Design + Inspiration

Mido 2026: the long-awaited inflated glasses by Paloceras…are here

28th January 2026

Paloceras is exhibiting for the first time at Mido 2026 in Milan, unveiling their new optical collection, Nouvelle Fiction

The collection adapts the sculptural design language of the brand’s iconic Pebble frames into refined lightweight spectacles made for daily wear. According to the founders, each shape maintains a recognisable identity through defined volume, rounded contours, and spherical tips, while being carefully recalibrated to meet optical standards. Proportions, material distribution, and fit have been adjusted to support stable fitting and long-term wear in an optical context. Above: prescription-ready statement frames designed for stability and comfort

Paloceras to launch first optical collection at Mido

“It was about retaining the emotional charge of our sculptural frames while letting them settle into something quieter, more instinctive to wear. The expression is more restrained, but the identity remains unmistakable.” – Alexis Perron-Corriveau, Design Director The signature inflated language that Paloceras has become known for is created through a controlled hot-pressing process that allows volume to be formed with precision rather than added as surface effect. This approach enables sculptural presence while maintaining structural stability and suitability for prescriptions.

The colour palette is composed specifically for optical use and includes some very elegant and subtle soft neutrals, translucent hues, as well as expressive marbled patterns. Each frame is carved from premium Mazzucchelli cellulose acetate using DualLayer laminated construction and finished with custom gold-plated Visottica hardware designed for optical adjustment and long-term serviceability. The finishing remains smooth, sculptural and recognisably Paloceras. The brand proposes lenses from Divel Italia featuring top-of-the-line hard coating and anti-reflective treatment developed for clarity, durability and daily use.

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

Paloceras will exhibit at Mido in Hall 6 – LAB Academy – stand AY53.

Find out more about Paloceras in our interview at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/05/alexis-perron-corriveau-and-mika-matikainen-founders-paloceras/and visit the brand website at www.paloceras.com

Design + Inspiration

Mido 2026 Preview: spotlight on Independent eyewear design and innovation

27th January 2026

Mido returns to Fiera Milano, Rho (from 31st January to 2nd February 2026) for three days of design and innovation showcases, networking, education and business-development opportunities. The event, which is the 54th edition, will see a vast presentation of eyewear brands from around the world, with opportunities to discover the whole spectrum of products relevant to 2026 and seasons ahead.

Event organisers highlight the different areas of the fair for visitors: the heart of Hall 1, the Fashion Square, will be completely updated for this edition. In Hall 4, the square will feature an installation dedicated to the Italian DaTE Eyewear event and the square in Hall 6 will host the new edition of the eyewear exhibition, The Lens of Time.

The Design area returns to Halls 2 + 4: ‘growing’ exhibitors and new entries will be showing in this area, including some brands previously featured in the Academy. This year the Academy, in Hall 6, described by the organisers as “an accelerator for young brands” will host over 90 companies. The ‘Start Up’ area will see the participation of about 20 new companies presenting projects and products with focus on innovation in design.

The exhibition, “The Lens of Time” will be a highlight this year in Hall 6: originally launched in Venice, this exhibition dedicated to the history of eyewear, and conceived by ANFAO, will be on show at Mido with a new format for the international visitors at the fair. The exhibition traces the evolution of eyewear from its origins to the present day, highlighting its cultural, artisanal and stylistic value. After Mido, the exhibition will move to Rome and the Palazzo Piacentini, headquarters of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, with future plans of moving abroad. Find out more about the original exhibition here: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/05/the-lens-of-time-venice/

In 2025, Mido recorded 42,000 people attending the international event in Milan through three days, visiting from 168 countries, and more than 400 accredited national and international journalists.

For the 2026 edition, a MIDO App is now available to download for exhibitors and visitors to manage the show experience with ease and efficiency.

Above + below: Eyestylist details a few of the new and innovative designs which will be shown for the first time when the event opens on Saturday.

Above: Faboor will exhibit in Hall 2 (stand S38) at Mido – with an engineering-driven approach to eyewear design, Faboor frames are made from solid ERGAL 7075 (a high performance aluminium alloy) with anodised finishes – the brand is manifesting a bold creative direction for 2026: expect a a strong concept-driven collection, www.faboor.it

NINA MÛR – model Beatrice will be unveiled at MIDO this coming weekend

The design label, NINA MÛR will release eight new models at the event, as well as showcasing new materials, one of their consistent and most uniquely explored design qualities. The frame above is called Beatrice, and is pictured in Warm White / Blue Klein. NINA MÛR continues to apply new ideas to eyewear design through new interpretations of sustainable materials like ply wood, unconventional frame shapes with an organic appearance, and a deeply creative colour palette that explores colour depth and contrast with virtuosity. The brand is exhibiting at stand AY33 / LAB ACADEMY. www.ninamur.com

Model Ueno by Lafont is one of several new designs launching this coming weekend

Lafont Paris will present new models for Spring/Summer at Mido, including the women’s model Ueno, a combined frame characterised by elongated lines, and a pure and balanced aesthetic. The subtle interplay of metal cutouts on the front enhances the look. Made exclusively in France, the Lafont Paris collections continue to uphold the artisan excellence and detail precision of authentic French production through partner Thierry s.a., the renowned family-run eyewear maker in the Jura region. Lafont Paris is exhibiting in Hall 2 – Stand V41 Z42. Find out more at www.lafont.com

PRESS Eyewear: the Carved Collection will launch in Milan – pictured, model Trane has a high bridge and beautiful eye shape with double rim detail

PRESS Eyewear will launch a new sun/optical collection for Spring/Summer 2026, produced in titanium and handcrafted in Japan. A tribute to America’s truest musical art form, jazz, and some of the world’s most iconic musicians, the Carved Collection embodies the signature character and style of the New York eyewear brand, paying rigorous attention to quality and technical sophistication while really making an impact through remarkable construction, material combinations and distinctive yet timeless colour combinations. Find PRESS Eyewear in Hall 4 – Stand Q20. www.presseyewear.com

Gamine New York is celebrating 10 years with new striking releases for Mido – “celebrating the spirit of individuality…”

Gamine New York will launch a limited edition, two signature models and 5 new titanium styles at MIDO this year. The brand first launched at the event in 2016, and for this special occasion, they are moving out of the Lab and into Hall 4 (stand P09 Q10). Gamine.nyc

French eyewear producer J.F. Rey’s press preview for the Milan event is extensive, with an array of women’s optical designs in beautiful colours and transparencies, bold multicoloured sunglasses (such as the decorative model Chiara above) and a popular signature men’s collection. The women’s sunglasses are really distinctive for Spring/Summer 2026, bringing multiple colours into play along with layering effects and gradients. The J.F. REY stand will be located in Hall 4 – Stand L11 L13 M12 M14. Find out more at www.jfrey.fr

Mido takes place from Saturday 31st January to 2nd February 2026. Find out more about what’s on over the 3 days at www.mido.com

This feature offers a small taste of the new designs coming to Mido, Milan this coming weekend. We have lots more editorials and features coming up on the new releases. An Eyestylist feature by Clodagh Norton – not using AI. All rights reserved. Copyright protected.

Design + Inspiration

Ørgreen Optics 2026

24th January 2026

Ørgreen Optics’ sun + eyewear collections premiered at Mido, Milan: the frames, across collections continue to lean towards a contemporary vision where fine materials meet trend-driven shapes and an expertly created palette of colours under the direction of eyewear colourist, Sahra Lysell

The highlighted collections from the portfolio include “Sheet Titanium”, marking a return to refined proportions and clean definition in the shapes and design work. For this season, thinner lines and lighter profiles have been achieved in this collection and while it maintains its signature minimalism, certain silhouettes are characterised by slightly more volume, though they remain held within precise and controlled proportions to ensure a timeless aesthetic. Above: Imaginary Lines by Ørgreen Optics – model “Full Stop 3D Ring Sun” – “bold geometry, technical excellence”

In the “Quantum High” range – known as one of the most popular high-quality 3D printed eyewear lines featuring polyamide and durable beta-titanium – are imagined as a sculptural 3D form. Their three-dimensional surfaces integrate the minimal titanium temples to maximize both lightness and comfort.

The Acetate collection at Ørgreen is trend-driven this season, drawing on Sahra Lysell’s colour palette and the presentation of soft and light tints, adding nuance and atmosphere described as “a calm contemporary ease”. The shapes are expressive thanks to the material while remaining wearable with a comfortable fit.

The collections (including the 3d Printed Quantum High, Acetate, Acetate Cut and Imaginary Lines) are presented in a campaign entitled ‘Twenty-Six Rolls’. This photographic project originated from a moment of creative spontaneity where exactly twenty-six rolls of film were used to document the collection. The team explains that within the world of analog photography, numbers and dates are never accidental; they serve as permanent anchors for a specific moment in time. This campaign is designed to reflect that sense of intentionality, by celebrating the impulse and independence that define the Ørgreen brand. www.orgreenoptics.com

Discover more about Sahra Lysell’s work in colour by clicking on the featured link in the Eyestylist Archive: https://www.eyestylist.com/2022/09/orgreen-optics-the-power-of-color/

Design + Inspiration

opti 2026: innovative eyewear and bold launches across the fair

21st January 2026

The show in Munich saw the presentation of a good selection of new collections by international brands and designers, as well as providing education, conversation and trend insights for visitors and exhibitors; the show recorded an increase in visitors overall and an increase in the number of international visitors at the weekend event of over 5%

opti, which took place from Friday 16th January to Sunday 18th January 2026, offered several special collection launches and an array of products for Spring/Summer 2026. Alongside the large eyewear producers, independent eyewear brands showed off their design innovations and new ideas, as well as launching some outstanding human-made photographic campaigns. Events at the fair included a presentation and “trend walk” by Selin Olmsted from New York who outlined her thoughts on eyewear design trends and material directions for 2026 and beyond. Above: a new campaign by PONTET Eyewear, who launched their stunning French-made metal collection at opti – the pieces have unique details and a delicate sculpted effect in some parts of the designs including the nose bridge; some large statement shapes are featured, reminiscent of the glamorous oversized style of PONTET Eyewear’s acetate designs, www.pontet-eyewear.com

MYKITA Lite – a minimal wireframe aesthetic in neon

At MYKITA, in optical, LITE POWDER saw the introduction of Neon Pink, a fresh colour accent within the powder-coated wireframe series. The pink tone is interesting, providing a wearable super bright shade for the face. Elsewhere on the MYKITA stand, tones were natural, soft and muted – and incorporated translucent effects and very minimal colour proposals. www.mykita.com

ROLF Substance – Aura Collection – 3D printed with graphic decoration

The new Aura Collection in the 3D printed Substance range at Austrian eyewear brand, ROLF integrates an innovative surface treatment that adds depth and contrast to the shapes. Three graphics – ranging from intense colour applications to fine linear structures – create a new and diverse expression: bold or understated, and always harmoniously coordinated. www.rolf-spectacles.com

LOOK: “less is more” – the new ALUMIX 70715 series

LOOK has previewed ALUMIX 70715, the latest series in the ICONS collection, and an innovative expression of the brand’s premium product line. Four fresh, contemporary masculine designs are distinguished by their very thin profiles, clean lines and a modern colour palette, where neutral hues intersect with subtle, elegant contrasts. The collection is envisioned for those who prefer a minimalist, timeless glasses style. www.lookocchiali.it

Model Mara in the Haute Contour collection by Götti Switzerland – premium acetate eyewear

Model Mara is part of the new Haute Contour fashion collection from Götti Switzerland – launched at opti. The frames in the collection combine qualities of timeless elegance with craftsmanship. Each pair of glasses is hand-polished and made from high-quality acetate – harmonious lines, and soft curves are distinguishing features of each frame, produced via a combination of state-of-the-art technology and traditional crafting by hand. www.gotti.ch

Withers by KALEOS: a modern interpretation of an aviator, featuring photochromic lenses

An extensive collection for women was revealed by KALEOS at opti. Described as an ode to the creative process itself, the frames and sunglasses showcased bold shifts in direction, large and very small, compact designs, and shapes of all type, with angles or with silhouettes that felt more organic and progressive. www.kaleoscollection.com

This year the Award for the OPTI BOX start-up/emerging label went to a kid’s/baby eyewear brand called Manti Manti – https://manti-manti.com

In 2027, the opti event will take place in Munich from 29th to 31st January. Find out more at www.opti.de

This feature gives a small taste of 6 brand new collection releases at opti this year. We will be rolling out additional content about the new collections in the days/weeks ahead.

Design + Inspiration

Eyestylist is 15 today

12th January 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/

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!