Reviews

KOMONO x Sybrand Jansen : the second chapter

9th September 2026

KOMONO and designer Sybrand Jansen are announcing their second collaboration. Originally created as part of Jansen’s graduation collection at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, the frame returns in a new, more refined form. Softened in shape and designed for everyday wear, the latest iteration brings the original concept into a more accessible, effortless expression that’s totally wearable….

For the new release, the concept of the first collaboration frame evolves into a refined and comfortable sunglasses style, with a more minimal structure. Available in black, deep green and tortoise, the collection transforms traces of damage into contemporary objects that feel both futuristic and familiar, preserving the spirit of the original “fractured” silhouette in this collab yet opening it up to a wider audience. Above: a striking more minimal second collaboration design by KOMONO x Sybrand Jansen

Oversized sunglasses with blue gradient lenses and a dark tortoiseshell frame. — KOMONO x Sybrand Jansen – new release

Originally developed during his collaboration with KOMONO and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp in 2025, Jansen’s eyewear design was inspired by a discarded pair of sunglasses found crushed on the street: damaged, distorted, yet still carrying traces of its former identity. Rather than restoring the frame to perfection, Sybrand embraced its broken details, allowing imperfection itself to shape the design.

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This second edition is presented as a unisex style and features bright blue or dark green sun lenses. The frame will be on show at SILMO Paris this month. Find out more at www.komono.com

Open black and tan leather eyeglasses case with brown-framed glasses inside on a light speckled surface.

Reviews

Diffuser Tokyo: fine leather eyewear cases with SOMÉS Saddle

5th August 2026

The Japanese accessories brand launched its handcrafted patchwork leather eyewear cases at Mido earlier this year – they are among the most popular styles of the season in this collection, thanks to a level of refinement and finishing that is rare in the business

Diffuser Tokyo, the Japanese eyewear accessories brand known for design excellence and innovation – continues to grow its accessory collections produced to compliment fine eyewear. The patchwork leather eyewear cases are among the latest pieces, and showcase outstanding craftsmanship by one of Japan’s finest leather manufacturers, SOMÉS Saddle. The cases feature a unique patchwork construction made from premium-quality leather, fine stitching and attractive detailing that also ensures the products will withstand the test of time. Above: leather case by Diffuser Tokyo with SOMÉS Saddle, one of their outstanding new pieces for 2026

Diffuser Tokyo: handcrafted leather eyewear case with a mix of leather finishes

“It is a product that is rarely seen, even within the leather goods industry, and we believe it truly reflects the highest level of Japanese craftsmanship….” Masaki Hirose, Diffuser Tokyo

Colorful futuristic sunglasses with amber lenses and a green frame set against a black background, with magenta abstract shapes beneath.

Reviews

theo eyewear collaborates with young designer, Byron Wang

21st July 2026

“What looks connected is never completely whole”

theo’s latest collaboration project with a student from the Fashion Department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp highlights the work of Byron Wang. Born in Taipei and artistically shaped in Florence and Antwerp, Byron brings different cultural influences together in a sculptural visual language. Wang says eyewear has always been part of his world. His parents run an optical store in Taipei, and he grew up surrounded by frames, colours and design. Above: one of the frames in the theo x Byron Wang collaboration project – photography by © Alain Six

Wang’s graduation collection, entitled Lost in Transitory explores the space between connection and distance, between people moving towards each other without ever fully merging and between holding on and letting go. This was also the starting point for the eyewear release, which features 12 exclusive designs for each of the collection’s 12 silhouettes, designed as an integral part of the design story.

Described as “challenging the conventional logic of eyewear”, the frames feature temples which emerge unexpectedly from below and forms which detach, shift and reconnect. What first appears to be one continuous object reveals twists, openings and unexpected relationships between individual elements.

Light adds another layer of movement in these designs. Depending on the angle, colours, transparencies and reflections change. Lines disappear and reappear while layers of acetate reveal themselves differently with every movement. The colour palette, which started from theo’s signature choice of colours features new combinations created to connect with Byron’s fabrics, textures and colours. The designs also play with the tension between symmetry and asymmetry, balance and deviation.

The eyewear developed with Byron for this project consists of unique prototypes – it is not part of a commercial collection. Its value, says the company, lies in experimentation and the dialogue between fashion and eyewear. Find out more at https://www.theo.be

Credits: Photography & models: @marvismmm, @eliasxvntt, @maelisauvage and @eyckermanluka

Close-up of a woman wearing brown round sunglasses, with blonde hair, against a textured tree trunk backdrop.

Reviews

Pomandère chooses M49

14th July 2026

Sunglasses complement the Dreamy Saloon clothing collection at Pomandère Paris

A line which consists of four iconic sunglasses, styled to coordinate with the Spring/Summer apparel, the new sunglass designs by Pomandère are created from M49 natural acetate. This bio-based, biodegradable material—derived from renewable sources—says the company, combines visual softness and durability with a more conscious, ethical approach. Hypoallergenic cellulose and 100% UV-protective lenses complete a product designed to stand the test of time.

For the SS26 season, the sunglasses come in shades that harmonize with the colour palette of the *Dreamy Saloon* clothing collection: caramel, coffee, smoked honey, tiger brown, and glossy black, hues which evoke depth, naturalness, and the chromatic softness characteristic of Pomandère’s fashion collection. Above: “Honey” cat-eye sunglasses in savannah toned acetate with lenses offering 100% UV protection

Front view of tortoiseshell sunglasses with brown lenses against a light background, cropped at the bottom edge of the frame. — Crunchy Sunglasses by Pomandère

About Pomandère / A women’s fashion label with a recognisable and confident style, Pomandère has its roots in a consolidated and rich artisan tradition. With creativity and elegant sobriety, Pomandére uses experience, taste and skills cultivated for generations in a family atelier and in a historic district of the Italian fashion. Pomandére focuses on the attention to detail and perfection of workmanship, always of a high sartorial level. https://www.pomandere.com/en/

Reviews

l.a.Eyeworks’ Limited Edition for Art Matters’ Gai Gherardi Fellowship

13th July 2026

The popular round Button frame has been released in a distinctive yellow tone – in a small batch of just 100 pieces

A limited-edition colourway of the Button frame has been released for summer, with proceeds benefiting the Gai Gherardi Fellowship, established by the New York–based nonprofit foundation Art Matters to support the work of groundbreaking artists. The special edition is produced in a limited run of 100 individually numbered frames in the custom “Yellow” hue. Both the frame and its signature colourway were developed by l.a.Eyeworks co-founder and designer Gai Gherardi prior to her untimely passing in 2025.

Art Matters established the Gai Gherardi Fellowship to honour Gherardi’s more than three decades of service to the foundation’s board and her devotion to supporting artists. “Gai’s generosity to Art Matters was simply incredible,” notes Abbey Williams, Director of Art Matters, “and this initiative by l.a.Eyeworks is vital to carrying forward her visionary legacy through this fellowship.”

“We are so touched by Art Matters’ creation of the Gai Gherardi Fellowship.” adds l.a.Eyeworks Director of Communications Brent Zerger. “It perfectly reflects the importance of l.a.Eyeworks’ ever-evolving history of exhibitions, commissions and collaborations with artists since its founding by Gai Gherardi and Barbara McReynolds in 1979.” Above: the special edition of the Button frame accompanied by Huntley Muir x l.a.Eyeworks’ case and cleaning cloth

The limited-edition frame is crafted from pure titanium in Japan and features custom temple tips in yellow optical acetate – a signature colour that was dear to l.a.Eyeworks’ designer, Gai Gherardi. Each of the 100 individually numbered frames is accompanied by a protective hard case and lens cleaning cloth, both designed by the artist duo Huntley Muir (see more on this collaboration at https://www.eyestylist.com/2026/04/l-a-eyeworks-reveal-cases-and-cloths-in-latest-collaboration-with-huntley-muir/).

The Button frame is now available via l.a.Eyeworks’ wholesale network of independent opticians and boutiques worldwide, as well as its namesake retail location in Los Angeles while supplies last. Find out more at https://www.laeyeworks.com