Design + Inspiration

Kaci: blending tradition with the avant-garde

10th November 2025

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. Their acetate materials come from Mazzucchelli – the vivid colours and tones (taking inspiration from Berber textiles) are selected by the co-founders and include tortoise effects, which they say reveal their tones and subtleties beautifully in the sun. Above: the Kaci eyewear collection features models which have an attractive sculptural look with visible bevelling

Kaci: the frames feature bold bevels for a sculpted effect: model Asif, above, is named after a river that embodies the “vital force” – the tip features an engraving in Tifinagh – the Libyco-Berber script – below in bright orange, model Damya

The co-founders have also placed particular importance on finding a true sense of comfort in their styles. “Our top priority is comfort which is why most of our models feature tinted gradient photochromic lenses.” The lenses are by Zeiss and are featured with tints that are both elegant and timeless, from more classic tones of opal grey and emerald green to graduated colours with enhanced protection, well suited for driving or for a touch of understated style – or extra-dark lenses for maximum protection in bright sunlight.

SILMO Paris - The Optical Fair. 25th - 28th September 2026

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

Tafukt by Kaci: bold lines and beautiful tones create different moods – for different personalities

All the styles (sun and optical) feature the attractive Tifanah lettering engraved in temple tips or on the top edge of the front, a subtle mark of identity and uniqueness that perfectly embellishes the bold and graphic Kaci silhouettes.

About Kaci – Kaci is a contemporary eyewear brand founded in 2022. Known for its sculptural silhouettes and ties with Morocco, the brand creates frames that are rooted in a Franco-Berber heritage, which embody the culture of tomorrow, drawing inspiration from ancestral savoir-faire and a spirit of freedom. Each piece is crafted with premium materials, and inspired by the striking colours and designs of the Berber culture. Find out more at https://kaciparis.com

Design + Inspiration

Iconic eyewear: J.F. Rey revisits an icon

30th October 2025

The French brand has introduced a new version of the iconic JF2207 ‘Scorpion’

Reimagined as the ‘ICONIC40’, this exclusive new limited edition style comes in four colorways, each crafted in 400 individually numbered pieces. The frame has been created in 2025 as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations at the Marseille eyewear company. Above: the new J.F. Rey ICONIC40 style is suitable for men and women

The original Scorpion frame – *image provided by J.F. Rey*

Launched in 2007 and named the “Scorpion,” the original frame stood out for its groundbreaking design, technical articulated temples reminiscent of a scorpion’s shell, and spectacular graphic presence, for J.F. Rey, a symbol of the brand’s daring aesthetic and innovative work in metal.

The new ICONIC40 design, based on the JF2207 Scorpion

The ICONIC40 edition is designed to highlight sculptural lines, and features refined finishes and premium materials. Exclusive temple stamping and a sophisticated colour palett,e highlights the brand’s signature two-tone detailing; the glossy silver version is a nod to the original model. The segment articulation on the temples has been refined in the new model so that it feels lighter and more ergonomic “but always staying true to its signature kinetic feel”. For more information visit www.jfrey.fr

To read more about J.F. Rey on Eyestylist.com visit https://www.eyestylist.com/2023/11/andersen-sunglasses-by-j-f-rey/ and https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/09/silmo-paris-2025-j-f-rey/

Design + Inspiration

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

27th October 2025

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

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/

Design + Inspiration

Mido Eyewear Show 2026: registration and awards

24th October 2025

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.

Reviews

New Eyewear collection: Arthod

21st October 2025

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