Design + Inspiration

Eyestylist is 15 today

January 12th 2026

Eyestylist.com was launched on 12th January 2011. The Eyestylist archive now features more than 3000 articles, trend stories, reviews and interviews with creatives, eyewear designers and independent optical retailers. Today we mark the occasion with the launch of a fresh look for the site and the Eyestylist logo and branding….follow our content in the next weeks to find out more about the last 15 years …and to follow views on what the future holds…

Created as a dedicated site for quality-driven independent eyewear brands of all sizes, Eyestylist started its journey as a review site and news source about independent eyewear and emerging designers. At the time, there were no other resources online specialising in design history, trends, news about the world of eyewear, and to this day, there are no other journalist-written websites reporting exclusively on the independent brands in the business – from small artisan labels to iconic luxury names, as well as reporting on related international events, independent eyewear stores around the world and stories with cultural significance to the creative optical field. We’ve been known to break a story or two about launches and news in the business! Above: Tortoise Jungle by Robert Marc – the first product reviewed on Eyestylist – posted on 12th January 2011

Audrey by Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses, one of the first sunglasses featured on Eyestylist in 2011

In the weeks, ahead we will be publishing a series of articles and posts which look back over the last 15 years in eyewear and accessories design – since we published the first editorial in Jan. 2011 – https://www.eyestylist.com/2011/01/introduction/ – here we outlined our editorial mission at the time…. “to create a personal selection of individual pieces which we believe are representative of our times, unique in their features and absolutely worth a peep if you are into eyewear, sell glasses or sunglasses, or if you simply want to find a style for yourself that stands out from the crowd……” We will be looking forward to talking to some of the designers and retailers who have participated and supported the site through the years as it has developed and flourished.

Tuba by l.a. Eyeworks: the first l.a. eyeworks frame to be highlighted on Eyestylist.com

At the beginning, in 2011, it quickly became evident that by visiting workshops and production sites where possible, and meeting the designers and brand innovators at eyewear events in different parts of the world, Eyestylist could grow and flourish, developing new exclusive content, meeting emerging designers, and experiencing the eyewear designers’ world first hand – to create a site that explores this world of creativity and design from many perspectives.

Fabric frames by Lafont Paris (2016): Eyestylist visited the Lafont stores in Paris in 2016

Today we have followers and readers across the world. Our archive of content and feeds both here and on social media continues to grow and develop, with the original Eyestylist commitment to the leaders and innovators in avantgarde, handmade, luxury and fine glasses, sunglasses and accessories and the optical retailers who are ‘ambassadors’ for these exceptional brands. We have an endless appetite for innovation, design excellence and quality.

We have developed an interest in sustainability and how independent eyewear brands – and the business as a whole – are shifting their perspective to take a more holistic approach to sustainable innovations and developments, accelerating sustainable transformation (On this topic, we recommend reading our recent interview with Co-Founder of Frame the Future, Xenia Glutz Von Blotzheim : https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/11/xenia-glutz-von-blotzheim-co-founder-frame-the-future/

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

Work by jewellery and eyewear designer, Ely Yili Cao, featured on Eyestylist in August 2020 – Eyestylist highlights new and emerging talent in the business

We wish to send our special thanks to all those brands and individuals who have been a part of Eyestylist in the past and continue to support us going forward, and for all our continuing Sponsors in 2026, among them both iconic brands and a number of newcomers – as well as the international eyewear events:

With thanks to: ARTICLE ONE (www.articleoneeyewear.com); Blackfin (www.blackfin.eu); Diffuser Tokyo (www.diffuser-tokyo.com); Erker’s 1879 (www.erkers1879.com); FACE A FACE (www.faceaface-paris.com); FAOFLEX (Dandy’s and Germano Gambini (www.dandyseyewear.com and www.germanogambini.com); GOTTI Switzerland (www.gotti.ch); J.F. REY (www.jfrey.fr); Jisco Eyewear (www.jiscoeyewear.com) Lafont Paris (www.lafont.com); l.a. eyeworks (www.laeyeworks.com); LAMARCA Eyewear (www.lamarcaeyewear.com); LOFT Eyewear Show (www.lofteyewearshow.com) LOOK (www.lookocchiali.com) MIDO (www.mido.com); MOREL (www.morel-france.com); Otis Eyewear (www.otiseyewear.com); Nina Mur (www.ninamur.com); OGI Eyewear (www.ogieyewear.com); Orgreen Optics (www.orgreenoptics.com) Paloceras (www.paloceras.com); ROLF (www.rolf-spectacles.com); RES/REI (www.resrei.com); RIGARDS (www.rigards.com); SILMO (www.silmoparis.com); TVR Opt (www.tvropt.eu); The LONDONi (www.instagram.com/the_londoni/; 100% Optical (www.100percentoptical.com).

We also thank everyone behind the scenes at Eyestylist as we have a community of dedicated collaborators and individuals who have been involved in making this site a success. With special thanks to all those who are working with us and those who have made important contributions : DOWO Digital (www.dowo.digital), Helen Bratby (designer), Victoria Brunton (journalist), Gennaro D’Elia (fashion photographer – www.gennarodelia.com) and Oak Creative (www.oakcreative.net).

See you at opti and MIDO 2026! For all enquiries about being involved with Eyestylist going forward and advertising bookings, please direct your enquiries to [email protected] and meet us in 2026!

Design + Inspiration

Colour trends: timeless white, ‘Cloud Dancer’

January 6th 2026

Pantone’s Colour of the Year, 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is in tune with eyewear colour palettes – despite the current trend for pastels, neons and brights

Described as a lofty white neutral and a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer reflects a yearning for “a future free from toxicity and excess.” The colour, which has a slightly greyish tint, is expected to be a hit in the worlds of interiors and fashion, given its “natural and human quality”, and for eyewear, it looks likely to receive a favourable reception, building on the enduring popularity of white and translucent crystal tones for glasses and sunglasses and its considerable versatility as a statement colour or more subtle quiet choice in other variations and where transparency comes into play. Above: MYKITA – model Kami in Spring Water / Pearl – the style perfectly illustrates the purity and simplicity offered by a tone of natural crystal

MYKITA Lite, streamlined design in contemporary colours

Crystal tinted eyewear is timeless and continues to be popular thanks to the lightness of the colour which is flattering for the human complexion and works for many differeny skin tones. www.mykita.com

Andy Wolf 4641 – chunky and bold styling

A frame that Andy Wolf describes as a nude tone, the 4641 makes a statement both with its sculptural form and lightness of colour, which is slightly unexpected in a chunky look that’s heavily bevelled, www.andy-wolf.com

A classic, slim rounded shape that addresses easy, every day wear, model Brentwood comes in a variety of light tones including crystal and an attractive greyish crystal tint called “Smokin”. www.erkers1879.com

Marni, produced by Retrosuperfuture: a vintage-inspired expression of white

An example of the vintage influences of the colour white, the Marni frame Phazar (produced by Retrosuperfuture) is both edgy and pretty, with its rounded cat eye silhouette in a cool tone of white that feels subtly transformed to a shade of today. www.retrosuperfuture.com

For more news on trends, click on our link: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/11/eyewear-trends-qualities-of-pattern/

Design + Inspiration

theo eyewear: inspired by the subtle definition of make up

January 3rd 2026

theo’s latest release is inspired by the art of make up and its powers of enhancing our features and gaze – to highlight who you are

The new frame series by theo is conceived like make up as pure expression, with the ability to add subtle definition to our facial features – without taking over or overpowering the face. The collection features titanium and acetate, combining precision and lightness with layers of warmth and texture for the ultimate expression. Each of the five frames has been built in “visual layers”, telling a story and creating an interplay of soft details and bold design – in combination colours.

Design + Inspiration

Our most popular interview features of 2025….

December 30th 2025

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/

Design + Inspiration

Bold eyewear: 5 of the best in 2025

December 23rd 2025

Independent eyewear brands continue to push the boundaries of bold design… exploring wide-ranging creative opportunities across colour, structure, materiality, 3-dimensionality and asymmetry. These and many other innovative design touches ensure that eyewear enthusiasts are presented with an exciting and diverse selection of bold iterations to choose from. Here, we highlight five of our favourite distinctive independent eyewear collections which illustrate the desirability of bold statements with special characteristics…

1.Nina Mûr / Luminiers Collection (image above) – colourful art-inspired statement eyewear in sustainable ply wood

Nina Mûr’s Luminiers pays tribute to two groundbreaking movements that transformed the 20th century: the radical boldness and geometric irreverence of the Memphis Group, and the structural purity and poetic functionality of Bauhaus.

These spectacular designs are conceived as small pieces of architecture for the face. There are three distinctive silhouettes in the collection – each one exploring new forms of aesthetic, technical, and emotional expression. “Like miniature lamps or graphic pieces”, the glasses have been designed to challenge the boundary between the utilitarian and the artistic. Read the Eyestylist article: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/09/silmo-paris-2025-nina-mur-previews-luminiers/

Kaci acetate sunglasses are made in France

2. KACI / sculptured acetate designs in a palette of striking tones

With frames designed to “transcend the boundaries of time and space,” Kaci is a relatively new entry in eyewear. The brand was founded in 2022 by Kalila and Yannis Kaci and was one of the highlights amongst the emerging eyewear exhibitors at Silmo Paris 2025 – Fascinated by the Berber civilisation, the traditional work of Moroccan artisans, and the infinite possibilities of using traditional, authentic methods of craftsmanship in eyewear production today: Kaci eyewear by Kalila and Yannis Kaci is designed in colours and nuances which honour the light and soul of the rich Berber culture – its land and its people. With a passion for artisan excellence, Kalila and Yannis have developed their collection in the Jura in France, using carefully selected natural and sustainable materials – in close collaboration with ‘family’ workshops and makers. Read the Eyestylist article: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/11/kaci-paris-blending-tradition-with-the-avant-garde/

Paloceras / Pebble: the style comes in a bold Pistachio Green with a light brown lens colour

3. Paloceras / exaggerated inflated volumes for eyewear

In fashion spheres, Paloceras has been dubbed an exceptional rising force and in the optical world, while early adopters of the bold and stylish inflated forms included a handful of the leading opticians across the globe, at the forefront of eyewear fashion and qualitative design.

In May 2025 they launched two new styles in their Pebble Collection, known for its bold inflated forms and colour innovation. The new Aviator (VX) and Diamond (DX) which join frames like the RX, an oval shape with the distinctive signature style, extend the eye-catching collection with new directions. “The development began not with sketches, but with simulation,” Design Director Alexis Perron-Corriveau explains. “Using digital matter in motion, we watched as geometry settled into place. Not through control, but through release. Shape was found, not forced….” Read the Eyestylist article: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/05/paloceras-pebble-collection-ss25/

4. J.F. Rey / Layers collection – an example of an asymmetrical combination design in stainless steel and blue/white chequered acetate

Iconic, statement-making, and ever colourful. The JF2062 glasses in the LAYERS collection is a J.F. Rey icon that boldly reappears in fresh colours and with a new stainless steel and acetate construction – designed, says the creative team, “to offer greater strength and support”. The round and square eye shape is a signature edition from the French label, appearing frequently through the collection and often cited for its impressive and unexpected yet wearable look. Read the Eyestylist feature at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/07/j-f-rey-an-iconic-frame-reimagined/

Mona by Götti Switzerland – bold in 3D printed material

5. Götti Switzerland / Dimension collection – thick-rimmed, lightweight 3D printed styles

For those who love the ‘sculpted’ style, these two new bevelled-effect 3D printed Dimension by Götti Switzerland frames combine a timeless look with a clean and contemporary angular aesthetic. The makers describe the frames as all-rounders from this 3D printed line, offering easy-to-wear shapes in a material that is soft, lightweight and very pleasant to wear.

Thanks to the custom-made options at Götti, the styles, which are suitable for optical lenses or as sunglasses, can also be individually adjusted for an optimized fit and even more comfort. Find out more at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/04/3d-printed-styles-released-at-gotti-switzerland/

To see more of the featured collections in 2025, visit our Reviews section at https://www.eyestylist.com/category/reviews/