Design + Inspiration

Colour trends: timeless white, ‘Cloud Dancer’

6th January 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

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

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

3rd January 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.

The “make up” designs are built in visual layers and finished with a “recognizable theo twist” – playful, unexpected, and always expressive. They include a soft round shape, a cat-eye, a panto, a geometric shape and a modified square with rounded corners. The selection of colour contrasts make the face feel alive, without ever going too far, in combinations that are typical of the brand: pink and red, bright blue and yellow, neon green and tortoise or tone-on-tone bright blue. Find out more at www.theo.be

Design + Inspiration

Our most popular interview features of 2025….

30th December 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

23rd December 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/

Design + Inspiration

Eyewear trends: J.F. Rey – wearability and the wow factor

17th December 2025

A new women’s collection by the French eyewear design company promises a fresh expression of colour and design

Presented in three parts – acetate, metal and combination designs – this collection brings together a colour and materials story that is modern and expressive, with a clear, signature style.

Designed to fit all faces – including choices in extra small – the selection of acetate frames stands out for its silk-effect transparencies and delicate shades, as well as surprising glittery effects and delicately spotted design details. Above: bold, characterful statements with pattern, bright colour and gentle sparkle – the styles feature the signature Totem hinge

JF1580: an artistic feel runs through the collection

Model JF1580 has a round shape with some gentle modifications on the outer rim, creating a lively and characterful design. Each style features contrasting acetate colours and patterns, with the playful glittery black material “inlayed” with a rim of multicoloured merging tones.

J.F. Rey 3118: an interesting variation on the round eye shape and dramatic colour pairing

Model J.F. Rey 3118, from the metal and acetate combination design series exemplifies an attention on functionality as well as aesthetics and colour. The shapes are balanced and well-proportioned to fit comfortably, while the quirky shapes and colour bring rhythm and character.

JF3114: a metal frame with an eye-catching presence

JF3114 is representative of the all-metal frames in the collection, which achieve feminine allure in their bold statements. These styles (JF3114 and sister styles JF3113, JF3116 and JF3117) are unique in their interesting use of gradients, use of triple-colourways and surprising light effects.

Designed to fit all faces, with specific sizes available in the metal and combination lines, the collection also features the J.F. Rey Totem hinge, a signature detail which immediately identifies the brand. Find out more at https://www.jfrey.fr

Read more about J.F. Rey at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/09/silmo-paris-2025-j-f-rey/