Arts & travel

Eyewear event: Hall of Frames (HOF), Lucerne

7th October 2025

The event took place on Sunday, 14th September 2025 at the Swiss Museum of Transport

Hall of Frames, the annual Swiss eyewear event for opticians, took place in September at the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, a popular location in the picturesque city surrounded by mountains. The event attracted an array of beautiful new eyewear collections for the Autumn/Winter season, from creative designers and independent eyewear brands. HOF aims to offer visitors an overview of eyewear design and optical innovation, as a place that is relaxed and intimate for opticians to discover new styles and eyewear produced in trend-oriented materials. “Alongside established materials such as acetate, titanium and polyamide, eyewear made from carbon and horn was also on display,” the organisers said after the show. “Brands such as Marcus Marienfeld and ic! berlin (carbon) or Wollenweber and Marcus Marienfeld (horn) confirmed the continued demand for robust, lightweight and elegant frames. The selection also included the distinctive wooden spectacles from Rolf – made in the Tyrol. The oversized models from Coblens continue to be among the must-haves of the season, as do the striking and characterful shapes from Nirvan Javan, Moscot NYC and Ross & Brown,” they added. Above: Nathanaël Wenger and Eveline Perritaz, organisers of Hall of Frames

A photo shoot takes place during the event to showcase frames by exhibitors – frame by Wollenweber Hornline

Sports brands were also strongly represented in Lucerne this year. Out Of, Bollé and Evil Eye underlined the growing importance of functional eyewear, the organisers said. In addition, Swiss labels Didier Voirol, Einstoffen, Feller, Nirvan Javan and Marcus Marienfeld were in the spotlight, highlighting the close ties to the domestic eyewear scene. Among HOF’s valued partners in 2025 were Nikon – distributed by Reize Optik – as main partner, as well as Dynoptic, Beck Optikhandel and Studio Arenas.

Independent eyewear brands are the focus at Hall of Frames – offering a showcase of fine eyewear design and new directions – frame by Ørgreen Optics

In 2026, the HOF will take place in Zurich – at the Emil Frey Autocity Nord in Oerlikon. The concept of regular changes of scenery remains useful, the organisers have stated, and promises fresh impetus for the independent eyewear scene in Switzerland.

100% Optical 28 FEB - 2 MAR 2026, Excel London

About Hall of Frames: For almost 20 years, the Hall of Frames has been promoting independent optical retailers and eyewear designers. Around 50 national and international eyewear brands present their latest collections each year at this table-top exhibition, which features both established brands and promising newcomers. The HOF offers a comprehensive insight into current trends and innovations in the industry and is an important meeting place for professionals in the Swiss eyewear market.

Photography by Sarah Kim Hirschi (https://sarahkimstudio.ch/ Model: Lea Harder

For more information about Hall of Frames in 2026 visit www.hallofframes.com Photography provided courtesy of Hall of Frames

Arts & travel

The Lens of Time, Venice

13th May 2025

A new exhibition in Venice, produced and sponsored by ANFAO, explores the history of Italian eyewear

Celebrating the story of eyewear, through art, design and innovation, the new exhibition, ‘The Lens of Time’ explores the history of spectacles and sunglasses in Italy, from the Middle Ages to the present day, with more than 150 original pieces and related materials on display. Curated by Fondazione Museo dell’Occhiale, in collaboration with Fondazione di Venezia and Fondazione M9 – Museo del ’900, the eyewear displayed has been sourced from three distinguished Italian collections – the Eyewear Museum of Pieve di Cadore, that of the Vascellari Family, and the Arte del Vedere Collection by Lucio Stramare. Above: ‘The Lens of Time’ at Palazzo Flangini in Venice

The Lens of Time: archive materials from iconic campaigns by Safilo, Persol, LOZZA and other heritage brands

The exhibition also features a virtual tour of the famous eyewear museum in Pieve di Cadore and an interactive kiosk entitled “Timeless Frames” which allows visitors to experience a virtual try-on of some of the historic spectacles and sunglasses on display and share the images. Among art works featured are two contemporary works by the artist, Maurizio Paccagnella. The first, Trasparenze, is a sculptural piece that draws inspiration from the Cadore mountains – the heart of Italy’s eyewear production – and from the beauty of Murano and Venetian glass, in tribute to the lenses of the earliest spectacles. This installation was crafted using recycled acetate. The second, Sguardo nel Tempo, is described as “capturing the essence of looking through time”. Its undulating surface is a a nod to the Venetian lagoon – “reflecting the countless gazes of those who have worn glasses throughout history, weaving together the story of humanity with that of eyewear”. Below: The iconic Peggy sunglasses – Safilo, Italy – 1990 – Peggy Guggenheim originally commissioned her friend Edward Melcarth to design the oversized butterfly shape, https://www.eyestylist.com/2014/09/eyewear-and-an-avant-garde-art-collector/

Zero sunglasses, Zagato, Cadore, Italy / 1978 – a piece of fashion history

Curated by architect Daniela Zambelli, Director of Fondazione Museo dell’Occhiale, and art historian Alessandra Cusinato, ‘The Lens of Time’ is part of the official programme for the National Made in Italy Day, sponsored by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, and is also included on the calendar of the 2025 Venezia Architecture Biennale.

‘The Lens of Time’ is open to the public (11am to 5pm) until 30th July 2025 at Palazzo Flangini – Cannaregio, Calle Flangini 252 – Venice. For more information: www.anfao.it

Arts & travel

Latest news: Loft Eyewear Shows announce “New York Eyewear Design Week”

28th October 2024

The first edition is to be held in New York City from March 13^th to 15^th 2025

Loft Eyewear Shows has announced a new show concept for NYC in 2025: “New York Eyewear Design Week”, with the first edition to be held in New York City from March 13^th to 15^th 2025.

This initiative is being created “to foster a seamless, curated experience that brings together a diverse array of eyewear brands and industry stakeholders”. For the first edition, Loft confirms that Kering Eyewear and Thélios are participating with independently hosted showroom events to present their Summer 2025 collections while the independent eyewear showcase by Loft will present a stunning variety of independent labels. The organisers want the events to be designed to benefit eyewear boutiques, industry buyers, optometrists, opticians, and their staff, offering them a rich, immersive experience in a city they know and love.

The event promises not only to highlight the latest trends and innovations in eyewear but also to provide a stimulating environment where business and creativity intersect. There will be a full complement of Optometry and Optician Continuing Education as well as a space dedicated to machinery, software and optometric needs.

LOFT Eyewear Events has been hosting an off-site event space since 2000 and will be celebrating 25 years since their first event in NYC. Featuring brands such as Mykita, Bevel, Anne et Valentin, Theo, Blake Kuwahara, and la Eyeworks, the LOFT event has become a staple in the eyewear event calendar. The LOFT organisers have confirmed they will be adding a second space to showcase additional independent brands close to the location at Chelsea Industrial. Find out more at www.eyeweardesignweek.com

Arts & travel

Hall of Frames 2024, Lucerne, Switzerland

7th October 2024

An eyewear event that always has a fresh and informal buzz, Hall of Frames took place in September in Lucerne – over 50 brands exhibited, welcoming a professional audience at the elegant venue, the Swiss Museum of Transport

Hall of Frames (HOF), the Swiss eyewear event which took place in September for the third year in a row, welcomed interested opticians to see an impressive array of eyewear from different countries in Europe and beyond, showcasing the latest trends and innovations by designers and leading manufacturers. The event highlighted a continued focus on eyewear trends, bold colour and the quality of refined natural materials. Above: Hall of Frames eyewear shoot, Lucerne – September 2024 – photography by Studio Kronsbjerg – frame, Gigi Barcelona

Stone glasses by eyewear innovators, ROLF – the model comes from the Evolved collection – natural materials continue to be extremely desirable in Switzerland and other countries in Europe such as Austria and Germany

The organisers of the event have made a statement that revealed that the majority of participants are positive about the Swiss Museum of Transport Lucerne as the venue and wish to return there in future. They said: – “Hall of Frames 2024 has once again shown that Lucerne is not only a popular venue, but also a successful one – a meeting place for creative minds, innovations and sustainable design that inspires
the industry and provides forward-looking impetus…”

Hall of Frames (HOF) 2024 – a showcase for independents

Hall of Frames (HOF) has been promoting independent opticians and eyewear designers for the past 15 years. HOF offers a comprehensive insight into the latest trends and innovations in the industry and represents an important meeting place for professionals in the Swiss eyewear market. New dates for 2025 will be announced on Eyestylist.com. Find out more about the event at www.hallofframes.ch

Photography by kind permission: Studio Krosnbjerg.

Arts & travel

Independent eyewear event: Loft San Francisco, USA

25th June 2024

The 2024 edition is confirmed for 5th to 6th October – offering an opportunity to encounter a world of independent eyewear in an intimate setting on the spectacular West Coast

LOFT will return to San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture at Gallery 308 this autumn. This historic venue is set in the Northern Marina District of the city by Fishermans Wharf and features expansive views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Surrounded by parkland, the Fort Mason Center is a vibrant cultural hub located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

“We really love coming back to San Francisco, said Richard Mewha, founder of LOFT Eyewear Shows. “Fort Mason is always a spectacular venue. The views alone make this a very special event. We encourage vendors new and old to make this a must-see event on the eyewear show calendar. Change is in the air and intimate events like this are becoming much more preferable for many of our clients.”

LOFT Eyewear Shows are the premier independent luxury eyewear events held annually in New York City and San Francisco. Since 2000, the LOFT events have showcased exclusive and cutting edge designers from around the world.

“Pioneering this event in San Francisco has always been a pleasure. There is a growing appetite for independent eyewear shows and this event is steadily growing in popularity,” said LOFT Marketing Director, Louis Fullagar. “On the back of the major announcement of our plans to remain in New York, we acknowledge our vendors and their customers are keen for shows like this that have a completely different and relaxed vibe to major conference-type traditional events of the past.”

This year’s San Francisco event will take place over the weekend of 5th to 6th October and will be open from 11.00am – 8.00pm on Saturday, and 9.00am – 6.00 pm on Sunday. There is parking available at the venue and in the surrounding area. As usual there will be a barista, wine tasting, catering and afternoon beverages each day. Find out more about Loft San Francisco at www.lofteyewearshow.com / Eyestylist.com is a media partner for LOFT Eyewear Shows.