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

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

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/

Boutiques

LOULOU Opticiens, Lyon: ‘haute lunetterie’ at its best

1st December 2025

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. Eyestylist.com spoke to Michael Lalande, Loulou’s founder about setting up shop in 2017, and his latest project in rue Gasparin.

“I first opened LOULOU in 2017 in the very heart of Lyon, on Place des Célestins, facing the theatre of the same name — a charming square with a village feel, slightly removed from the city’s main bustle,” Michael told Eyestylist, in conversation. “As the store quickly became too small, I began looking for a new space nearby. I explored several options and even considered taking over a colleague’s shop. But when I learned that the footwear brand FEELANCE was leaving its beautiful location, I knew immediately that it was the right place. Its exceptional visibility, with 5-metre-high windows, was simply irresistible.”

Today this location on rue Gasparin has been redesigned and presented in a new way, with a striking shop front and contemporary interior, by architecture studio, Johany Sapet. Lalande wanted a minimalist aesthetic with metallic features and exposed stone walls. Upstairs the store has a tranquil lounge-like space where the eye exams take place.

“For the first LOULOU, I wanted a dark, elegant atmosphere with brass and marble accents. The long, narrow shape of the space had led us to turn that constraint into a defining feature, with a visual path that drew customers toward the back — a design many fellow opticians later took inspiration from. This time, I wanted something completely different.” Above: the exposed brick wall is a feature of the new interior design at Loulou Opticiens

The new interior at LOULOU designed by Studio Johany Sapet

“My aim is to offer a high-end yet relaxed client experience, inspired by luxury hospitality — where nothing is ever a problem,” says Michael enthusiastically. “I like to shift the focus of buying eyewear away from the medical aspect, and toward the pleasure of a beautiful object. We pay close attention to sensory details — sound, scent, light — leaving nothing to chance.”

Interior: focusing on presentation and details, the store showcases some of the finest young and emerging eyewear designers

“When I opened Loulou,” says Michael, “I wanted to bring something new to Lyon’s already rich landscape of independent boutiques. I was the first to carry Ahlem in the region and have kept that spirit of discovery ever since, trusting young brands that inspire us. I’m proud to have been the first optician in Europe to offer Lapima. My latest crush is Paloceras, a very innovative new label. To connect with the creative community, I’ve often hosted art exhibitions and events in the store — even transforming it once into a bright red pop-up for LPLR.”

Among the new details, several particular features stand out from the striking black seats to the artistic references and minimal furniture. The frame display has been produced from repurposed parking ventilation grids. “We created unique metal panels to support the slim metallic shelves.” The effect is both industrial and refined.

Loulou Opticiens is run by Michael Lalande, and a team of three, opticians Marie Burton and Juliette Valero, and Diego, the miniature dachsund and store mascot! The inauguration of the renovated store took place on 27th November 2025. Find out more about the store and their selection of independent eyewear brands at www.loulouopticiens.fr

14 rue Gasparin 69002 Lyon – France

Boutiques

South Korea: reworks120, Seoul

18th November 2025

With a fastidious approach to presentation and customer experience, reworks120 is an exemplary independent optical boutique located in the heart of one of Seoul’s leading fashion districts – Eyestylist.com spoke with the founder/CEO, Sean Lee

First opened in 2019, in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, Seoul — in 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. The reason for this is that each brand we carry has its own unique identity, and we wanted the displays to reflect those individual concepts.” Above: interesting textured flooring with a “gravel” effect – one of the many contemporary design features at reworks120

reworks120, Seoul: an impressive interior where modern materials and their colours and textures create an artistic gallery space – the eyewear is displayed on clear glass

On the first floor, and a section of the second floor, the interior features cool tones and bright white lighting. As you move deeper inside the space, the mood changes completely. “This interior space has been created to offer a warmer atmosphere. For the flooring we used herringbone-style tiles with a wood texture to evoke a classic feel, while the display areas were made with solid wood materials to give a more premium impression compared to other sections. This space – located at the very back of the second floor is the space that I am particularly pleased with…”

Interior – a sophisticated hidden space within the space is luxurious and beautifully presented with natural wood floor, fitted storage and stunning orange lantern lights

Overall, the store offers a sensational, curated selection of frame collections that is immediately eye-catching and indicative of a very astute approach to frame buying. Sean explains it precisely: “We are always looking for and discovering new brands. In Korea, many stores carry a wide range of Japanese and Korean brands. However, we are particularly drawn to the creativity, colours, and design of European brands. That’s why we attend MIDO and SILMO every year.”

Consumer trends have shaped the concept and the particular curation that matches changing tastes in fashion and design. “We prefer the brands that are not easily found in Korea or unique designs within those brands. As a result, our customers have quite sophisticated tastes, and we cater to a diverse clientele, including doctors, celebrities, and business professionals.” The store has also recognised certain evolving trends amongst its audience. “With changes in the high-end market, it seems that our customers’ expectations have risen even higher, Sean says. “As with many high-end brands, they tend to prefer well-made eyewear produced in Japan. In recent years, European brands have also started using high-quality titanium and meticulously crafted materials from Japan, and this has slightly shifted the perception of European brands as well.”

Asked about other stores, Lee told us that reworks120 are also located in @boontheshop_official, a high-end concept store operated by the Shinsegae Group.

Find out more about reworks120 at the Instagram page : https://www.instagram.com/reworks120

Boutiques

French optical boutique: La Belle Vue Opticien, SW France

4th November 2025

The French optical and accessories store by Margaux Darrigade and Sophie Mailles brings fun, flair and personal sparkle to optical retailing

At 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.

“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. Fun fact: Many people think we are sisters or even twins because we have a funny habit of dressing the same way – without meaning to!” Above: The co-owners, Margaux and Sophie – “La Belle Vue is our dream store. It’s just like us: sparkling, colourful, and whimsical!”

La Belle Vue – a gorgeous soft pastel interior features bright yellow and black tubular chairs and soft white upholstered swivel chairs: “We’ve stayed true to ourselves: we love glitter, leopard print, and colours…”

The store majors in eyewear, but also sells other items by local producers and creatives including clothing, bags, flowers, jewellery and vases. With a passion for really well-made eyewear, Margaux and Sophie have committed to the quality of the glasses they sell. “We have selected primarily eyewear brands which are crafted in France. Independent manufacturers have opened the doors of their factories to us in the Oyonnax region,” they told Eyestylist. “To complete our range and offer affordable options, we also partner with Spanish, Italian, and eco-responsible brands using innovative materials. Our favourite brands include Life Loft for its unique style, JPlus for its Italian design, and Albert I’mStein for its interplay of materials. We typically mix all brands in our displays, showcasing them according to their colour, shape, or style. We don’t sell a pair of glasses for its brand, but for the product itself.”

Displays of glasses encourage visitors to try things on – the interior is bold and full of spectacular details

“Our penchant for the whimsical is reflected in our frame selection too,” explain the owners, “but we haven’t forgotten timeless styles. Our strength lies in helping our clients discover new horizons while respecting their individuality.” The selection of frames is described as truly eclectic, so that everyone can find something they love at La Belle Vue.

The store has two mascots, Francis the leopard and Jacqueline, a “disco-ball” hen

Since Spring 2025, in collaboration with Demain, Sophie’s partner and a master eyewear maker, Margaux and Sophie have also designed their own eyewear collection. “Our frames are handcrafted just 3km from our store. We are committed to personally selecting our acetate sheets in the Jura region, the cradle of French eyewear. As you can imagine, our shapes and colours break the mold!”

82, avenue des couteliers, 40150 Soorts-Hossegor – France

www.labellevueopticien.com

Boutiques

Luxury retailing: Punto Ottico Humaneyes, Milan

28th October 2025

A new architectural project, a re-imagined luxury space

Punto Ottico Humaneyes has reopened in Milan following an extensive re-design. The 88 m² space has been 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. From the advanced optometric service, enhanced by means of dedicated spaces – to the Tailor Made project, where scientific precision merges with Italian artisanal mastery to create bespoke eyewear: every detail is refined to offer an immersive journey. Above: the Punto Ottico Humaneyes store front in Piazza Filippo Meda – Milan

Interior: Milan store featuring luxury materials and a sophisticated architectural style

“Punto Ottico Humaneyes has always been a meeting point between ethics, aesthetic research, and eyewear culture. We’ve reimagined our spaces with a new architectural project, designed to enhance every moment of the in-store experience and give shape to our vision: a place where optometry and all our exclusive services can best express themselves,” Alice Concato, Head of Coordination and Development, Punto Ottico Humaneyes Stores

Punto Ottico Humaneyes: new eyewear displays present the frames as works of art

Punto Ottico Humaneyes celebrated the re-opening of the boutique with a programme of special events designed to showcase the in-store experience, including optometry & eyecare services, and its unique selection of curated eyewear collections. On 21st to 23rd October 2025, the store opened its doors to the press, guests and the general public, offering a special opportunity to experience a personalised optometric examination in the newly-enhanced optometry room and a tour of the interior and the collections on display. A special party was also held in the store for the official launch of the eyewear brand Conception Générale, designed by Stefano Bellotto, and produced by JDO. Find out more about Punto Ottico Humaneyes on Eyestylist.com at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/04/matteo-cibic-unparallel-visions-at-punto-ottico-humaneyes/ and https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/07/punto-ottico-humaneyes-store-opening/

To view the Punto Ottico Humaneyes website visit https://puntoottico.it