Boutiques

Exterior shopfront with a dark green vertical sign bearing white letters next to a glass display window and dried flower decor inside.

Bottega di Sguardi + Akoni – for Pitti Uomo

19th June 2026

Bottega di Sguardi hosts the brand during Pitti Uomo

Akoni Eyewear has made an appearance at Bottega di Sguardi in Florence during Pitti Uomo. They describe the shop as a concept store “that shares Akoni’s vision of research, authenticity, and meticulous attention to detail”. Founded by Simone Ghedini, the store was conceived as a space that transcends the traditional optical boutique, bringing together aesthetics, product culture, and research in an authentic and thoughtfully curated environment. Above: Bottega di Sguardi in Florence, Italy – promoting Akoni during Pitti Uomo

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

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

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

Akoni highlighted at Bottega di Sguardi for Pitti Uomo – 2026

“I felt connected to Akoni from the very beginning. I admire its ability to interpret luxury through balance, detail, and depth. It is a sensibility that closely reflects the way I envision Bottega Di Sguardi.” — Simone Ghedini

Taking place during Pitti Uomo, A Refined Start, the title of the event, offered an opportunity to connect with the Akoni universe and share a moment with a community described as being united by an interest in design and eyewear quality. Find out more about the store at https://www.bottegadisguardi.com

Two people sit at a counter inside a colorful eyewear shop, shelves of frames visible in the background.

Boutiques

Mik Somers, theo eyewear: “Vision empowers creativity”

21st May 2026

In conversation with theo’s Mik Somers in New York City at LOFT, we discovered the expanding world of theo retail in Antwerp and an eyewear company that continues to grow “with more structure, and even greater vision”.

In a chat about brand building and the evolution of the brand, Somers told Eyestylist that by adding two more theo stores in the Antwerp area, they have been able to build on their relationship with nearby customers – with new experiences – while adding to the vision of the brand. The network of stores – overseen by Mik’s brother Jan, shares the same philosophy, while each location brings its own character and interpretation. Stoot Optiek in Edegem (www.stootoptiek.be) builds on the established philosophy of Somers Optiek (https://www.somersoptiek.be / https://www.eyestylist.com/2018/12/somers-optiek-colour-celebration/) – the original store in design-driven Antwerp, with its own new interpretation and selection of curated frames alongside theo eyewear. The interior of Stoot Optiek is open and light offering customers a bright contemporary gallery-like retail space where eye-catching flashes of colour and bold fittings create a relaxing place to be, ideal for conversation and an easy and convivial experience through which to find the right frame. Above: Compliments by theo is located in an iconic building in Schilde, a neighbourhood north east of Antwerp – photography by Alain Six

Stoot Optiek – Edegem, Belgium: the team – Pieter-Jan, Lara and Marieke – at the new store – *photo by Sandy Croes*

‘Compliments by theo’ is the most playful and accessible expression of the theo DNA. The store was born when an iconic building in Schilde became available. For Mik, Jan and Toon, it was the ultimate opportunity to build something really new. “An optical store built around one simple idea: making people happy with the glasses they wear.”

The store and its team endeavour to provide a neighbourhood destination with real energy where you can walk in for better vision and leave with something more. The decor is built with modern tactile materials, including beige terrazzo, wood veneers and stainless steel – complimented by vibrant accents.

“Here everything revolves around experience and discovery…the selection is refined, featuring national and international brands that stand out through their shape, colour and character. Not loud, but just right…” theo on Compliments

Compliments by theo – *photography by Alain Six*

During our conversation about the stores, the discussion turned naturally to the evolution of the business and the changes that have shaped theo in recent years. Since taking over from his father, Mik explained that with his brothers he had recognised the need for “more structure and more vision” — something he believes the company has successfully established over the last few years.

That clearer framework has also brought greater definition to the collections themselves. While theo continues to deliver the originality and bold and unique character it has always been known for, through close collaboration with Patrick Hoet’s Studio, Serge Bracké and contributing designers James Van Vossel and Nathalie Crasset, the direction behind the products is now more considered and cohesive.

According to Somers, that structure has not restricted creativity but strengthened it. “Vision empowers creativity as you clearly know what you want,” he explained, noting that everyone involved in the design process has a clear understanding of the task…and the direction it is taking.

What also became evident was the value in continuity within the company. Reflecting on the long-standing relationships between theo and its collaborators, Somers suggested that while he could not say whether it was necessarily an “advantage”, it had undoubtedly created stability. “The power of the brand is the stability we offer to consumers and to opticians,” he said. “We have become very reliable as a company. Some say that theo is the most stable company in the eyewear industry. It is never outrageous — it is always there and you know what to expect. Of course there are surprises, but it will always make sense.”

That consistency has also influenced the way theo approaches its collections today. Somers rejected any suggestion that it was a matter of simply becoming more commercial. Instead he described the evolution as the result of a much clearer collection architecture. theo, he explained, has always produced commercial products alongside more avant-garde ones, but today the balance is more intentional, ensuring the full offer — from accessible everyday styles to the more experimental concepts — evolves as one from season to season.

Looking back, he admitted there were years when the collections felt less balanced, with one season leaning heavily towards the outrageous and another towards basics, creating a little unpredictability for customers and retailers alike. “You never knew what was coming next,” he reflected. “So now we do. And it works.”

So what comes now for 2026? “A lot of attention has gone on the new stores,” Mik told Eyestylist as we turn our attention to the year ahead. “This year we are refocusing on growth and working closely and really well with all our partners around the world. Stability is really important to us. This year, as well, we are continuing to invite groups of opticians to visit us in Antwerp…on 10 or 15 Mondays throughout the year.”

Find out more about theo at www.theo.be.

This feature was written by Clodagh Norton at Eyestylist.com. We do not use artificial intelligence to write or edit copy published on this website.

Boutiques

Looking back: outstanding eyewear destinations that continue to thrive

28th April 2026

In our reporting through 15 years, Eyestylist has visited and written about a large number of unique optical stores. Here are some of the outstanding ones that continue to do something bold and unique….

1 La Shaperie – featured on Eyestylist.com on 1st November 2014

It’s a brilliant edgy concept “for Shaves, Shades & Shapes” in the centre of Paris, where you can have a cool Parisian cut and select your next favourite frame. Located off the busy Rue de Rivoli in a cosy village-like atmosphere with several interesting bars and restaurants, the owners of La Shaperie are optical people with a terrific passion for independent labels….. Above: the store is still located in this central Paris location. Read the feature : https://www.eyestylist.com/2014/11/la-shaperie/

2 Gogosha has featured on Eyestylist.com multiple times in the last 15 years

Julia Gogosha’s Echo Park flagship is now close to 8 years old. When we talked to her for a feature in 2020, she described it with a twinkle in her eye. “A Tetris cathedral artspace playground is how I imagined it…with different sources of inspiration, including artists, sculptors and works of art for which I am passionate….” Read the Eyestylist feature from 2020: https://www.eyestylist.com/?s=Gogosha

3 Eyewear by Olga, Ontario – one of the first stores to appear on Eyestylist.com

Eyewear by Olga featured on Eyestylist.com in 2011 and in 2021. A luxury eyewear retailer, or – as owner Olga Trentin likes to call it – an ‘EYE PAD’ it was first founded in 2011. The ‘PAD’ is located in the centre of Mississauga, Canada in the neighbourhood of Port Credit. The interior of the store itself is a feast for the eyes; packed with colour, exploding with textiles and featuring artisanal furnishings throughout. Read the feature at https://www.eyestylist.com/2021/10/eyewear-by-olga-2/

4 Optica Toscana – another of the first stores to appear on Eyestylist.com in 2011

We first wrote about Optica Toscana when the designer of the Eyestylist website had just returned from a weekend in Madrid, and took some pictures for us. It has always been one of the stores in Europe that is consistently mentioned and recommended for its style and atmosphere and incredible selection of specs. The old-fashioned flagship shop (above – C/ de Hortaleza, 70 central Madrid) is a former seed store full of tiny old wooden drawers, bursting with exciting-looking frames. Blasts of colour are dotted around the wood displays.

Since 2011 we have visited Optica Toscana’s stunning Barcelona store and written about the shop in Mallorca which opened in 2015. Read the feature about the Madrid store at https://www.eyestylist.com/2011/11/optica-toscana-madrid/

5 reVOLVER Ibiza featured in July 2015

We always remember writing this feature in July 2015 as we got a really sensational response from Jean-Paul when we suggested it. Created in 2008 by husband and wife team Jean-Paul and Catherine Sanchez, reVOLVER has become a reference point for cutting-edge fashion and style on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza with a carefully curated brand mix and a fantastic choice of fine sunglasses… today the store is located at Carrer del Bisbe Azara 1, 07800 Ibiza. Read the feature: https://www.eyestylist.com/?s=revolver

To find more recommended and leading stores around the world featured on Eyestylist.com, visit our boutiques section: https://www.eyestylist.com/category/boutiques/

Boutiques

StureOptikern opens second store in Stockholm

16th April 2026

Boutique news, Europe: Sofia Johansson Opazo announces the opening of her new independent Stockholm “galleria”, specialising in luxury sunglasses: “the idea was to create something a bit more edgy and 100% focused on sunglasses”

The new StureOptikern store provides a curated selection of sunglasses by StureOptikern in a neighbouring area of Stockholm. Located less then 10 minutes by foot from the original store, the new space is designed for a different clientele. “Our small cosy sunglasses galleria is in a perfect location for lunch and shopping, a destination for the ones who really know what they want!”

We asked Sofia how she selected brands for the space. She told Eyestylist: “We more or less asked our best and closest suppliers who wanted to jump onboard for this project – it was a little bit “last man standing” and “if you snooze you loose!” We had some brands who actually did and now they regret it. But then, we also know our brands and customers very well. For example, we carry a lot of brands that are not really “approved” by our business in general. Less independent brands are left in our store and that is for two reasons – they have opened too many doors too close to us and aren’t that “selective”. They are always quite hard to work with, we need fast decisions, high marketing interest and social media awareness – we need them to be very aware of our Nordic market and our sense of fashion because we are very early adopters.”
Sofia says the dream is 100% that this new location will be a hot spot for all seasons coming, anything from the latest sunglasses to ski googles! “The location and interior is also quite unique”, she says, “I really hope people will find the new place to widen their sunglass wardrobe!” Above: Sofia Johansson Opazo in the new galleria in Stockholm

Linda Farrow and ALPAGOTA are featured in the new store alongside a mix of luxury fashion labels and independent eyewear brands

Asked to brief us on the key trends customers are looking for she told Eyestylist: “To be totally honest, we don’t really do trends! Our customer is so brand aware and also very driven about what we think and recommend, therefore I’m very proud of my confident team. The whole minimalistic “MiuMiu” trend more or less started in our store, we had a big event with two of Sweden and the Nordics’ biggest influencers and after that the trend exploded – in Europe, but as I said – we are early adopters!
Every brand has its own DNA and for us we need to find OUR customer in each brand – that means everything can’t look the same. We have to select what type of person the brand stands for in our store. Therefore the selection can look different in our store versus others. We hate it when the agents says: “This is a bestseller! A big NO-from us then!”

Sofia is consistent in her deep research of the optical market and connection with eyewear brands around the world and she travels to multiple international eyewear events and showrooms throughout the year to stay apace of what’s happening from a global perspective. We asked about designs she has her eye on for the new season: “Overall I would say that I’m a sucker for a big pilot with a gradient lens, you can never go wrong with that, but as I said, it depends on the look you are going for! You need a wardrobe of 3-4 pieces to match with the rest of your wardobe, because let’s be real, you don’t have one pair of shoes or one handbag!”

An attention to detail in store: providing an ambience for Stockholm’s influencers and luxury eyewear customers

The store is big on collabs and several of the very latest launches are already available in the new store – sometimes they are created with input from StureOptikern to fit the demographic perfectly. “We have dropped a limited edition Loewe frame in a special colour, and we are releasing a very very limited edition with Oscar Magnuson in Havana. In June, I have sourced a colour that has never been made by Moscot – with an aperitivo lens that’s also photochromic….
That collab actually took place in my head last summer when I really felt that Latin music was coming back for 2026. I was right! Bad Bunny onstage for Super Bowl and Karol G killing it at Coachella this year really spoke to my gut feeling. Inspired by vibes from Latin America, the colour “Tequila” took its form and will land on our shelves in early June!”

Find out more about the new StureOptikern store in Stockholm at www.https://stureoptikern.se

StureOptikern/ MOOD City, Regeringsgatan 48 11144 Stockholm, Sweden

Boutiques

“A different approach”: SIX SIX, Melbourne

7th April 2026

Female founders Emma Buckley and Dr Natalie Boffa present a new optical experience in their elegant architect-designed eyewear destination in central Melbourne – SIX SIX opened in early 2026

Located on Little Collins Street at the Paris end of Melbourne’s Central Business District, SIX SIX wanted to propose a new kind of optometry experience that brings together eye care, retail and hospitality. SIX SIX operates as an end-to-end eyewear and eye-care destination, offering a curated roster of leading international and independent brands alongside on-site optometry services for all vision needs within one seamless journey, from consultation and fitting through to aftercare. The experience unfolds within a considered architectural environment where colour, materiality and spatial sequencing are used to reshape expectations of what an optometry space can feel like.

Female founders, Emma Buckley and Dr Natalie Boffa combine more than 25 years of wholesale, retail and clinical optometry experience, bringing deep industry knowledge and clinical rigour to create a fresh model for optical retail.

“At SIX SIX, we wanted to create a new kind of optometry experience – one that is elevated and deeply considered, where eye care feels personal rather than transactional. It’s a space designed to slow things down, allowing time, care and connection to shape the experience,” said Dr Natalie Boffa, Co-Founder & Optometrist. Above: more like a gallery than a retail store: an imposing entrance with tall windows – the interior was designed by Kennedy Nolan (www.kennedynolan.com.au)

Luxury eyewear collections displayed at SIX SIX: each brand is given space across optical and sun – featured brands include AHLEM, Thierry Lasry, Garrett Leight and MYKITA

Interior design features include the gold and yellow colour used throughout by Melbourne-based architecture studio Kennedy Nolan. The colour creates an immersive backdrop with warmth, intensity and what the founders describe as “a subtle sense of theatre throughout”. Carefully controlled lighting and moments of visual intrigue signal that this is not a conventional optometry setting, but a place where design, experience and eye care intersect.

Comprehensive eye examinations are available on site and are supported by advanced diagnostic technology, including OCT and ultra-widefield retinal imaging, diabetic and glaucoma eye exams, dry eye assessment and treatment, contact lens fitting and more. An in-store mini lab supports a faster, more flexible service model, with same-day lenses and custom tinting available in many cases. Lens options include premium AI-optimised designs, Japanese lenses and Australian-made CR lenses, ensuring performance, comfort and quality are prioritised without pressure or urgency.

Space to review collections in a comfortable elegant setting, with ‘theatre’ curtains that enhance the luxurious space

The boutique is conceived as an immersive environment that signals a new approach to optical retail from the moment customers step inside. Carefully considered displays, mirrors and sightlines guide movement through the store, while lighting supports both styling and clinical needs. Diagnostic equipment is discreetly concealed, maintaining atmosphere and privacy while preserving the overall sense of luxury.

“Our aim was to design a space that immediately signals a different approach – one that feels immersive and memorable, using colour, light and theatre to shift expectations of what an optometry visit can be,” said Patrick Kennedy, Director, Kennedy Nolan.

SIX SIX is situated within one of Melbourne’s most dynamic commercial and cultural precincts, surrounded by luxury retailers, corporate offices and destination venues, while operating as a drawcard for style-conscious shoppers, professionals, visitors and students who value quality, service and considered design.

112 Little Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia / For more information visit www.sixsixstore.com