Design + Inspiration

Paloceras x S/S 2026 haute couture presentation by Robert Wun

14th March 2026

Paloceras designs singular frame exclusively for Robert Wun’s Paris haute couture runway

The 3D printed design, which has a futuristic face-hugging wraparound shape, produced in three colours, was created as an integral part of the couture silhouette by Wun. Developed and hand-finished in Helsinki at the eyewear brand’s new MicroFactory, (https://www.eyestylist.com/2026/01/paloceras-3d-printed-limited-collections-now-made-in-helsinki/) the frame itself was conceived by Paloceras Design Director Alexis Perron-Corriveau, with collaborating designer Paris Koutsavelis – and produced under the direction of Erwin Laiho, Industrial Designer and Paloceras MicroFactory Lead with finishing carried out by Laiho to ensure material precision and coherence with the garments shown on the runway.

The initial intention for eyewear originated within Wun’s collection narrative. Paloceras was invited to design the piece as part of the overall look, with the eyewear conceived to belong to the outfit itself rather than function as an accessory or afterthought.

In their statement about the design, the Paloceras team added that there will be no commercial release of the catwalk frame itself, although elements developed through the project “may inform future work by Paloceras.” Above: the striking 3D printed couture frame, designed by Paloceras for Robert Wun – image courtesy of Paloceras.

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

Find out more at www.paloceras.com

Design + Inspiration

AHLEM Eyewear’s Paris Collection, inspired by fine watchmaking

10th March 2026

The new Limited Edition explores the engineering precision of fine watchmaking – guided by “architectural precision”

Produced in France, AHLEM releases the new models with its signature double-rim construction featuring hand-brushed and polished bevels which catch the light. These details are informed by the fine details and disciplined geometry of Calatrava watches, known for their pure lines and extraordinary technical virtuosity.

Like the balanced bezel and dial architecture of the classic watch, AHLEM creates two precisely milled circles fitting seamlessly together, articulating structure through proportion, contrast, and restraint. Each circle is sculpted from solid stainless steel to exacting dimensions, resulting in a structure of exceptional integrity. Above: AHLEM Paris designs are produced in Limited Edition batches of 600 units per colour

AHLEM Paris 04 – ultrafine bevels, milled with precision, showcase one surface polished to reflect the light and one surface hand brushed that absorbs the light

The beveled metal temples which also trace their origin to the language of classical watchmaking recall the elegant silhouette of Dauphine watch hands: finely faceted blades that capture light along the edge.Electro-dipped in 22k gold, the frames also achieve resilience and a refined character.

The V-groove lens channel allows the lens to sit seamlessly within the frame, while a concealed rim-lock system preserves structural stability without interrupting the purity of the line. Limited to 600 pieces per colour, the frames are available at selected stockists and at www.ahlemeyewear.com.

Design + Inspiration

LOFT 2026, NYC

4th March 2026

The annual NYC showcase for all things creative in eyewear design, LOFT takes place in two locations – Chelsea Industrial and High Line Nine – from 5th to 7th March 2026

This year’s expanded edition of LOFT takes place from Thursday in the Chelsea / Hudson Yards District, NYC as part of Eyewear Design Week in the city. This event will offer a broad overview of the work of independent eyewear designers and a group of curated collections by brands which champion quality, craftsmanship and originality through technical and creative innovation.

LOFT is located at two venues this year, conveniently close together. Chelsea Industrial will feature over 100 labels, including Article One, Blackfin, Capote, Cutler and Gross, Dandy’s, Folc, Jean Philippe Joly and Ørrgreen Optics. High Line Nine will present 22 collections by brands which include Anne & Valentin, Blake Kuwahara, Hoffmann Natural Eyewear, Masahiromaruyama, FACE A FACE, theo and Press Eyewear – as well as lens company, Zeiss.

Eyestylist.com introduces a few of the beautiful frames we can expect to see at this year’s event, kicking off on Thursday:

Above: RES/REI from Italy will be returning to LOFT in 2026 (Chelsea Industrial); their new collection for women, produced exclusively in Northern Italy, offers their signature colourations and distinctive interpretations of classically inspired shapes. Model Muse represents a compact silhouette with a gently angular lower lens, designed to fit medium to small faces comfortably. Naturally versatile, it works especially well for small PDs and higher lens corrections. The colour mosaic adds depth and character. This palette is described as the ultimate expression of the RES / REI colour palette: a sophisticated play of transparencies meeting bold, contemporary contrasts. www.resrei.com

Vitri by Anne & Valentin, part of KRAFTIES collection

Anne & Valentin’s latest creations include KRAFTIES, inspired by the artistry of frosted glass, and the gentle passage of time. The concept is proposed as a celebration of the beauty of the unforeseen or unexpected, offering frames that are as much a pleasure to wear as they are to touch! Anne & Valentin will be located at High Line Nine. www.anneetvalentin.com

A fresh, light colour palette and lighter structure in each artisanal design: Dandy’s Eyewear for 2026

From Italy, Dandy’s latest collection evolves the silhouettes and colours of the classic Dandy’s style to bring a contemporary mood of lightness and fresh coloration. Known for the artistry of Italian craftsmanship and its particular characteristics of raw-textured finishes, the new collections move the brand into a new phase of design expression for Spring/Summer 2026. Dandy’s exhibits at LOFT at Chelsea Industrial. https://dandyseyewear.com/en/

Gambly by Hoffmann Natural Eyewear x Thierry Lasry

Hoffmann Natural Eyewear (showing at High Line Nine) will present their mainline eyewear collections for men and women and their new collaboration range with iconic eyewear designer, Thierry Lasry. Describing the pieces as true “objets d’art“, these styles fuse Lasry’s design spirit of contemporary audacity with the artisanal know-how of the German company, Hoffmann, a specialist in working with natural buffalo horn and all the complexities of perfecting a finely finished luxury frame. www.hoffmann-eyewear.com

The Hexagonal Synae by theo, in the TUBES collection

theo’s TUBES collection adds a new design twist for “petite faces with big ideas”. These frames feature acetate fronts with a compact design, made for adults with fine facial features, who wish to wear a frame with true character. At the centre of all the designs in this range is a visible round tube, a striking technical feature of the design, connecting both sides. Model Synae (above) is modular and clean – combining lines with rhythm and precision. There are 5 different shapes in the collection including round, square and a popular oval. theo is showing at High Line Nine. www.theo.be

Oversized silhouettes with curved lines and soft gradient lenses nod to the free-spirited, boho-inspired eyewear of the 1960s, entirely reimagined through MYKITA’s LITE construction and innovative powder-coated finishes. Ultra-slender 3mm temples and minimalist frames create a delicate, weightless feel, while the tactile surface treatment adds subtle depth and a playful, futuristic note. This collection, and several others from the German eyewear brand will be on show at High Line Nine. www.mykita.com

ROLF Substance Aura is new for 2026 – a clean, modern and impactful collection of sustainable optical frames

For 2026, ROLF includes new 3D printed frames in its sustainable Substance Aura line, where bright neon tones contrast with the natural dark tone of the background. The Substance Aura collection includes 11 models with 3 different graphic effects – colours or textures – and 7 colours. As always, the line brings together sophisticated hinge technology, high-quality materials and lasting comfort – ideal if you are wanting them for everyday wear.

For more information about LOFT NYC visit the LOFT website at https://www.lofteyewearshow.com

Design + Inspiration

100% Optical 2026, EXCEL London

26th February 2026

The 12th Edition of 100% Optical takes place Saturday through to Monday at ExCel London: 100s of eyewear collections will be on show, including independent eyewear brands taking part from Italy, France, Germany, the UK, Scandinavia and the US

From the latest industry fashion trends and panels and discussions, to valuable networking and CPD point gathering opportunities, 100% Optical 2026 promises an eventful weekend for optical retailers. Highlights will include the 100% Studio, sponsored by Nikon, Optical UK, this area of the show will be dedicated to championing independent eyewear brands from across the world, including Linda Farrow (UK), Blackfin (Italy), Tavat (Italy), Blake Kuwahara (US), FLEYE Copenhagen (Denmark), and MYKITA (Germany).

This year’s winners of the Annual Love Eyewear Awards will be announced on the Catwalk at 5pm on Saturday 28th February. A panel of industry experts, journalists, and eyewear bloggers come together ahead of the ceremony to shortlist the entries across its 13 categories, including New Designer 2026 and Luxury Frame of the Year.

The organisers of 100% also highlight their catwalk show again this year, an opportunity to see new frame styles worn on the dance floor live through choreographed performances.

Above: 100% Optical exhibitor – BLACKFIN is an annual exhibitor at 100% Optical – their new collection, Vitra features a lightweight transparent material in combination with titanium. VitraCore™ is a proprietary technology based on a state-of-the-art high-performance polymer – www.blackfin.eu

MOREL: the new Enigma collection explores colour stories where a transparent tone is combined with a very thin colour on the contour

100% Optical exhibitor: The French eyewear company Morel has released ENIGMA for 2026, a collection characterised by a special colour palette developed with complete freedom, inspired by the surrealist creative game, “Cadavre exquis” and embracing a spontaneous process. Enigma will be on show in London along with the family of Morel eyewear collections, produced in the Jura spectacle-making region of France. https://morel.com

Linda Farrow: luxury eyewear and sunglasses from the iconic British brand will be showing at the London event this year

100% Optical exhibitor: LINDA FARROW will unveil their latest collection for A/W 2026 at 100% Optical and the full campaign which accompanies the collection, Water’s Edge. For the A/W season, Linda Farrow’s female muses are photographed at some of London’s most breathtaking historic and famous sites including Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the London Eye. The collection is characterised by some exciting new statement sunglass designs as well as refined optical pieces created with an acute eye on the precision in the finishing in each unique detail, with features such as double-colour precious plating and characteristic honeycomb temples and hand-painted eyelet hardware. www.lindafarrow.com

Götti Switzerland – model Aosta, a brand new entry in the titanium collection

100% Optical exhibitor: At Götti Switzerland, innovation meets contemporary design in a portfolio of collections featuring state-of-the-art materials, from titanium to refined 3D printed material. The brand has just announced two new styles in its titanium collection, Aosta and Amalia, styles which “stand for confidence and pure elegance”. Manufactured from ultra-light titanium in Japan, these models combine technical precision with an ultra-light feel. Selected colours emphasise the characteristic shapes and the matte finish creates a modern, natural look, www.gotti.ch.

Ørgreen Optics’ Acetate Cut model Lasdun – high-density acetate with ultra-slim titanium temples, inspired by Brutalist architecture

100% Optical exhibitor: Orgreen’s latest collections are defined by a contemporary vision focused on exceptional materials, functional design and trend-driven shapes. The new colour stories at the Danish brand reflect a sensitive approach to the new softer and transparent colour palettes for Spring/Summer 2026. www.orgreenoptics.com

100% Optical exhibitor: Among the releases at MYKITA this season, Lite Acetate Sun expands MYKITA’s hybrid construction with sculptural acetate fronts and lightweight stainless steel temples – expressive 70s inspired engineered for comfort and reduced material use. This collection and others will be available for optical retailers to view at the event. www.mykita.com

Model Virtually by Hoffmann Natural Eyewear x Thierry Lasry – pictured on model and in a striking blue finish, above

100% Optical exhibitor: Hoffmann Natural Eyewear’s collaboration collection with Thierry Lasry proposes fine spectacles and sunglasses in natural buffalo horn. These styles fuse the contemporary audacity of the designer, Thierry Lasry with the artisanal excellence of Hoffmann – known for its mastery of natural buffalo horn and include bold designs with colourful finishes as well as the more traditional neutral browns and light grey tones of natural horn. The collection will be on show with Glasseswebb. www.hoffmann-eyewear.com

100% Optical takes place from Saturday 28th February to Monday 2nd March at ExCel London. For further details visit www.100percentoptical.com

Design + Inspiration

Fine eyewear trends: Spring gradients + fade effects

24th February 2026

Colourful gradients are popular in the Spring collections: some feature multiple colours in a single design, or elegant effects with crystal and bright colour contrasts

Gradients pop in the new optical and sunglasses collections for men and women. We last mentioned the trend in October 2025 (https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/10/autumn-eyewear-trends-artistic-gradients/), and since then we have seen more complex colour combinations and high-impact colour effects establishing the continuation of the trend in optical frames and sunglasses collections. Above: Model Flynn 2 by FACE A FACE: a men’s sunglass style with an imposing shape, this style explores a smoky masculine colour palette, www.faceaface-paris.com

KOMONO: complex graduated colours in acetate: model Iggy in Thyme Blush

Eyewear brand KOMONO uses soft gradients to bring movement and dimension to their styles in the new collection. Horizontal and vertical fades blur the lines between colours, creating a fluid effortless look with a contemporary edge. The imposing Iggy style, an oversized octagonal design, is powerful and feminine at the same time. www.komono.com

A men’s optical frame, model Hyland by Seraphin has a softly squared shape and lifted browline. The frame comes in three gradient finishes, the chestnut/chestnut fade pictured above, as well as navy/navy smoke or sienna/sienna ember fade. Seraphin Eyewear is available at www.ogieyewear.com

In the women’s collection at French eyewear label J.F. Rey, playful combinations and unexpected contrasts are a key theme, and subtle gradients in acetate make a beautiful special feature. The chromatic sophistication in this collection enhances the presence of each design, giving it a particular identity and artistic character through contrast. Model JF3120 is a metal and acetate design (square eye shape) where the materials interact, as well as the colours, to offer “a refined sophistication”. Find out more about this colourful eyewear collection at www.jfrey.fr