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Independent optical retailers + flagship stores: highlights 2025

These stores, including some new openings or redesigns, have caught our eye in 2025. From Seoul to Los Angeles, Lyon to Tokyo, Milan to Mexico City, we have selected some of the most striking interior concepts that have come to our attention either thanks to our researchers behind the scenes or via contacts we are lucky to have nurtured over the years. These stores highlight the interior design focus and direction this year, and a desire to create unique spaces for optical retail and the presentation of the finest independent and luxury eyewear collections.

Eyestylist.com continues to invite store founders and entrepreneurs in the optical retail scene to get in touch with updates about the most avantgarde and uniquely designed optical stores around the globe. We’ve highlighted 8 favourite concepts this year…to refresh your memory on all the stores we have written about in 2025, visit our Boutiques section at https://www.eyestylist.com/category/boutiques/

1.reworks120, Seoul, South Korea (image above)

First opened in 2019, in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, Seoul — a well-known fashion district in the city, premium optical store reworks120 is a special find in this area that is also home to impressive flagship stores such as Gentle Monster. “The shop has an intentionally cozy and curated atmosphere,” Sean Lee told Eyestylist.com. “There are two floors, each designed with a different concept….read the feature: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/11/south-korea-reworks120-seoul/

Loulou Opticiens, Lyon – an exceptional redesign

2. Loulou Opticiens, Lyon, France

The French independent store LOULOU has created a fresh high-end space with attention paid to every detail – a space to present some of the world’s most prestigious collections of eyewear. We talked to Michael Lalande, Loulou’s founder about setting up shop in 2017, and his latest project in rue Gasparin. Read the feature: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/12/loulou-opticiens-lyon-a-new-minimalist-interior/

tö eyewear lab – Tokyo, Japan

3 tö, Setagaya City , Tokyo

Styled after Hiromi Toh’s Japanese name Tou, the optical store, tö eyewear lab is more like a gallery than a traditional eyewear shop. After a career as an eyewear stylist in mass media, Toh created the space with the idea of proposing a new world of eyewear, where consultations are by appointment only. The eyewear enthusiast is invited to discover this creative world quietly, at their own pace, without the noise and distraction of a more common retail space.

Located in a residential area outside central Tokyo, there are no signboards on the building and no traditional shop front. tö is located along a quiet street, close to a temple, and like an art gallery features a large glass window displaying special eyewear designs as works of art. Find out more at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/08/to-setagaya-city-tokyo-japan/

Interior: l.a. eyeworks’ new retail campus in Los Angeles

4. l.a. eyeworks, Los Angeles, US

Comprising two buildings connected by a pergola-covered walkway, the new l.a. eyeworks’ retail campus is set on a corner property that includes on-site parking for customers. “We needed room for the expanding width of our ideas,” notes Director of Communications Brent Zerger. “We refer to it as a campus in the sense of a place to exchange ideas and make discoveries.” In development for nearly two years, the project was designed by Frank Escher and Ravi GuneWardena, principals of L.A.-based Escher GuneWardena Architecture – find out more on the link: https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/10/l-a-eyeworks-an-impressive-new-retail-campus-has-opened-in-los-angeles/

La Belle Vue Opticien: colour, energy, individual character

5. La Belle Vue Opticien, SW France

La Belle Vue, choosing frames is an experience that is pleasurable, interactive and perfectly lovely. Here, you enter a pastel-toned world that the owners describe as inspired by California, “a mix of chill, lifestyle, and fashion under the South Western French sun”. Disco balls, pretty neon lights, quirky tubular seats and soft white swivel armchairs all come together in a fresh pastel-toned interior trimmed with light green and black leopard print drawers and soft, elegant satin curtains. Find out more at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/11/french-optical-boutique-la-belle-vue-opticien-sw-france/

Vava flagship store in Oporto, Portugal, showcasing the complete collection by the avantgarde eyewear brand

6. Vava flagship store, Oporto, Portugal

Vava’s impressive 300m2 concept store is located on the historic Passos Manuel at number 66, and has three distinctive levels. Conceived as an expansive and experimental space, Silva describes it more as an art installation than a store, lit by neon lights and lined with mirror walls and details such as gradient colour palettes and fluo tones…find out more at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/03/vava-eyewear-concept-store-porto/

Dr. York has featured many times on Eyestylist.com: this year we wrote about the installation in the Mexico City store

7. Dr. York, Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City’s Dr. York shared their installation project by renowned Mexican artists Pablo Kobayashi & Lucia Aumann . The installation created a bold statement for the store which expressed their commitment to arts collaborations and close integration with the Dr. York community.
“We decided at the end of 2024 to begin defining possible ideas,” the artists explain. “The final piece acts as a ‘modulator’ of the dynamics that José and Laura generate [in the store] and that uniquely define the characteristic atmosphere of the place.
A series of characters manifest behind the curtain asynchronously, suggesting that something is happening. In a constant game of colours that intensify and attenuate with each change in pressure, you see something regardless of whether it is visually perceived as a defined silhouette. The curtain does not divide. It rather suggests other layers, other depths, and other presences.” Find out more….https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/09/mexico-artists-kobayashi-aumann-at-dr-york-optical-boutique/
Punto Ottico Humaneyes, new Milan interior

8. Punto Ottico Humaneyes, Milan, Italy

In Autumn 2025, Punto Ottico Humaneyes reopened in Milan following an extensive re-design. The 88 m² space was reimagined with a new contemporary aesthetic, enhancing the functionality and efficiency of the interior and focusing on the customer, who is invited to experience a light and harmonious atmosphere. Elegant and minimal, the interior features include fine oak panelling, delicate marble finishes, an eye-catching eyewear display made of lightweight painted steel with integrated LED strips and vertical mirrors, and luxurious leather armchairs by Flexform. Find out more at https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/10/punto-ottico-humaneyes-milan/

This feature was written exclusively by the writers at Eyestylist.com. All rights reserved.

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

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/

Handmade eyewear: Kuboraum Editions LTD Space Atlas capsule

The Limited Edition features spectacular details including hand-applied metal micro-cubes 

The new handmade eyewear designs by Kuboraum are described as emerging from the sun’s glare – travelling through time and space. Each frame surface has been handcrafted with variations in textures and 3 dimensionality: the hand applied metal micro-cubes create a raw stratified relief – amplifying the mask’s bold architecture.

Space Atlas by Kuboraum – a new handcrafted drop for the festive season 2025
This capsule also evolves into a more refined, linear expression, where a fine silver 925 chain is applied using acetate combustion (pictured above). Fused to the porous acetate rim, the chain traces a clean contour around the lenses, echoing the scattered debris of a body travelling through different multi-verses.

 

X5 Space Atlas: aluminium micro-cubes have been applied on the front of the frame

X5 Space Atlas is produced in a combination of acetate and metal and has a shiny black finish beneath the configuration of micro-cubes which vary in size and depth. The temples are thick and imposing and feature a textured surface with linear effect.

Created in Berlin in 2012, Kuboraum was founded by artist, sculptor and designer Livio Graziottin and anthropologist, brand, communication & marketing director, Sergio Eusebi. Each mask offers a unique design to highlight personality. The designs are crafted in Italy in exquisite materials. Find out more at www.kuboraum.com

LOULOU Opticiens, Lyon: ‘haute lunetterie’ at its best

The French independent store LOULOU has created a fresh high-end space with attention paid to every detail – a space to present some of the world’s most prestigious collections of eyewear. Eyestylist.com spoke to Michael Lalande, Loulou’s founder about setting up shop in 2017, and his latest project in rue Gasparin.

“I first opened LOULOU in 2017 in the very heart of Lyon, on Place des Célestins, facing the theatre of the same name — a charming square with a village feel, slightly removed from the city’s main bustle,” Michael told Eyestylist, in conversation. “As the store quickly became too small, I began looking for a new space nearby. I explored several options and even considered taking over a colleague’s shop. But when I learned that the footwear brand FEELANCE was leaving its beautiful location, I knew immediately that it was the right place. Its exceptional visibility, with 5-metre-high windows, was simply irresistible.”

Today this location on rue Gasparin has been redesigned and presented in a new way, with a striking shop front and contemporary interior, by architecture studio, Johany Sapet. Lalande wanted a minimalist aesthetic with metallic features and exposed stone walls. Upstairs the store has a tranquil lounge-like space where the eye exams take place.

“For the first LOULOU, I wanted a dark, elegant atmosphere with brass and marble accents. The long, narrow shape of the space had led us to turn that constraint into a defining feature, with a visual path that drew customers toward the back — a design many fellow opticians later took inspiration from. This time, I wanted something completely different.” Above: the exposed brick wall is a feature of the new interior design at Loulou Opticiens

The new interior at LOULOU designed by Studio Johany Sapet

“My aim is to offer a high-end yet relaxed client experience, inspired by luxury hospitality — where nothing is ever a problem,” says Michael enthusiastically. “I like to shift the focus of buying eyewear away from the medical aspect, and toward the pleasure of a beautiful object. We pay close attention to sensory details — sound, scent, light — leaving nothing to chance.”

Interior: focusing on presentation and details, the store showcases some of the finest young and emerging eyewear designers

“When I opened Loulou,” says Michael, “I wanted to bring something new to Lyon’s already rich landscape of independent boutiques. I was the first to carry Ahlem in the region and have kept that spirit of discovery ever since, trusting young brands that inspire us. I’m proud to have been the first optician in Europe to offer Lapima. My latest crush is Paloceras, a very innovative new label. To connect with the creative community, I’ve often hosted art exhibitions and events in the store — even transforming it once into a bright red pop-up for LPLR.”

Among the new details, several particular features stand out from the striking black seats to the artistic references and minimal furniture. The frame display has been produced from repurposed parking ventilation grids. “We created unique metal panels to support the slim metallic shelves.” The effect is both industrial and refined.

Loulou Opticiens is run by Michael Lalande, and a team of three, opticians Marie Burton and Juliette Valero, and Diego, the miniature dachsund and store mascot! The inauguration of the renovated store took place on 27th November 2025. Find out more about the store and their selection of independent eyewear brands at www.loulouopticiens.fr

14 rue Gasparin 69002 Lyon – France

 

Eyewear trends: qualities of pattern

Eyewear designers are revisiting the powerful elegance of patterned acetates

Silmo 2025 revealed an important direction in eyewear this season: patterned materials are being re-explored by designers to achieve visual interest, texture and depth in a frame. These striking effects, often paired with unique bold colour combinations, make a statement. Frequently the patterns reference traditional patterns such as tortoiseshell and Havana acetate colours and designs; in some cases, eyewear designers are working in collaboration with the Italian acetate producer, Mazzucchelli, to create their own limited edition custom patterned designs. Above: from the Roots Capsule collection by Gigi Studios, a series of frames inspired by the strength and resilience of nature. The frame pictured is called Cassia. In collaboration with Mazzucchelli, exclusive acetates featuring mineral-like veins have been developed, adding chromatic richness and visual depth – www.gigistudios.com

Dodds by l.a. eyeworks in a pattern called “Jester”

A charismatic frame by l.a. eyeworks, style Dodds is a fine example of how pattern and colour can bring exciting individuality to a design. The Dodds style is offered in several fabulous multicoloured patterned varieties, each one bringing a different graphic effect and injection of colour, whether vivid and bold or soft and translucent. www.laeyeworks.com

Stone Arch Bridge by OGI Eyewear – a wash of pretty blush pink

A frame which pays tribute to timeless craftsmanship and enduring style, ‘Stone Arch Bridge’ by Ogi Eyewear features a classic round shape with pretty bevelling around the rim. The frame comes in this sophisticated patterned blush tone with an alluring artistic quality that draws on classic acetate pattern. www.ogieyewear.com

Flashback by Italian eyewear label, rewind – subtly modern patterns are a feature of the collection

Italian eyewear brand, rewind plays with classically inspired patterned acetates with a modern twist. Their faceted Flashback frame comes in this trendy pattern that is flecked with black and yellow highlights. The style itself is inspired by a 1990s shape and has visibly sculpted edges on the frame front. www.rewindeyewear.com

Retrosuperfuture patterned frame, Vega in a pattern described as “graffiato” (in English, “scratched”)

The Vega frame by Retrosuperfuture is part of this brand’s Autumn/Winter collection which explores facets of today’s culture, design references and Italian heritage. The style is described as a 1920s inspired silhouette modernised through geometries, new volumes and research in acetate. www.retrosuperfuture.com