Design + Inspiration

The lively energy of the Milan event confirmed ongoing opportunity in – and success of – in-person international eyewear shows

The show organisers reported approximately 42,000 attendees, from more than 160 countries, and 1,200 exhibitors, of which approximately 930 were international, in 7 halls, across 8 exhibit areas. As in 2025, Europe – with strong representation from Germany, France, and Spain – proved its significance. Particularly noteworthy were attendance numbers from Africa (Tunisia, Algeria, South Africa), the Middle East (Syria, Oman, Saudi Arabia), and Asia (South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, India, China), confirming these emerging markets as an important, growing area for commercial development, they said. Participation from North America remained stable, a positive signal given the current economic climate and ongoing tariff-related tensions. In contrast, attendance from Italy showed a slight decline, reflecting the impact of the current economic context on investment decisions by industry professionals in the domestic market. Above: Mido 2026, Milan (Image: Mido Milan)

Design and trend forecast by Mido Mido offers commentators and journalists an opportunity to study the evolution of eyewear design across categories, including independent eyewear brands, luxury labels and artisan design collections. The organisers reported that this year “the collections highlighted increasingly lightweight and high-performance frames, state-of-the-art and sustainable materials, and the integration of artificial intelligence–based solutions for design, customization and vision comfort. Eyewear continues to establish itself firmly as both a technological platform and an aesthetic object.”

From a stylistic perspective, eyewear is emerging as a form of identity and individuality, balancing minimalism and experimentation, heritage and modern design. Trends range from luminous transparencies and interplays of light, to intense, organic textures derived from urban and international inspirations. Bio-acetates, recycled materials and lightweight metals take centre stage, the Mido report states –  alongside reinterpreted timeless icons – aviator, cat-eye, panto and navigator shapes – in sophisticated colour palettes that encompass everything from natural and crystal-clear shades to bolder accents. Mido upholds its reputation as the place where innovations take shape and trends begin to define the face of eyewear for the seasons ahead, organisers also added.

Eyestylist observations During the event Eyestylist talked with exhibitors and attendees (optical retailers) and took part in launch events and talks arranged to promote debate and reflection on the industry in 2026, and how it is changing. The Vision Stage hosted sessions dedicated to this sharing of views and discussion topics. Key speakers at this edition included Monica Maggioni, Alec Ross and Dario Fabbri. Significant space was also devoted to industry trends, new trends in consumer behaviour, sustainability, inclusion and eye health.

Our top ten highlights include design trends that we identified during the show:

• Mazzucchelli 1849 x Peclers Paris – the two companies launched an Eyewear trend book ’27 presenting a refined vision of colours, materials, shapes and insights tailored to the eyewear market, www.mazzuchelli1849.it
• The Lens of Time, an exhibition about the history of Italian eyewear, which was adapted for Mido 2026 and beautifully presented in a unique space
• Frame The Future – the responsible eyewear alliance presented key findings in “The State of Sustainability in Eyewear” – the Catalyst Study, at the Mido event
• the rise of smart glasses was a topic of interest at the event: MODO launched Eyefly, a product designed to look like everyday glasses and featuring open-ear audio and hands-free connectivity
• 3D printed eyewear innovators raise the bar in quality and design potential – at brands like Hoet, YOU MAWO, Götti Switzerland and ROLF, the evolution of quality, precision and originality is evident in 3D printed frames produced either in titanium or materials like high-quality polyamide and castor-bean based materials. These brands are responsible for leading this change
• Innovators in the field of design and fine aesthetics: numerous eyewear designers from around the world exhibit at Mido. Work includes collections made by hand, collections produced according to new technological breakthroughs and, for example, frames created with new groundbreaking scientific procedures and technical accomplishments such as the White Circle, Metastable + cold-rolled frame (Limited Edition) by Massada (www.massada.com). Other highlights included Anne & Valentin’s launch of the Krafties, a captivating acetate collection which appears as if it has been “handcrafted from glass, shaped by time”
• Colour evolution – the eyewear showcased across the event showed that colour palettes in eyewear are shifting rapidly – two key stories were evident – consistent experimentation in bright tones and neons – alongside a very widespread growing focus on timeless, flattering natural tones, and a palette of light, translucent neutrals, brown variations and tones such as burnt umber, sienna, mocca, cappuccino-like shades… plus a notable variety of soft and natural greens, including sage, olive, and increasingly, khaki
• Material innovations – frame designers are working with a wide variety of exceptional materials – they include titanium, acetate, natural buffalo horn, aluminium, fibre glass, natural wood and ply wood, carbon fibre, and surgical grade stainless steel
• High-quality optical accessories at the top end of the market are showing much innovation and introducing new design products; ompanies like Diffuser Tokyo, Valrose and La Loop showed that eyewear accessories in 2026 are sophisticated and thoughtfully designed – using high-class materials – conceived with care with the eyewear aficionado in mind…. 
• Luxury brands were well represented at the event, and included some of the finest European companies such as Hoffmann Eyewear (https://www.eyestylist.com/2026/01/mido-2026-hoffmann-natural-eyewear-understatement-as-a-statement/) and Thierry Lasry,  as well as popular names like AHLEM, LAPIMA, Garrett Leight, Blackfin, Press Eyewear (https://www.eyestylist.com/2026/02/press-eyewear-luxury-collection-launches-at-mido-2026/), MATSUDA, DITA, LINDA FARROW, L.G.R, AKONI GROUP, RES/REI, LAFONT PARIS, John Dalia, l.a. eyeworks and Cutler and Gross.

The next edition of MIDO will take place from 6 to 8th February, 2027, at the same location, Fiera Milano Rho. Find out more at www.mido.com. This feature was compiled, researched and written by Clodagh Norton who attended the event in person. AI was not used to write this content. All rights reserved.