Design + Inspiration

Among the many trend stories in eyewear, a soft palette of colours has emerged as one of the most sensual and chic directions in the Spring/Summer collections

Recent eyewear trade events in Munich and Milan unveiled a wide-reaching selection of new colour proposals, among them some soft, light ice-cream tones that lend a new delicacy and feminine expression to women’s eyewear as well as a special elegance in some styles for men. Tones of light blue, powder pink, tea rose, buttery and celestial yellow and light tangerine are among the lighter hues that have been introduced more widely than in previous seasons and explored at different levels of transparency or saturation to bring a new feeling to the frames. Above: 70705 Full Xinox series – LOOK Moda – the colour palette in this collection by LOOK  has been designed to reflect a trendy retro style with colour-blocking effects – the material Xinox, a steel originating from Sweden, is given a softer lighter look through the colour combinations and use of some surprising and very contemporary tones, www.lookocchiali.it

Hypno1 by FACE A FACE is a sunglass style in the new collection at the French eyewear brand for Spring/Summer. Exploring an avant-garde concept to challenge the norms of classic eyewear, the shape has oversized temples that frame the front and also features a riveted hinge and visible temple-cores. Available in two hybrid shapes, the colour pictured combines a soft “pink” nude and egg-shell blue. www.faceaface-paris.com

Lafont’s latest collection proposes some playful material mixes with colour combinations that are both fun and sophisticated. Model Rhythme 5726 combines a solid light pink with a deeper tone of red in a structured shape with beautifully confident lines to “frame the eyes” with a particular and striking design. www.lafont.com

Suitto Eyewear from Spain has created an optical collection with a well balanced palette that ranges from classical tones of black and tortoise through to several light pastel tones of crystal pink, light mauve and light turquoise. The designs are also very distinctive thanks to the refined bevelling which provides a sculpted look. Suitto places much emphasis also on creating shapes that suit and fit the face. www.suittoeyewear.com

Article One’s subtle sports details are combined with a fashion sensibility to ensure their designs suit all needs across an individual’s active lifestyle. The subtle tone of “suede” is one of a series of on-trend tones in a palette (have a look also at their colours like butterscotch and vintage crystal) that evokes soft varieties of mocha mousse, the Pantone Colour of the Year. See all their finel eyewear styles at www.articleoneeyewear.com

RSF has many different frames featured in pastel tones and light blues and yellows for the Spring/Summer. The Numero 128 – a frame with a cool double bridge and elongated rectangular eye shape, comes in a tone called “Cremoso Q” a lightly saturated creamy yellow tone that perfectly fits with the delicate palette that is currently evolving and catch our eye! Take a look at more of the Retrosuperfuture frames at  https://retrosuperfuture.com

This feature was written by Clodagh Norton for Eyestylist.com – all rights reserved.

The UK’s optical show takes place this weekend (1st to 3rd March 2025) – eyewear companies from Europe and the US will be exhibiting – in total 250 exhibitors have been confirmed for the trade event

Returning to London’s Excel Centre this week, 100% Optical organisers are promising an action-packed show, the 11th edition of the UK’s largest event for the optical industry. The programme for the weekend will include an education programme, in partnership with the Association of Optometrist (AOP), as well as optical fashion, design and cutting-edge equipment and technology, the return of 100% Ophthalmology, a co-located event which is the first in the world to bring together optometry and ophthalmology under one roof, plus a host of ‘happy hour’ networking opportunities.

For visitors who wish to find eyewear design inspiration, this year’s event will see the return of the 100% Studio (sponsored by Nikon Lenswear UK). The event organisers say this area will be “bigger, and bolder” featuring an enhanced dedicated area featuring new brands, 12 new stands, a line of up independently handcrafted eyewear. The organisers say this area is committed to championing the industry’s leading independent eyewear brands that honour craftsmanship, creativity and innovation.

As the show approaches, Eyestylist is pleased to share some brand new eyewear collections from international independent eyewear brands, showing at the London event for the first time. Above: the Italian company Blackfin will exhibit at 100% Optical – they have multiple releases, including new models in the Spring/Summer 2025 Blackfin One collection: this line embodies a bold, sophisticated vision, where modern shapes merge with a timeless aesthetic. The desire to experiment with new geometries converges with a constantly updated colour palette, www.blackfin.eu

Erker’s from the US return to 100% Optical each year. This collection is full of artisan details, heritage references, and fresh colours and patterns. Highlights include the Bay Window Collection with 27 chic eyewear frames, blending the story of the brand’s German heritage with modern style. Inspired by the charm of St. Louis and the warmth of home, the Bay Window Collection includes 20 optical frames, 4 sunglasses, and 3 additions to the limited-production ‘Special Reserve’ series. This collection also adds 18 new colourways, including unique frame shapes made of metal, acetate, or in combination, and a subdued, modern colour palette that provides flattering choices for all  specs wearers. www.erkers1879.com

ROLF frames continue to be popular in the UK and with some of the leading optical retailers thanks to their quality and material innovation, in natural wood, horn, stone and 3D printed material made from castor beans. 100% Optical will be an opportunity to see their new designs in the award-winning Evolved, Substance and Fusion collections for Spring/Summer 2025. www.rolf-spectacles.com

Rich colours and artistic flourishes with playful geometric design details define the new FACE A FACE collection – on show at the Design Eyewear Group stand this weekend at 100% Optical. Avant-garde concepts, bold, hexagonal, oval and square eyewear shapes and visually exciting details all feature here, in sunglasses and opticals that are full of unique expression. www.faceaface-paris.com

Dita-Lancier has just launched a new collection designed for performance and everyday wear, where eyewear functionality meets “superior style and comfort”. The frames in the collection offer ergonomic design, lightweight silhouettes, and durable yet elegant structures that benefit from particular features for comfort such as flex-fitting temples and adjustable anti-slip notepads. www.dita.com

MYKITA will exhibit at 100% Optical this year. Among their popular collection is the Mykita Lite range, defined by modern silhouettes and pure constructions. This concept has been developed to offer super lightweight frames that also offer a refined and sophisticated aesthetic that is a pleasure to wear. www.mykita.com

100% Optical is a trade-only event for optical retailers taking place from 1st-3rd March 2025. To find out more visit www.100percentoptical.com

The busy Milan event this month saw new momentum in eyewear innovation and design driven change in the industry with regard to environmental issues – independent eyewear brands exhibited bold, creative concepts, new sustainable ideas and a considered approach in many cases to quality design and traditional craftsmanship 

Mido 2025 has been billed as an outstanding success: in the words of Lorraine Berton, President of MIDO and ANFAO, an edition that was all about “business, networking and fresh ideas”. For those seeking inspiration, innovation and design ideas, the event served up a huge opportunity to review new directions, material developments, sustainable progress and style ideas in many different segments of eyewear design, including sport, fashion and luxury.

Independent brands and creative designers offered an extraordinary breadth and quality of design, with  a large number of these companies and new emerging labels exhibiting in the Academy and Start-up area this year. Above: Nina Mûr’s outstanding new Pearl Eyes collection features sinuous shapes and organic lines. The frames incorporate a unique element – authentic certified river pearls are embedded in each design

Pearl Eyes by Nina Mûr offers an uninhibited artistic expression, fusing playfulness with elegance and exploring new possibilities through striking natural materials, always in line with the sustainable ethos of the brand. www.ninamur.com

Colour stories at Mido were intriguing, with many new colour directions emerging in different ways depending on the materials and textures explored. Colours with obvious links to fashion and the Pantone colour of the year for 2025 – Mocha Mousse were prevalent, as were bright vibrant tones offering individuality and exciting expression.  All the classic eyewear colours are also well represented this year with tortoise tones, Havana, brown hues and lots of new greens proposed across the board. We noted  a very attractive terracotta tone appearing frequently, as well as other natural hues inspired by nature, natural textures, minerals and marble. There were multiple examples of playful work on surfaces, texture and contrasts between shiny and matt finishes, once again.

The frame pictured above is a new round style in the Mosaico series at Italian brand, Lamarca Eyewear. The colour combination in Mazzucchelli acetate plays with classic tones and trendy crystal grey, www.lamarcaeyewear.com

Ørgreen Optics showed a bold sunglasses collection, offering a revitalised approach to colour and lens innovation. Known for its minimalist design and technical precision, Ørgreen is now setting its sights on redefining how its sun collection blends style and functionality. The new palette features a trio of concepts: Essentials, timeless classics such as matte black and deep brown; Accented Colours, versatile yet muted tones like soft blue; Seasonal Highlights, trend-driven hues, including sage green and vibrant pink. www.orgreenoptics.com

Featured in the interesting Start-Up area of the Mido show this year, the independent label Glacier Optics showed an inspiring collection of sports frames. First launched in 2020, the frames have been designed specifically for mountain activities and developed for use in the Alps. All the parts and accessories have been carefully sourced locally in Switzerland, France and Italy and the frames have a distinctive design and quality of style thanks to the co-founders’ decade-long experience working in the outdoors industry and a particular passion for and expertise in snowboarding and skiing. Find out more about the brand at www.glacieroptics.com

Austrian eyewear innovator ROLF took away another CSE award at the Mido event, winning the European category for their 3D printed sustainable eyewear collection. ROLF continues to offer a wide selection of frames in natural materials including wood and stone, produced to the highest levels of craftsmanship and design quality. www.rolf-spectacles.com

Mido saw collection presentations by many new and emerging companies with a particular specialisation and design direction. They included Hibang from Taiwan, a small label which has already won an iF Design award for their screw-free “modular” style  frames, made with parts that can easily be swapped and replaced without tools, extending lifespan and promoting sustainable design. All the frames are produced in a sustainable material created from discarded fishing nets.

According to the organisers of MIDO 2025, this year the three-day international event welcomed over 42,000 attendees, from 168 countries, and 1200 exhibitors (of which about 930 were international) in 7 pavilions and 8 exhibitions areas at Fiera Milano Rho.

Eyestylist was privileged to return to the Mido event this month and learn about important developments in design, technology and sustainable eyewear. This article is a first commentary on what we have reviewed at Mido. Further highlights on the collections in 2025 will be featured on Eyestylist.com in the coming weeks and months. Mido 2026 takes place from 31st January to 2nd February 2026 at Fiera Milano Rho. Find out more about Mido at www.mido.com