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/
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/