe by MOREL x Constance Guisset – as sunglasses version

For model Glyphe, a more distinctive almond silhouette has been explored. The frame’s generous contours and unique geometry give it a sculptural and feminine appeal. As a sunglass style, the volumes seem even more pronounced. The frame is available in two colourways, including a brown-to-black gradient and a pearlescent nude shade. Like the other sunglasses in the collection, it features polarised lenses with an anti-reflective coating. Find out more at www.morel.com

Boutiques

MYKITA opens store in Los Angeles, its third in the US

November 2nd 2026

The store is situated in Beverly Hills and features a light, open space designed to “engage the senses” – it features a comprehensive vision care service

Translating its signature eyewear universe into a contemporary optical space – MYKITA has created an environment “with the same material integrity and attention to detail that defines all its design” for this latest project.“We have developed a space designed to engage the senses in a deliberate way, elevating the experience beyond the transactional,” says MYKITA founder and creative director Moritz Krueger. “Every aspect of the new store concept has been considered accordingly, creating an atmosphere that feels restorative rather than overstimulating.” An integrated vision care offering complements the interior architecture, giving visitors access to advanced diagnostic technologies and comprehensive eye examinations in a single destination. Above: the new store front, MYKITA Los Angeles

MYKITA Los Angeles: sculptural “Softy” display elements, natural oak and aluminium are featured materials in the matt white interior

Central to the interior is a new interpretation of the iconic MYKITA wall, developed with Berlin studio Gonzalez Haase AAS. Formed from flowing aluminium surfaces, the display system is realised in matt white powder coating for the main showroom and anodised pure aluminium in the consultation lounge. Individual frames are presented on suspended shelves, while soft illumination shining through the slotted surface lends the structure depth and lightness.

A recurring curved geometry creates continuity throughout the space. Appearing across display systems, storage elements, mirrors and seating, the flowing radius establishes a consistent visual rhythm and softens the technical character of the materials. Pale peach serves as an identifying tone throughout the space, complementing the restrained palette of natural oak, aluminium and matt white while transforming functional elements into considered objects. Open oak structures reveal their construction, providing counter space and housing specially developed mobile storage pieces inspired by MYKITA’s signature airline trolleys. Folded aluminium high stools echo the flowing geometry, continuing the dialogue between precision manufacturing and functional design. The sculptural Softy display elements introduce an unexpected tactile dimension. Their monolithic appearance conceals a soft interior of reclaimed foam, creating a sensory interaction while offering a playful perspective on material reuse.

MYKITA Los Angeles: an interior described as “an environment where senses can recalibrate”

Beyond the architecture, every sensory element has been carefully considered. Biodynamic lighting adapts throughout the day in response to natural outdoor conditions, supporting comfortable vision and accurate colour perception. Carefully engineered acoustics combine sustainable sound absorbers with studio-quality sound reproduction and a bespoke ambient sound composition to create a subtle sonic backdrop.

An MDC | MYKITA signature scent and a specially selected tea from Eduard/, the Berlin label founded by tea sommelier Eduardo Molina, add to the sensory experience. The MDC | MYKITA Capsule Institute extends the holistic approach with specialist skincare for the eye area selected in partnership with Berlin beauty authority MDC, founded by Melanie Dal Canton.

Find out more at www.mykita.com

Boutiques

WINK Optometrists – Australia: a colourful, contemporary transformation

October 28th 2026

The Elwood store has seen a dramatic makeover this year, to celebrate 20 years …

The brand new interior at the store in Elwood, Victoria (Australia), has been created by local designers and friends of the WINK team, Andy Kelly and Mitchell Zurek of Brud Studio. “WINK is 20 years in business this year and the current store fit was 10 years old so we saw it as a birthday gift,” the team told Eyestylist when we asked why they chose to refit this year. “We began the design conversation last year. We have been in the beautiful bayside suburb of Elwood in Melbourne for the entire 20 years. We are part of a wonderful community and the high street is a great combination of unique businesses.”

Inspired by Iris Apfel, the new interior features striking custom-made cabinets, including a bright red display unit presenting each piece as a treasured ‘objet’. Natural walnut sits alongside candy-coloured lacquer, travertine, glass and polished metal, creating a layered, lived-in environment that feels more like a home than a conventional optical practice. “The attention to detail reflects our approach to eyewear itself,” they say, “carefully curated, deeply considered and designed to create lasting connections with the people who visit us. WINK’s philosophy has always centred on combining exceptional eye care with a highly curated, design-led environment that fosters connection and individuality.” Above: the new WINK interior features custom-made fittings and unique furniture – the ‘pendant’ light is by local Melbourne artist, Cordon Salon

WINK Optometrists: “The store design has a touch of each of us Lucy – texture, Robbie – clinical clean stainless steel and Jo – colour…and “a feeling of Europe”

“I think you always love the feel and comfort of a place you have adapted to but changing that makes you change things too. It gives new direction…” Jo at WINK

WINK Optometrists: a stunning mix of shiny, natural and textured surfaces – with a bold use of colour and inspiration from Iris Apfel

Asked if the collections have changed since the new store opened, Eyestylist learnt that while new collections have not been added, there is a deeper presentation of some of the favourite brands. “We find that although there may be brand crossover with other stores no one chooses the same unique pieces that we do.” The store also stocks a new Australian-made signature WINK frame and their own chic in-house designed travel cases for storing multiple frames. Find out more at www.winkoptom.com.au

Read our first feature on WINK from September 2011: https://www.eyestylist.com/2011/09/wink-optometrists-melbourne-australia/

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Brows are big news…look out for an experimental twist

Eyewear extremes: SILMO Paris 2026

Lunettes Selection celebrates 20 years

MYKITA opens store in Los Angeles, its third in the US

Eyestylist

The 34th Hong Kong Int’l Optical Fair took place last week: “Bright Eyes: New Horizons”

Brows are big news…look out for an experimental twist

MOREL x Constance Guisset

MYKITA opens store in Los Angeles, its third in the US

WINK Optometrists – Australia: a colourful, contemporary transformation