Design + Inspiration

A fantastic tribute to 20 years of SALT. Optics

13th April 2026

The 20 Year Collection by SALT. Optics is an exciting range inspired by the past, and crafted for the present. Eyestylist had a sneak peek at SILMO Paris…and now the styles are available worldwide

A new sunglasses line from SALT. Optics celebrates the 20th anniversary of the California-based brand. Bold acetate and titanium wrap designs fuse Southern California’s classic beach culture – an original signature inspiration for the brand – with the raw streetwear and punk energy of 90s fashion and surf scenes. The heritage styles, imagined with a variety of traits of the brand from its earliest days, are recreated with bold 90s and Y2K attitude, a sought after direction in street fashion today. Above: throwback inspiration meets contemporary vision: a memorable new campaign presents the 20 Year Collection by SALT. Optics

SALT. Optics: fine titanium shades are a special feature of the anniversary collection (pictured, model Jahn)

The titanium shades in the release – model Crue and model Jahn, are bold interpretations of 1990s looks. Model Crue is a unisex 8-base wrap titanium aviator with performance-driven coverage in a sleek classic silhouette. Model Jahn “channels the effortless cool of 1990s California”. The frame is minimal and clean, with understated edge.

SALT. Optics – Shayla is a standout style for summer 2026

The oversized Shayla is an outstanding woman’s sunglass style in this collection. The style perfectly reimagines the classic wrap in a dramatic feminine form with oversized curves and a sculpted high-coverage profile.

With all seven designs produced in custom Japanese acetate, Japanese titanium and handcrafted in Japan, this 2026 sunglasses collection represents a true celebration of SALT. Optics’ design quality, independent spirit and signature style. Further details include newly developed hardware and proprietary hinges as well as a 20th anniversary plaque, appearing on frame tips.

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

Find out more about the 2026 collection at SALT. Optics : www.saltoptics.com and in our sneak peek in December here: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/12/coming-soon-the-20-year-collection-by-salt-optics/

Eyestylist has followed SALT. Optics closely since the Eyestylist site launch in 2011. The first SALT. Optics product to appear on Eyestylist was model Annabel, a “flirty” cat eye featuring the brand’s signature pink tone at the time: https://www.eyestylist.com/2011/03/mido-2011-milan/

Design + Inspiration

l.a.Eyeworks reveal cases + cloths in latest collab with Huntley Muir

2nd April 2026

l.a.Eyeworks showed the newly commissioned designs at LOFT in New York. The release includes four protective hard cases and four microfibre cleaning cloths which complement their eyewear collection for 2026.

The cases and cloths have been created by the British-based collaborative duo Huntley Muir (Su Huntley and Donna Muir), comprising a new chapter in a creative partnership with l.a.eyeworks which spans decades. The artists started working with Gai Gherardi in 1980, during the eyewear company’s first year of business. l.a.Eyeworks was a trailblazer at the time for the introduction of art into eyewear accessory design and brand imagery.

One of the cloths from a previous collaboration edition featured on Eyestylist.com in August 2017 as part of a feature about the design of eyewear accessories at the time (https://www.eyestylist.com/2017/08/eyewear-accessories-fashion-function/).

“What we have created for l.a.Eyeworks is a deliberate conversation with Gai and a tribute to her while also answering the brief to bridge into the future…” Su Huntley on the new designs

One of the cloths has been named “Insect Paths”. The theme of the natural world and insect movement is explored “with expressive, human mark-making”. Another cloth and case is inspired by “Rhythm” – ongoing work by the artists made while listening to music. A “Minnie Mouse” character appears again in the new Edition, a motif that has been a recurring symbol for more than 10 years. Other striking motifs include a bold stiletto shoe and a frog, a creature that Gai was particularly fond of.

A previous highlight of the close collaboration, Su Huntley and Donna Muir also created a video called “Walk with l.a.Eyeworks” for l.a.Eyeworks’ 2007 Fashion L.A. Awards nomination in marketing excellence – see the video at https://www.laeyeworks.com/artist-projects-huntley-muir.

Find our more about the new collection at www.laeyeworks.com. Read more about the artists at https://www.huntleymuir.co.uk

Design + Inspiration

Eyewear designer Nirvan Javan works with Alfredo Häberli

19th March 2026

The designers have created a 3D printed collaboration collection

Developed to mark the 10th anniversary of the brand, NIRVAN JAVAN, this new collaboration collection pays homage to the two designers’ shared home city, Zurich. The frames are described as following a strictly defined formal language, drawing on essential elements. Typographic principles and urban geometry serve as references: five geometric base shapes are varied, with that are proportions finely adjusted, and details providing interesting accents. Much like font design or typesetting, “the magic” of the frames is described by Nirvan Javan as “lying in the nuances”.

Designed, developed, and produced in Switzerland, these 3D printed models aim to marry technical consistency with creative finesse. Clean lines in 3D printing, seamless transitions, and a coherent materiality define the aesthetic while titanium temples merge with the organic fronts. Above: Nirvan Javan and Alfredo Häberli

Swiss-Argentinian designer, Alfredo Häberli is renowned in the design world for his wide-ranging work, which includes furniture and lighting as well as everyday objects. As a designer he follows a clear aesthetic rooted in his personal credo: “Observing is the most beautiful form of thinking.” With his first eyewear designs, created in close collaboration with Nirvan Javan, a long-held passion project found its expression.

The collaboration between Nirvan Javan and Alfredo Häberli embodies an understanding of design as a cultural practice and exchange, locally rooted, yet internationally resonant. Find out more at www.nirvanjavan.com

Design + Inspiration

Ransome + Jenkin: an independent eyewear label by British experts

18th March 2026

Renowned spectacle maker, Lawrence Jenkin and Hampstead-based optometrist + spectacle maker, Jack Ransome launch small-batch artisan eyewear collection, founded on a shared passion for classical eyewear design and craftsmanship

The new venture, which proposes a collection of beautifully crafted classically styled cellulose acetate frames offers independent opticians a rare opportunity to provide eyewear customers with a quiet form of luxury eyewear, designed exclusively in London. Born out of the experience of two different generations, and bridging the gap between bespoke eyewear and mass production, the frames are distinctive in their proportions and fine timeless shapes, and carefully considered in every aspect, including comfort and fit.

Lawrence Jenkin, who during his career has worked at Anglo American Optical (his father’s company) and Algha Works (East London factory for Savile Row – https://www.eyestylist.com/2020/02/savile-row-london/), is known as a legend in the world of frame-making. A designer, optician and craftsman, his work blends contemporary aesthetics with deep technical knowledge of eyewear construction. He has designed and created frames for celebrities around the world, among them Elton John, Christopher Reeve, Dame Edna Everage and Cher. Jenkin continues to share his knowledge and spectacle-making skills with young designers, RCA students and well-known optical ‘creatives’ across the optical field.

Jack Ransome, who became friends with Jenkin through their shared love of handmade eyewear, is an optometrist ‘with a craftsman’s heart’ – and owner of Ransome Optical. His passion for clinical excellence and craftsmanship bring a fresh vision to the profession in the UK, uniquely representing the new generation. Jack is the maker behind David Hockney’s distinctive yellow spectacles made in his practice located in Hampstead (https://www.ransomeoptical.com). Above: portrait of Lawrence Jenkin and Jack Ransome (image courtesy of Ransome + Jenkin)

The new collection is designed in London and made in a small factory in Italy – Image: Ransome + Jenkin

Through collaboration with lifelong friend Jeremy Baines, the new Ransome + Jenkin collection is produced in the Solmar Eyewear factory in the foothills of the Dolomites, where traditional craftsmanship and technical expertise continue to be carefully preserved. Produced in fine cellulose acetate, and a palette of colours that explores restrained classic hues alongside a bold “Bow red” and softly tinted green opal, each piece can also be customised relatively easily for individual wear and the ideal fit. Details such as 1950s inspired custom-engineered hinges and rivets enhance the character of each crafted design.

The new collection, which was shown for the first time at the 100% Optical event (a trade-only event) in London in March, launches with six classic shapes, including a striking cat eye called Angel, a distinguished iteration of the classic round shape called Brixton, and a spectacular half moon with arched bridge called Bow. Find out more about this new eyewear collection at www.ransomeandjenkin.com

Design + Inspiration

100% Optical 2026: a meeting point for the UK optical community

17th March 2026

The UK optical industry event took place from 28th February – 2nd March at ExCel London – highlights included the 100% Studio, sponsored by Nikon Optical UK and featuring a host of independent labels including Linda Farrow, Tavat, ORGREEN Optics and Blackfin – as well as the annual Love Eyewear Awards

According to the show organisers, the event was attended by over 11,000 visitors of which 55% came from independent practices. This year’s figures were similar to those of previous years. Over 5000 brands were showcased in total across eyewear, contact lenses, lenses and technology products, and the education programme was said to be extremely popular and well attended.

The Love Eyewear Awards ceremony took place on the first evening of the event. Independent brands featured in the awards included Talla, with their style Belvedere, in the Men’s Sunglasses category, Clayton Franklin 659 in the Men’s Frame Category and Tohu Bohu by LAFONT in the Children’s Eyewear Category. The Focal Rooms won the Eyewear Retailer of the Year. Above: the 100% catwalk continues to be a popular feature of the show

RES/REI, exhibited by The Eyewear Company – elegant bevelled acetate designs, made in Italy

Independent brands from around Europe were represented across the event, via distributors and stands in the 100% Studio. The independent eyewear showcase included Lafont Paris, RES/REI, Tree Spectacles, Hoffmann Natural Eyewear, GOTTI Switzerland, ORGREEN Optics, MOREL, TAVAT Eyewear and many more. A new high-quality UK brand – Ransome and Jenkin – was launched at the event (www.ransomeandjenkin.com).

The brands presented collections for Spring/Summer 2026 and in some cases the new styles coming for Autumn/Winter 2026. Key trends for the summer, including oversized sunglasses, geometric frames, smaller shapes and designs with colourful tinted lenses were well represented while an eye-catching selection of beautifully crafted spectacles and sunglasses pointed to the consistent appreciation of fine eyewear design and luxury in the top independent practices in the UK.

Tree Spectacles at 100% Optical – 2026 Edition

In 2027, 100% Optical will take place from 27th February to 1st March. Organised in partnership with the Association of Optometrists (AOP), 100% Optical will continue to provide a platform to discover the latest in eyewear, contact lenses, technology, and business solutions. The event will also continue to offer opportunities to earn CPD points through a world-class programme curated by Dr Ian Beasley (AOP). Find out more at www.100percentoptical.com