Eyestylist Exclusive: EYECON Show debut, NYC

Space for relaxed conversation and networking as well as buying, “blending commerce with culture and creativity” – the EYECON Show attracted optical retailers with a special interest in luxury and independent eyewear as well as industry experts and insiders – the inaugural edition of EYECON Show, created by Tarrence Lackran, took place in March 2025 at the Glasshouse, NYC

Luxury eyewear collections and accessories by international designers and brands were showcased by the EYECON show, curated by Founder, Tarrence Lackran and described as “a reimagined eyewear experience”. The B2B eyewear show took place from 14th to 16th March 2025 during the new Eyewear Design Week (EDW) – a newly launched destination event for optical retailers and opticians offering multiple showrooms around New York City in which to discover the latest independent eyewear designers and their collections.

This event brought together brands and influential players in the luxury eyewear segment at the Glasshouse, a refined venue in Manhattan with views over the Hudson River. The inaugural edition featured a mix of exclusive brands – many of which had their founders and designers attending in person. They included LAPIMA (Brazil), Ahlem (LA), Anna Karin-Karlsson (Sweden), JACQUEMUS (France), Dita Lancier (US), Oscar Mamooi (Italy), Solamor (France), KURO Athletics (US), Selima Optique (US) Vakay (Tunisia) and CAPOTE Eyewear (Ibiza). Above: Sunglasses by Selima Optique at EYECON Show

EYECON[VERSATION]: Tarrence Lackran with panelists Brandon Murphy (Brandon Murphy), Julia Gogosha (Gogosha Optique, LA), Dr. Jennifer Tsai (Line of Sight), Siria Alvarez (Tatiana Restaurant by Kwame Onwuachi), and Jeff Rednour (Equinox Hotels) – the discussion was entitled ‘Designing Desire: crafting a luxury eyewear experience’

“At EYECON, the synergy between the brands has been exactly what we envisioned—independent, design-driven eyewear houses connecting with retailers who truly appreciate craftsmanship and innovation. The curated nature of the show has allowed for more meaningful engagement, and that’s something we’ll continue to refine…” Tarrence Lackran, Founder, EYECON

As well as friendly energy and networking, an exclusive ambiance for buyers, fine catering and opportunities to discover new handpicked collections and brands, a particular highlight at EYECON was the daily programme of panel discussions (EYECON[VERSATIONS]) which explored the evolving landscape of luxury eyewear, the particular challenges of optical retail and perspectives from the worlds of sports and fashion and other sectors such as hospitality on building luxury experiences for retail success.

Showing at EYECON from Italy: Oscar Mamooi

EYECON Show 2026 Asked about what is planned for 2026, Lackran told Eyestylist this week: “We have not settled on our dates yet, but plan on participating in next year’s Eyewear Design Week. For next time, we’re already thinking about ways to enhance the experience—possibly expanding our programming, incorporating more interactive brand moments, and even exploring additional partnerships that align with the luxury ethos of EYECON. Growth is definitely on the horizon, but our focus remains on maintaining the exclusivity and high-level curation that make this event special. I would rather have the right brands versus a lot of brands.”

To find out more about EYECON visit https://www.eyecon.show/

Images by @jeremiahhgamble for EYECON Show / This feature was written by Clodagh Norton exclusively for Eyestylist.com.