December 2025

Our most popular interview features of 2025….

30th December 2025

This year, Eyestylist has interviewed designers, changemakers and retailers from across the world. This content explores current trends in optical retailing as well as the directions in independent eyewear design, from different perspectives. We have been fortunate to be able to highlight some exceptional entrepreneurial designers, innovators, opticians and changemakers….throughout the year. Here are the top 6 interviews, the most read on our website, and with the most clicks on social…

1.. Margaux Darrigade and Sophie Mailles, La Belle Vue Opticien (pictured above)

“We opened the store in May 2021, in the Pédebert park in Soorts-Hossegor,” says Margaux and Sophie with pride and excitement. “We have been opticians for 16 and 14 years respectively. We worked together in an optical shop for 8 years before becoming partners….Read the 2025 Eyestylist feature: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/11/french-optical-boutique-la-belle-vue-opticien-sw-france/

2. Alexis Perron-Corriveau and Mika Matikainen, Founders, Paloceras

The emerging eyewear house, Paloceras is quietly establishing itself on the global fashion map. In May 2025, the brand marked a significant milestone with a launch in New York, unveiling two new silhouettes in its acclaimed Pebble collection, alongside a striking palette of new colours and combinations across the entire range. The eyewear brand tells us they have new things coming in the early part of 2026, and will be exhibiting at MIDO for the very first time…read the Eyestylist feature: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/05/alexis-perron-corriveau-and-mika-matikainen-founders-paloceras/

3. Xenia Glutz von Blotzheim, Co-Founder, Frame the Future

Xenia Glutz von Blotzheim works as an impact consultant and she has co-founded the industry initiative “Frame the Future.” She supports companies in weaving sustainability into their brand management and business models. At MYKITA, she still leads the corporate responsibility strategy and CSR communications, driving the company’s transformation into a sustainability pioneer in the eyewear industry. Read the 2025 Eyestylist interview: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/11/xenia-glutz-von-blotzheim-co-founder-frame-the-future/

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

SILMO Paris - The Optical Fair. 25th - 28th September 2026

4. Carlo Sestini, Sestini

Independent eyewear label, SESTINI was created in 2020 by entrepreneur/influencer, Carlo Sestini. Made by artisans in Italy, the eponymous eyewear collection has a prestigious luxury design adhering to the finest levels of quality. With pieces created as collectibles, honouring craftsmanship, traditional techniques and Italian expertise, the designs have a freshness and elegance that feels discreet and yet perfectly curated. Eyestylist met Carlo at The Dorchester in London in December 2025 to learn more about Sestini and the story behind the creation of the brand. Read the 2025 Eyestylist feature at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/12/carlo-sestini-sestini/

5. Gaëtan Gaye, Alpagota

Gaëtan Gaye is a Belgian entrepreneur, brand builder and business developer in the field of modern luxury. With a background in the fine watchmaking industry, where he worked for one of the world’s three leading luxury groups, he draws on his 15 years of expertise to further enhance the eyewear experience and its desirability. His scented eyewear formulas under the brand Alpagota have caught the imagination of luxury optical retailers worldwide, delivering a brand new experience to aficionados of fine frames. Read the 2025 Eyestylist interview: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/09/gaetan-gaye-alpagota/

6. Carola Nomden, Ørgreen

Carola Nomden is an eyewear designer with a wealth of experience in the optical field, previously working at SAFILO and Prada. She is known for her creative expertise and modern, cosmopolitan aesthetic, particularly in sunglasses. Carola has joined Ørgreen as the Danish company brings together a creative team to rival many of Europe’s finest. Eyestylist asked her to share her perspective on her work and creative passion. Read the 2025 Eyestylist interview: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/01/carola-nomden-on-joining-orgreen-optics/

Reviews

Round eyewear: Morel x Jean Nouvel

27th December 2025

More than five years ago, the French eyewear company, MOREL launched a collaboration with French architect, Jean Nouvel. The partnership marked a deliberate crossing of disciplines, translating architectural excellence into optical design through pared-back forms, precise lines and a focus on material quality.

This season marks a new episode in the relationship between MOREL and Jean Nouvel as the latest collaboration collection, marked by round eyewear with a “bold and assertive” character, launches. With architecture-inspired round shapes and bold lines, combined with subtlety in titanium and acetate, each piece is designed to balance structure with a contemporary design language.

MOREL par Jean Nouvel – the collaboration is in its 6th year

Compared with previous models in the line, these new styles feature thinner profiles and a bold new colour palette with the highlighted tones, fir green and teal blue, and terracotta for the titanium models. There are also softer, more masculine tones for acetate, presented in a range of elegant natural browns, a new alternative to Nouvel’s signature colour, black. Find out more about MOREL par Jean Nouvel at https://www.eyestylist.com/2024/11/morel-par-jean-nouvel-the-latest-collection-has-arrived/

Design + Inspiration

Bold eyewear: 5 of the best in 2025

23rd December 2025

Independent eyewear brands continue to push the boundaries of bold design… exploring wide-ranging creative opportunities across colour, structure, materiality, 3-dimensionality and asymmetry. These and many other innovative design touches ensure that eyewear enthusiasts are presented with an exciting and diverse selection of bold iterations to choose from. Here, we highlight five of our favourite distinctive independent eyewear collections which illustrate the desirability of bold statements with special characteristics…

1.Nina Mûr / Luminiers Collection (image above) – colourful art-inspired statement eyewear in sustainable ply wood

Nina Mûr’s Luminiers pays tribute to two groundbreaking movements that transformed the 20th century: the radical boldness and geometric irreverence of the Memphis Group, and the structural purity and poetic functionality of Bauhaus.

These spectacular designs are conceived as small pieces of architecture for the face. There are three distinctive silhouettes in the collection – each one exploring new forms of aesthetic, technical, and emotional expression. “Like miniature lamps or graphic pieces”, the glasses have been designed to challenge the boundary between the utilitarian and the artistic. Read the Eyestylist article: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/09/silmo-paris-2025-nina-mur-previews-luminiers/

Kaci acetate sunglasses are made in France

2. KACI / sculptured acetate designs in a palette of striking tones

With frames designed to “transcend the boundaries of time and space,” Kaci is a relatively new entry in eyewear. The brand was founded in 2022 by Kalila and Yannis Kaci and was one of the highlights amongst the emerging eyewear exhibitors at Silmo Paris 2025 – Fascinated by the Berber civilisation, the traditional work of Moroccan artisans, and the infinite possibilities of using traditional, authentic methods of craftsmanship in eyewear production today: Kaci eyewear by Kalila and Yannis Kaci is designed in colours and nuances which honour the light and soul of the rich Berber culture – its land and its people. With a passion for artisan excellence, Kalila and Yannis have developed their collection in the Jura in France, using carefully selected natural and sustainable materials – in close collaboration with ‘family’ workshops and makers. Read the Eyestylist article: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/11/kaci-paris-blending-tradition-with-the-avant-garde/

Paloceras / Pebble: the style comes in a bold Pistachio Green with a light brown lens colour

3. Paloceras / exaggerated inflated volumes for eyewear

In fashion spheres, Paloceras has been dubbed an exceptional rising force and in the optical world, while early adopters of the bold and stylish inflated forms included a handful of the leading opticians across the globe, at the forefront of eyewear fashion and qualitative design.

In May 2025 they launched two new styles in their Pebble Collection, known for its bold inflated forms and colour innovation. The new Aviator (VX) and Diamond (DX) which join frames like the RX, an oval shape with the distinctive signature style, extend the eye-catching collection with new directions. “The development began not with sketches, but with simulation,” Design Director Alexis Perron-Corriveau explains. “Using digital matter in motion, we watched as geometry settled into place. Not through control, but through release. Shape was found, not forced….” Read the Eyestylist article: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/05/paloceras-pebble-collection-ss25/

4. J.F. Rey / Layers collection – an example of an asymmetrical combination design in stainless steel and blue/white chequered acetate

Iconic, statement-making, and ever colourful. The JF2062 glasses in the LAYERS collection is a J.F. Rey icon that boldly reappears in fresh colours and with a new stainless steel and acetate construction – designed, says the creative team, “to offer greater strength and support”. The round and square eye shape is a signature edition from the French label, appearing frequently through the collection and often cited for its impressive and unexpected yet wearable look. Read the Eyestylist feature at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/07/j-f-rey-an-iconic-frame-reimagined/

Mona by Götti Switzerland – bold in 3D printed material

5. Götti Switzerland / Dimension collection – thick-rimmed, lightweight 3D printed styles

For those who love the ‘sculpted’ style, these two new bevelled-effect 3D printed Dimension by Götti Switzerland frames combine a timeless look with a clean and contemporary angular aesthetic. The makers describe the frames as all-rounders from this 3D printed line, offering easy-to-wear shapes in a material that is soft, lightweight and very pleasant to wear.

Thanks to the custom-made options at Götti, the styles, which are suitable for optical lenses or as sunglasses, can also be individually adjusted for an optimized fit and even more comfort. Find out more at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/04/3d-printed-styles-released-at-gotti-switzerland/

To see more of the featured collections in 2025, visit our Reviews section at https://www.eyestylist.com/category/reviews/

Boutiques

Independent optical retailers + flagship stores: highlights 2025

22nd December 2025

These stores, including some new openings or redesigns, have caught our eye in 2025. From Seoul to Los Angeles, Lyon to Tokyo, Milan to Mexico City, we have selected some of the most striking interior concepts that have come to our attention either thanks to our researchers behind the scenes or via contacts we are lucky to have nurtured over the years. These stores highlight the interior design focus and direction this year, and a desire to create unique spaces for optical retail and the presentation of the finest independent and luxury eyewear collections.

Eyestylist.com continues to invite store founders and entrepreneurs in the optical retail scene to get in touch with updates about the most avantgarde and uniquely designed optical stores around the globe. We’ve highlighted 8 favourite concepts this year…to refresh your memory on all the stores we have written about in 2025, visit our Boutiques section at https://www.eyestylist.com/category/boutiques/

1.reworks120, Seoul, South Korea (image above)

First opened in 2019, in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, Seoul — a well-known fashion district in the city, premium optical store reworks120 is a special find in this area that is also home to impressive flagship stores such as Gentle Monster. “The shop has an intentionally cozy and curated atmosphere,” Sean Lee told Eyestylist.com. “There are two floors, each designed with a different concept….read the feature: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/11/south-korea-reworks120-seoul/

Loulou Opticiens, Lyon – an exceptional redesign

2. Loulou Opticiens, Lyon, France

The French independent store LOULOU has created a fresh high-end space with attention paid to every detail – a space to present some of the world’s most prestigious collections of eyewear. We talked to Michael Lalande, Loulou’s founder about setting up shop in 2017, and his latest project in rue Gasparin. Read the feature: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/12/loulou-opticiens-lyon-a-new-minimalist-interior/

3 tö, Setagaya City , Tokyo

Styled after Hiromi Toh’s Japanese name Tou, the optical store, tö eyewear lab is more like a gallery than a traditional eyewear shop. After a career as an eyewear stylist in mass media, Toh created the space with the idea of proposing a new world of eyewear, where consultations are by appointment only. The eyewear enthusiast is invited to discover this creative world quietly, at their own pace, without the noise and distraction of a more common retail space.

Located in a residential area outside central Tokyo, there are no signboards on the building and no traditional shop front. tö is located along a quiet street, close to a temple, and like an art gallery features a large glass window displaying special eyewear designs as works of art. Find out more at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/08/to-setagaya-city-tokyo-japan/

Interior: l.a. eyeworks’ new retail campus in Los Angeles

4. l.a. eyeworks, Los Angeles, US

Comprising two buildings connected by a pergola-covered walkway, the new l.a. eyeworks’ retail campus is set on a corner property that includes on-site parking for customers. “We needed room for the expanding width of our ideas,” notes Director of Communications Brent Zerger. “We refer to it as a campus in the sense of a place to exchange ideas and make discoveries.” In development for nearly two years, the project was designed by Frank Escher and Ravi GuneWardena, principals of L.A.-based Escher GuneWardena Architecture – find out more on the link: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/10/l-a-eyeworks-an-impressive-new-retail-campus-has-opened-in-los-angeles/

La Belle Vue Opticien: colour, energy, individual character

5. La Belle Vue Opticien, SW France

La Belle Vue, choosing frames is an experience that is pleasurable, interactive and perfectly lovely. Here, you enter a pastel-toned world that the owners describe as inspired by California, “a mix of chill, lifestyle, and fashion under the South Western French sun”. Disco balls, pretty neon lights, quirky tubular seats and soft white swivel armchairs all come together in a fresh pastel-toned interior trimmed with light green and black leopard print drawers and soft, elegant satin curtains. Find out more at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/11/french-optical-boutique-la-belle-vue-opticien-sw-france/

Vava flagship store in Oporto, Portugal, showcasing the complete collection by the avantgarde eyewear brand

6. Vava flagship store, Oporto, Portugal

Vava’s impressive 300m2 concept store is located on the historic Passos Manuel at number 66, and has three distinctive levels. Conceived as an expansive and experimental space, Silva describes it more as an art installation than a store, lit by neon lights and lined with mirror walls and details such as gradient colour palettes and fluo tones…find out more at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/03/vava-eyewear-concept-store-porto/

Dr. York has featured many times on Eyestylist.com: this year we wrote about the installation in the Mexico City store

7. Dr. York, Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City’s Dr. York shared their installation project by renowned Mexican artists Pablo Kobayashi & Lucia Aumann . The installation created a bold statement for the store which expressed their commitment to arts collaborations and close integration with the Dr. York community.

“We decided at the end of 2024 to begin defining possible ideas,” the artists explain. “The final piece acts as a ‘modulator’ of the dynamics that José and Laura generate [in the store] and that uniquely define the characteristic atmosphere of the place.

A series of characters manifest behind the curtain asynchronously, suggesting that something is happening. In a constant game of colours that intensify and attenuate with each change in pressure, you see something regardless of whether it is visually perceived as a defined silhouette. The curtain does not divide. It rather suggests other layers, other depths, and other presences.” Find out more….https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/09/mexico-artists-kobayashi-aumann-at-dr-york-optical-boutique/

Punto Ottico Humaneyes, new Milan interior

8. Punto Ottico Humaneyes, Milan, Italy

In Autumn 2025, Punto Ottico Humaneyes reopened in Milan following an extensive re-design. The 88 m² space was reimagined with a new contemporary aesthetic, enhancing the functionality and efficiency of the interior and focusing on the customer, who is invited to experience a light and harmonious atmosphere. Elegant and minimal, the interior features include fine oak panelling, delicate marble finishes, an eye-catching eyewear display made of lightweight painted steel with integrated LED strips and vertical mirrors, and luxurious leather armchairs by Flexform. Find out more at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/10/punto-ottico-humaneyes-milan/

Creative spirits

Italian entrepreneur, Carlo Sestini, Sestini

19th December 2025

How would you summarise the design philosophy at Sestini? Sestini combines minimal lines with sculptural intention, merging function with Italian sensuality. With Sestini, eyewear becomes part of a broader lifestyle — one rooted in art, refinement, and the beauty of restraint. The design language is discreet yet iconic, exemplified by subtle identifiers like the engraved half-lily detail. When you touch our product, you can feel that the temples, for example, have been shaped and carved by hand – that the material is really exquisite. I want people to feel that whenever they wear Sestini the fit and feel is phenomenal, very much like wearing a lovely cashmere sweater. We didn’t want a brand that was recognised just by its logo. Instead we have our own unique custom rivets and the attention is placed on the details of the product – and creating a frame design that can be passed on to new generations.

We decided to work also with deadstock and archival Mazzucchelli acetate, applying traditional techniques with modern precision. Our lenses are provided by Zeiss, and each frame is individually numbered to ensure traceability and exclusivity. Sestini’s production is deliberately limited to preserve quality and integrity, far removed from mass-market practices. Above: Founder, Carlo Sestini

Sestini: custom hardware, fine materials, dedicated craftsmanship: “a beautiful thing that you can keep”

Can you highlight some of the details of the frames? We have really focused on the crafting but also on the fit. I really do see each design as a beautiful thing that you can keep. You can feel the quality in the rivets. Their design was inspired by the big bolts you see on Tuscan doors – I wanted them to act as a reminder that whenever you wear them you feel protected; so rather than putting them inside the acetate I wanted to them to really stand out. To do this is more expensive, and everything is gold plated.

Our dolphin emblem was developed from a family memory. My mother and my grandmother had a real thing for dolphins. My grandmother had a cute dolphin necklace that she gave to my mum and so my mum always loved dolphins because of that. She used to call my brother and I dolphins as a nickname because we were quite cheeky together….so this dolphin sign really is symbolic for us. We have also incorporated a Florentine fleur-de-lis. And the hinges – although on the inside, are decorative as well as functional, to remind the wearer of the wonderful quality of the frame they are wearing.

How have you approached finding the right production for your brand in Italy, which is very much a luxury product, designed as an heirloom piece? This is definitely the hardest thing. When I was doing it we needed to rely on word-of-mouth, and attending a lot of meetings to work out who would be the right artisan. I am lucky to be working with an Italian family that understand my product and is able to offer a particular level of quality that is hard to find. This is a beautiful reality in the Veneto in Italy, passed down from the grandfather to the father…he is now training his daughter, and her daughter is just six years old.. but they hope she will also learn their family craft. When you see the attention to detail in the making of the frames, and this family dedication, it is really exciting.

Sestini: Italian quality and craftsmanship

What I really wanted to show is this craft, and the very authentic Italian expertise and love and passion that goes into that. For me, Italian craftsmanship is very much held in high regard, it’s just like in Japan. I wanted to really showcase this Italian excellence and the fact that artisans are the experts who will continue to be at the forefront of eyewear design in the future. Their craftsmanship, the hands-on work, it is so beautiful and it should be encouraged and continued. Supporting this reality is the most important thing.

Was it very difficult to launch in 2020? Initially, yes, at that time in the Covid pandemic. I decided to approach retailers and hotels directly and this is how we have built a very particular network for Sestini. Early on we decided not to take investors, I wanted to set up in a traditional way as a founder and take things slowly, step by step. I am now working closely with CP Agency (formerly Chapman Agency) for the distribution and global development of Sestini. We started working together in 2021, and since then we have already brought the collection to opticians in many new territories, including Turkey, India, Benelux and Australia. This relationship is a catalyst for the brand to grow.

Do you put out new collections regularly? I am showing at MIDO 2026. The collection is small but you will see new designs releasing at the event and some new colours too. This is very much on the back of having exhibited at Silmo in September and having had a really exceptional show. We will then have additional launches coming for Silmo in 2026 including our signature colour restyling, but always with a reference to timeless design that will be wearable in the future. My next step is developing my wirecore…I already have the Florentine inspiration and I’m looking forward to working on this in 2026.

What is your background in fashion? I started out actually studying international law and diplomacy in London and I wanted to become an ambassador. That was my goal in life. But then I was scouted by a modelling agency and I started working with them in 2014. At that point interest sparked in me and the shots and photography that I posted – to the point where I was then working for brands as a model and an influencer and travelling around the world…

I have always loved glasses and I have always seen them as a way to express myself. Glasses were also a way for me to hide my eyebrows and feel protected when I was young. Whenever I wore the glasses I felt like I could look at people in the eyes but at the same time – with something to protect me. I always loved that. The thought of making my own eyewear was there but before I started to do it in 2019 I bought a plot of land and experimented with making wine and olive oil.

I’m still working in fashion as a consultant and a model and influencer but now my new direction is very much all about Sestini and creating luxurious Italian eyewear. I did so many searches at the time to find out about Italian eyewear and I realised that there were no other young Italian eyewear labels with that focus on quality, luxury – and timeless appeal.

The packaging of the Sestini glasses is one of the notable details that remember catching my eye in New York two years ago – can you tell me more about it? Yes, the idea of the packaging is currently based on “carta fiorentina” – the paper that Florentine grandmothers use to line their linen drawers. The inside of the cases is printed to create this unusual texture and the effect is like a protective layer for the glasses. I have many more ideas for developing this! But we are taking our time to develop these unique concepts and this level of detail! I like to have my own expression in these accessories – where there is quality and attention to detail at the very highest level. With Sestini I don’t just want to give you the glasses. I want to give you history, craftsmanship, and the experience…

Sestini is available at selected opticians, department stores including Luisaviaroma, Florence and Harvey Nichols Riyadh as well as a growing number of high-end resorts and hotels, including The Dorchester in London.

About Carlo Sestini / Born in Florence and raised between Switzerland and London, Carlo Sestini brings a cross-cultural sensibility to the eponymous eyewear brand. Known for his distinct aesthetic and global presence, Carlo has been profiled in WWD, Vogue, L’Officiel, and numerous international publications. He is personally involved in every element of the brand — from storytelling and production to visual identity and retail strategy.

Find out more at www.sestini.com