An extensive overview of the creative talent in eyewear, LOFT NYC showcased more than 150 brands and creative eyewear designers, who exhibited collections at two locations in Chelsea/Hudson Yards, NYC – the event took place as part of the newly launched ‘New York Eyewear Design Week’
An expanded 25th Anniversary event, which took place at Chelsea Industrial and Chelsea Factory, attracted a significant number of brands and designers – (in total over 150 exhibitors) and buyers and retailers visiting from across the US. The show provided an exceptional overview of new trends and innovative design by the leading independent brands and niche eyewear labels – spotlighting the extraordinary variety and continued innovation in materials, crafting techniques, and technical developments across the sector.
Following the event, Richard Mewha, Founder, said: ““The past few days have seen the 25th anniversary of Loft NYC succeed in expanding our concept of a non trade show environment allowing a larger mix of highly curated independent designers to present their amazing wares to the best optical retailers in North America. We also successfully built a collaboration through our Eyewear Design Week concept with other showrooms, notably with Thelios and Kering, to offer a wider array of venues and options over the 3-day event.” Above: LAFONT Paris and Andy Wolf showing at LOFT NYC – Chelsea Industrial
This year, the event saw a selection of special product launches and new collection presentations. They included the launch of the FACE A FACE Anniversary project 3.0 and a colour collaboration with the artist, Jessica Poundstone (www.eyestylist.com/2025/03/face-a-face-reveals-anniversary-collaboration-in-new-york/); the new Galaxy collection presentation from Nina Mûr, a delightful concept fusing art and nature using authentic stone; the release of new designs by FFIN Eyewear such as MOD, a special oversized sunglass shape by Anna Lewis; the latest Collection 2 2025 at SALT. Optics who continue to show a beautiful attention to fine details and colour combinations; and a captivating collection of sunglasses and optical frames called The PUNKS Collection from a new favourite luxury label, Press Eyewear.
We observed a rich variety of eyewear trends, directions and multi-layered colour stories and micro colour trends. Independent eyewear brands continue to highlight the craftsmanship, workmanship, and design qualities of their collections, as well as the intricate creative paths and inspiration behind their work and choices in materials, design inspiration and colour palettes. Eyestylist looks forward to sharing more about these developments in eyewear design in the coming weeks and months.
The LOFT Eyewear Shows have been the premier independent luxury eyewear events since 2000 in New York and San Francisco. Next year, the LOFT organisers have confirmed dates for the NYC event from 5th to 7th March 2026. Find out more at www.lofteyewearshow.com