Design + Inspiration

Eyewear trends: orange + brown are our ‘colours of the month’

Eyewear trends – Autumnal nature-inspired colours (with links to Halloween festivities)  have particular resonance at this time of year – and this year especially- right through to winter, eyewear collections have picked up on a variety of orange and brown colour stories…a love for neon orange has reemerged as well as natural tones of orange such as terracotta and paprika, while chocolate and mocha tones feel rich and warm…

Orange and brown are popular tones at this time of year, and this time around, eyewear has definitely been swept up in the seasonal re-fresh and warmer colour stories where bright accents and cosy deep hues are welcoming and grounding in the wintery months. Orange and brown tones are versatile and beautiful – juxtaposed with other hues, displayed in perfect harmony with neutrals or picked out to offer contrast and a special look that will be flattering for the skin in colder months. Above: The Montecito frame in Blackfin’s Pacific collection; a unisex navigator frame, the style features a high bridge and unexpected colour pairings – like bright orange and a new hunter green – combined with thin polished or brushed-finish temples – check out the colour palette at www.blackfin.eu

Matt neon orange in a favourite tone at Woow Eyewear this season – model Check Mate 2 by Woow

Check Mate 2 by WOOW Eyewear is an example of the vivid tones of bright orange in eyewear this season. This frame is inspired by “chess piece cuts”. The masculine shape – created in stainless steel looks particularly bold in the matt neon orange tone. www.wooweyewear.com

Wenke by Gotti Switzerland – “transparent olive meets mocha”

The hand polished Wenke model by Gotti Switzerland offers a powerful shape in sophisticated colourways. The colour pictured above plays with a combination of brownish and neutral tones  in a sophisticated design which perfectly expresses the warmth and natural beauty of the brown proposals for frames. www.gotti.ch

Cassia by Gigi Studios

Part of Gigi Studios new capsule collection Roots, the model Cassia in brown acetate combines a trendy oval shape with one of the eye-catching brown tones in eyewear this season. The collection by Gigi Studios  combines geometric and organic shapes, in serene autumn tones – some featuring mineral like veins. Colours offered include black, brown, Havana, green and grey. www.gigistudios.com

Erker’s 1879 – model Winchester in Mocha

Model Winchester in the Erker’s 1879 collection is now available in a very trendy rich Mocha tone – the optical style combines strength and subtlety, offering a slim rectangular shape with a gentle lift on the brow. Find out more about the colours and shapes in this new line at www.erkers1879.com

Powerage by Ørgreen Optics – in matt pine and matt orange, bridging the gap between trendy colours and a more timeless feel

Produced in sheet titanium, Powerage by Ørgreen Optics combines two tones with the brighter orange tone on the inside of the design. The effect of this pairing is to create a subtle orange glow from the interior tone; it’s both elegant and timeless, and offers a flattering to bring warmth to skin tones in the winter months. www.orgreenoptics.com

Ffin model Amo in milky orange with black

This extremely bold square frame called Amo (translated ‘love”) has several defining features, from the carved textured love lines appearing on the front to the asymmetrical black accent colour, “because love, like design is in the details.” The frame is one of several featured in the Ffin collection in orange. Fffin has also designed their model Mod in “vintage orange with cream temples,” for a bright, quirky statement style with a hint of rebellion and edge. www.ffineyewear.com

For more on seasonal trends on Eyestylist.com follow the link: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/10/silmo-paris-september-2025/

Mido Eyewear Show 2026: registration and awards

Registration is open for the international optics event in Milan, taking place 31st January to 2nd February 2026; companies taking part are invited to send in applications for the MIDO Awards 2026, a programme designed to recognise particular achievements in the optical industry

MIDO 2026 returns at the end of January (31st January to 2nd February 2026) for its latest edition, billed as an unmissable eyewear show offering international business opportunities and an exceptionally broad overview of innovations, trends, and sustainable developments across the international optics arena.

The event organisers have invited companies to participate in the MIDO Awards 2026 and the CSE Award Certified Sustainable Eyewear promoted by MIDO with ANFAO and Certottica – an award which is designed to evaluate frames, sunglasses and cases developed according to eco-friendly criteria: from the use of recycled materials to the reduction of energy consumption in production and distribution processes, from the enhancement of the supply chain to the elimination of waste in all stages of production. For those wishing to take part, the closing date for applications for this category is 14th December 2025. For 2026, the award will be made in three separate categories: eyewear, sunglasses and optical cases. Mido is also introducing the CSE Corporate Award dedicated to the best-performing exhibiting company in the field of sustainability. The desire is “to enhance and reward the concrete and continuous commitment of companies dedicated to responsible production and management practices”.

Mido is known for the variety of eyewear on display: Above, frame by Design Shower Atelier, S. Korea

In addition, Mido has announced that opticians can now apply for the popular Best Store Award – which recognises the best international optical store in the Design and Innovation categories (applications must be in by 31st December 2025). A jury of retail, design and communication experts will select the winners in this category based on elements such as layout, atmosphere, materials, shopping experience, digital communication and services offered to customers. Last year, the winners of the prize was  the Belgian store Zien & Horen Frits Van Den Bosch by Thomas Van Den Bosch( https://zienenhorenfritsvandenbosch.be) for the Design category and the Italian optical shop Ottica Padrin by Fabrizio Padrin (www.otticapadrin.it) for the Innovation category. The MIDO Awards ceremony will take place during MIDO 2026: all the information will be available on the website and social media shortly.

ROLF sustainable eyewear – ROLF won the CSE Award in 2025

In 2025,  there were 42,000 people attending MIDO during three days, from 168 countries, and more than 400 accredited national and international journalists (read more about the 2025 edition here – https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/02/mido-2025/. To stay up-to-date on all the latest MIDO news, visit the website at www.mido.com Mido takes place at Fiera Milano, Rho.

New Eyewear collection: Arthod

Sunglass style Albin, produced in high density acetate (HDA) with metal details – is part of the new collection launched by Arthod

Designed to fit the face with precision, this elegant sunglasses style, Albin, is the work of Arthod Eyewear, a small French independent eyewear label by Julien Vansteeger and Sylvie Savatdy. Launching their first collection this year, the brand is “the result of a combined vision”, rooted in a timeless design style with details offering contemporary edge.

“We place great emphasis on the selection of materials, colours, and lenses, ensuring every element reflects a commitment to quality and aesthetic precision. With our collaborative company, KYDJU, which supports the development and production of the collections, we are able to showcase the craftsmanship and technical know-how, behind each model we release.”

Above: Albin by Arthod Eyewear – featured in the first collection released this Autumn 2025 at SILMO 2025 and coming soon to the Hong Kong Optical Fair; model wearing the frame, Jenny Shane, photographed by Ron Kedmi

Albin by Arthod – ‘Albin’,  coming from Latin means ‘white‘ and ‘luminous‘ and evokes light and purity…

Geometric yet compact, the Albin model offers crisp facets which catch the light. Small yet assertive, the shape blends elegance and character with timeless refinement. The frame comes in a variety of soft colours, including caramel, dark blue, dark green and ivory. It is one of five frames offered in six colours with natural and soft inspiration for the design of each one.

About Arthod: Arthod is a French eyewear company influenced by art, history and lifestyles of the past. Combining the nostalgia of French design of the past, Arthod revisits its roots, its historical and cultural heritage to create a fusion of retro and chic. Based in Berry in the Cher department, the brand has chosen to feature materials such as Hexetate, a 30% recycled raw material, as well as High Density Acetate – offering properties of strength and stability as well as a pleasing aesthetic and finish. Find out more at www.arthod.com

Luxury optics: Limited Edition by PRESS Eyewear explores gold leaf

PRESS Eyewear – The I LOVE GOLD jewellery-inspired luxury edition was released at SILMO Paris 2025 – the collection is the brand’s latest collectible release, produced in limited batch

With refined minimal lines and jewellery inspiration, the Limited Edition features favourite iconic styles from the Streamline and Dreamers collections, such as Barracuda, Bel Air and Cobra. Produced in a limited batch of just 50 numbered pieces, the Edition blends titanium with gold leaf effect with artistry to create luxurious, detail-rich heirloom designs with a completely unique look.
PRESS Eyewear employs a sophisticated triple-plating technique – developed to ensure that the gold pattern enhances every surface with elegance and precision. This unique process adds remarkable depth and texture, resulting in a finish unlike anything seen before. It builds on the brand’s spirit of innovation, following the launch of their marble-inspired Limited-Edition finishes introduced in Spring 2025.
“Our brand continues to delve into new possibilities, and we are excited with what’s been achieved,” says Jeff Press, President + Designer, PRESS Eyewear. “This is one of our most collectible Special Editions to date…we are always looking to create designs in materials that are unique and innovative. Our plating technique produces a gold leaf effect that embodies our commitment to crafting authentically for the face…” Above: vintage overtones meet contemporary innovation: model Barracuda by PRESS Eyewear 

Speedster in the I LOVE GOLD collection

I LOVE GOLD frames are finished in a combination of deep black matte and shiny plating artistically accented with gold detailing. The Zeiss brown gold flare lenses not only add warmth and elegance but also provide a smooth transition of tint for both sun protection and style.

‘I LOVE GOLD by PRESS Eyewear’ features eight bestselling shapes from the Streamline and Dreamers collections by PRESS Eyewear: Barracuda, Bel Air, Cobra, Moon, Love, Speedster, Toronado, and Yorba. Made in Japan, each piece is handcrafted to create a beautiful, quality finish where comfort is perfectly fused with unapologetic presence and a remarkable sense of style. Read more about PRESS Eyewear on Eyestylist at https://www.eyestylist.com/2024/04/view-from-an-expert-kayla-heersink-shares-favourite-moments-in-nyc-2/

The styles are constructed from premium materials including titanium with Zeiss nylon lenses, OBE spring hinges and custom silicon-coated nose pads. www.presseyewear.com

Eyewear trends: Silmo Paris, September 2025

Eyewear trends  – Strong colour stories, a myriad of micro trends, and continued focus on fine craftsmanship in the luxury independent collections made for plenty of eyewear design inspiration at the Paris event. The 2025 show was as vibrant and inspirational as ever. The Trends Forum explored a variety of new moods and trends in eyewear – while the 32nd edition of the Silmo d’Or Awards celebrated “excellence, creativity and innovation” for 2025.

The organisers of the Silmo event reported healthy visitor numbers: the show welcomed 33,358 professionals – of those 52% were international visitors and 48% French, representing a net increase of 6.5% in visitors this year. More than 900 companies showcased their expertise and innovations across 75,000 m² of exhibition space. Exhibitors we talked to across the fair during the weekend were pleased with all aspects of the show, and all the events and special showcases organised by Silmo were highly appreciated and well attended. This year, special mention should go to the Moi Aussi Exhibition – Where Art Meets Optics. Conceived and supported by Etnia Barcelona, this exhibition showcased an artistic experience “where eyewear became a canvas for expression”. 90 artists were invited to reinvent eyewear and imagine a creation which transcended its traditional use to become a unique work of art.

Silmo also supports young design talent for the optical business via its Optical Design Contest. In its 4th edition, chaired by Michel Penneman, this year the contest invited design students to imagine “super-hero” eyewear: bold, visionary and innovative. The 2025 winner was GAIA by Hélène Caffin-Pinon (École Design Saint-Étienne), a children’s frame integrating plant recognition via augmented reality. Above: Silmo Paris 2025 – trend display – image courtesy of Silmo Paris

Nina Mûr: the new collection “Luminiers” displayed in the Trends Forum – multi-coloured sustainable wood eyewear made by hand – image courtesy of Silmo Paris

Silmo organisers highlighted a range of trends in the Trends Forum, emphasising a return of iconic styles, and a “quest for lightness and serenity”. Two other moods were underlined: a charismatic and assertive “allure” and energy in experimental graphics. A curated selection of optical and sunglass frames from exhibitors’ collections illustrated these directions with the aim of capturing the spirit of the times and anticipating tomorrow’s aesthetics.

Dzmitry Samal won a Silmo d’Or for model Luc – Eyewear Designer Category – Optical Frame

During the weekend we noticed a significant number of micro trends – from very specific vintage eyewear influences to fresh silhouettes – as well as key moods for 2026. Sustainability and sustainable material development are an ongoing focus while a changing approach to colour trends and colour work in eyewear felt fresh and expressive – created to allow more individual expression (all these areas will be looked at in the months to come on Eyestylist.com).

Ahlem x Campbell Addy Limited Edition – a sneak peek at Silmo Paris 2025 – one of the collab highlights we saw

The finest luxury eyewear brands and artisan labels  – from across the world – were out in force at Silmo this year. Highlights we got to see included the new models at Rigards including the new Rigards x Ziggy Chen style “Moon Owl” (https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/09/silmo-paris-2025-rigards/), and refined handcrafted eyewear by Jacques Durand, Thierry Lasry (a new buffalo horn collection produced with Hoffmann), Lazare Studio, Lafont Paris and Press Eyewear. We are always impressed with newcomers and the start-up area, created to promote new creative talent, and the smaller independent brands showcased so well at Silmo – special mention to two of our favourite brands in France that are consistent in their quality, artistry and brand authenticity – Pontet – by Hermes Pontet (https://pontet-eyewear.com) – and the lovely Maggio Eyewear label, also from the South of France, the work of Julia Maggio (https://www.maggiojulia.com)

Additionally, Ahlem showed us their new collaboration with Campbell Addy, featuring two truly gorgeous frames, a beautifully crafted “sculpted-look” acetate and a reimagined luxurious gold aviator (pictured above).

FACE A FACE: model Flare won the Silmo d’Or – Eyewear Designer Category – Sunglasses – image courtesy of FACE A FACE

This year, the Silmo d’Or awards were chaired by the designer Oliver Lapidus. Among the winners were QED Eyewear in the Technological Innovation in Eyewear category for their model Phi – featuring a patented fastening system that can be assembled and disassembled quickly and easily with many sustainable advantages. In the independent eyewear designer categories, Dzmitry Samal won with the polygonal optical model Luc which featured coloured resin inserts. FACE A FACE won the Eyewear Designer category – Sunglasses with their impressive sunglasses model Flare. The Jury’s special prize went to the Barcelona brand SAPIENS for the model ER1813-M.

Next year, Silmo will take place on 25th to 28th September 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte. Find out more at www.silmoparis.com

For all the news on the Silmo d’Or awards in 2025, visit https://www.silmoparis.com/en/silmo-awards/silmo-or/laureats

This feature was compiled and written by Clodagh Norton. All rights reserved.