Eyestylist

100% Optical 2026, EXCEL London

26th February 2026

The 12th Edition of 100% Optical takes place Saturday through to Monday at ExCel London: 100s of eyewear collections will be on show, including independent eyewear brands taking part from Italy, France, Germany, the UK, Scandinavia and the US

From the latest industry fashion trends and panels and discussions, to valuable networking and CPD point gathering opportunities, 100% Optical 2026 promises an eventful weekend for optical retailers. Highlights will include the 100% Studio, sponsored by Nikon, Optical UK, this area of the show will be dedicated to championing independent eyewear brands from across the world, including Linda Farrow (UK), Blackfin (Italy), Tavat (Italy), Blake Kuwahara (US), FLEYE Copenhagen (Denmark), and MYKITA (Germany).

This year’s winners of the Annual Love Eyewear Awards will be announced on the Catwalk at 5pm on Saturday 28th February. A panel of industry experts, journalists, and eyewear bloggers come together ahead of the ceremony to shortlist the entries across its 13 categories, including New Designer 2026 and Luxury Frame of the Year.

The organisers of 100% also highlight their catwalk show again this year, an opportunity to see new frame styles worn on the dance floor live through choreographed performances.

Above: 100% Optical exhibitor – BLACKFIN is an annual exhibitor at 100% Optical – their new collection, Vitra features a lightweight transparent material in combination with titanium. VitraCore™ is a proprietary technology based on a state-of-the-art high-performance polymer – www.blackfin.eu

MOREL: the new Enigma collection explores colour stories where a transparent tone is combined with a very thin colour on the contour

100% Optical exhibitor: The French eyewear company Morel has released ENIGMA for 2026, a collection characterised by a special colour palette developed with complete freedom, inspired by the surrealist creative game, “Cadavre exquis” and embracing a spontaneous process. Enigma will be on show in London along with the family of Morel eyewear collections, produced in the Jura spectacle-making region of France. https://morel.com

Linda Farrow: luxury eyewear and sunglasses from the iconic British brand will be showing at the London event this year

100% Optical exhibitor: LINDA FARROW will unveil their latest collection for A/W 2026 at 100% Optical and the full campaign which accompanies the collection, Water’s Edge. For the A/W season, Linda Farrow’s female muses are photographed at some of London’s most breathtaking historic and famous sites including Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the London Eye. The collection is characterised by some exciting new statement sunglass designs as well as refined optical pieces created with an acute eye on the precision in the finishing in each unique detail, with features such as double-colour precious plating and characteristic honeycomb temples and hand-painted eyelet hardware. www.lindafarrow.com

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

Götti Switzerland – model Aosta, a brand new entry in the titanium collection

100% Optical exhibitor: At Götti Switzerland, innovation meets contemporary design in a portfolio of collections featuring state-of-the-art materials, from titanium to refined 3D printed material. The brand has just announced two new styles in its titanium collection, Aosta and Amalia, styles which “stand for confidence and pure elegance”. Manufactured from ultra-light titanium in Japan, these models combine technical precision with an ultra-light feel. Selected colours emphasise the characteristic shapes and the matte finish creates a modern, natural look, www.gotti.ch.

Ørgreen Optics’ Acetate Cut model Lasdun – high-density acetate with ultra-slim titanium temples, inspired by Brutalist architecture

100% Optical exhibitor: Orgreen’s latest collections are defined by a contemporary vision focused on exceptional materials, functional design and trend-driven shapes. The new colour stories at the Danish brand reflect a sensitive approach to the new softer and transparent colour palettes for Spring/Summer 2026. www.orgreenoptics.com

100% Optical exhibitor: Among the releases at MYKITA this season, Lite Acetate Sun expands MYKITA’s hybrid construction with sculptural acetate fronts and lightweight stainless steel temples – expressive 70s inspired engineered for comfort and reduced material use. This collection and others will be available for optical retailers to view at the event. www.mykita.com

Model Virtually by Hoffmann Natural Eyewear x Thierry Lasry – pictured on model and in a striking blue finish, above

100% Optical exhibitor: Hoffmann Natural Eyewear’s collaboration collection with Thierry Lasry proposes fine spectacles and sunglasses in natural buffalo horn. These styles fuse the contemporary audacity of the designer, Thierry Lasry with the artisanal excellence of Hoffmann – known for its mastery of natural buffalo horn and include bold designs with colourful finishes as well as the more traditional neutral browns and light grey tones of natural horn. The collection will be on show with Glasseswebb. www.hoffmann-eyewear.com

100% Optical takes place from Saturday 28th February to Monday 2nd March at ExCel London. For further details visit www.100percentoptical.com

Design + Inspiration

Fine eyewear trends: Spring gradients + fade effects

24th February 2026

Colourful gradients are popular in the Spring collections: some feature multiple colours in a single design, or elegant effects with crystal and bright colour contrasts

Gradients pop in the new optical and sunglasses collections for men and women. We last mentioned the trend in October 2025 (https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/10/autumn-eyewear-trends-artistic-gradients/), and since then we have seen more complex colour combinations and high-impact colour effects establishing the continuation of the trend in optical frames and sunglasses collections. Above: Model Flynn 2 by FACE A FACE: a men’s sunglass style with an imposing shape, this style explores a smoky masculine colour palette, www.faceaface-paris.com

KOMONO: complex graduated colours in acetate: model Iggy in Thyme Blush

Eyewear brand KOMONO uses soft gradients to bring movement and dimension to their styles in the new collection. Horizontal and vertical fades blur the lines between colours, creating a fluid effortless look with a contemporary edge. The imposing Iggy style, an oversized octagonal design, is powerful and feminine at the same time. www.komono.com

A men’s optical frame, model Hyland by Seraphin has a softly squared shape and lifted browline. The frame comes in three gradient finishes, the chestnut/chestnut fade pictured above, as well as navy/navy smoke or sienna/sienna ember fade. Seraphin Eyewear is available at www.ogieyewear.com

In the women’s collection at French eyewear label J.F. Rey, playful combinations and unexpected contrasts are a key theme, and subtle gradients in acetate make a beautiful special feature. The chromatic sophistication in this collection enhances the presence of each design, giving it a particular identity and artistic character through contrast. Model JF3120 is a metal and acetate design (square eye shape) where the materials interact, as well as the colours, to offer “a refined sophistication”. Find out more about this colourful eyewear collection at www.jfrey.fr

Boutiques

Alicia Hartman : celebrating 15 years at EyeQ Stylist Opticians, Barbados

23rd February 2026

Eyestylist and EyeQ Stylist Opticians both began their journeys 15 years ago, growing side by side in a fast-evolving eyewear world. EyeQ first discovered us in the early days of Instagram, and what started as a few exchanged messages quickly blossomed into a creative partnership fuelled by shared passion, ideas, and a love of the boldest, most luxurious eyewear. Since then, we’ve stayed closely connected—meeting whenever we could (for a quick shot of rum!) and collaborating on an unforgettable London shoot that perfectly captured the spirit of Alicia’s eyewear brand, Peoples from Barbados. To celebrate our shared milestone anniversary, we caught up with Alicia to talk about the exciting projects and inspiring achievements shaping EyeQ today as the business continues to flourish and redefine eyewear in Barbados and beyond.

Like Eyestylist EyeQ have been celebrating the business’ 15th anniversary. Can you describe your journey so far, mentioning a few special highlights? My entrepreneurial journey began with a simple but bold vision: to reimagine optical retail by introducing a completely new concept to the island culture — the personal eyewear shopper and stylist.

I come from a background rooted in a family-owned optical business, where glasses were primarily viewed as a medical necessity. From a very young age, I was immersed in the professional tools, discipline, and skills of optics. Yet I always believed eyewear could be both functional and fashionable, a true extension of one’s personal style. I wanted to prove that vision care and self-expression could coexist beautifully.

This was a bold undertaking, especially at that stage of my life. I was just starting my young family — my son was barely a year old, and I was pregnant with my second. I was incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of my family and husband, who encouraged me to create a space rooted in personality, experience, and connection.

EYE Q Stylist Opticians: interior in 2018

At the time, I was among the first to introduce niche, high-end eyewear brands to the island, challenging a culture that largely selected frames solely for their brand name. We began with Face à Face, Oliver Peoples, Retrosuperfuture, and MYKITA — though, of course, I had to include Miu Miu, Ray-Ban and Tom Ford so people would actually walk through the door.

What followed exceeded all expectations. Clients fell in love with the personal-shopper approach, the “sip and shop” concept, and the immersive experiences we curated. Eye Q became known for its events, storytelling, and sense of community. Soon, we had created an eyewear culture — a space where everyone wanted to be seen wearing Eye Q spectacles. Customers would return from their travels proudly saying, “I got them in Barbados,” and share their eyewear stories with us.

One unforgettable moment came when Tarrence Lackran spotted me on Instagram — I was wearing a yellow dress, champagne in hand, under a coconut tree at one of our Eye Q beach parties. That moment led to our store being nominated in 2018 as one of the world’s best independent eyewear retailers. Our clientele spanned every walk of life, from fishermen to the Prime Minister.

Over the years, as I told the stories of global eyewear brands and listened deeply to the stories of my clients, one truth became clear: the Caribbean was not represented in eyewear — not authentically, not proudly, not through our own lens.

That realization gave birth to Peoples From Barbados — a brand created to showcase the culture, lifestyle, and beauty of Caribbean people through a new perspective: ours. Our ambition, our pride, our resilience, our warmth, and our beauty are embedded in every frame.

Our campaign by local photographer Adrian Richards went on to win the cover of 2020 Magazine in 2019 — a moment of immense pride. The recognition went beyond glossy postcard clichés and instead captured the true soul of Caribbean people. Since then, the brand has continued to evolve, including collaborations with Linda Farrow — blending high-end luxury with Caribbean soul and warmth.

For the past 15 years, I have not stopped — balancing family life, retail leadership, brand ownership, and my role as an optometrist. When I reflect, I’m often amazed at how unconventional my journey has been. I didn’t rely solely on the ease of my clinical skillset or position my business around medical necessity. Instead, I led with culture, style, and experience.

Ironically, because I am so closely associated with style and storytelling, people often forget what I am truly exceptional at: being an optometrist.

In 2026, Eye Q will place a stronger spotlight on our clinical role. We have been quietly saving sight for years, and we are committed to aligning with the WHO 2030 goals to make eyecare accessible to all. I have recently been elected as President of the Barbados Optometry Association, and I am deeply excited about this new chapter. I look forward to helping transform the landscape of optometric care — expanding scope of practice, regulating and protecting our industry, and ultimately ensuring better eyecare for all Barbadians. Above: Alicia Hartman with friends, celebrating 15 years of her business

How has the business changed in your eyes? At its core, people have always wanted — and will always want — to feel special and truly seen. Increasingly, clients are seeking connection to a community and a culture, not just a product. The value now lies less in what is purchased and more in the lifestyle, experience, and emotional resonance that surround it.

There is also a growing awareness that eyewear has the power to transform one’s entire look. It is no longer secondary, but the number one accessory. As a result, luxury, well-crafted eyewear — rooted in quality and craftsmanship — is once again taking centre stage. Unique limited-edition collections are a thing! At the same time, heightened environmental consciousness means the era of “buy cheap, wear briefly, and discard” is wearing thin.

rolf. /></a></div></div><p>We are witnessing a return to nostalgia and feel-good brands — businesses that value authenticity, purpose, and human connection. Equally important are business models that prioritize employee well-being, work-life balance, and a genuine sense of belonging. Brands that nurture their people are the ones capable of creating lasting stories and enduring relevance.</p><p>Longevity today is built on products designed to last, retail spaces that create memorable experiences, and meaningful partnerships between brands and independent retailers.</p><p>While there has been a noticeable shift toward direct-to-consumer and online models, the independent retailer is far from dead. On the contrary, we serve as portals to culture and community. Brick-and-mortar retail is returning with renewed purpose — grounded in touch, feel, heritage, and shared experience.</p><figure id=

Celebrating 15 years of beautiful eyewear at EYE Q Stylist Opticians

Do you remember when you first started collaborating with Eyestylist and why you were so enthusiastic, it meant a lot to us to be in touch in those early days! It all began with a simple “like” on Instagram 15 years ago. Our Xmas ‘show’ window! A decal of glasses falling from the sky like snow onto a tiny Xmas tree. Simple, minimalist but effective so much so to catch the eye of the Eyestylist 100s of miles off the shores of Barbados. I had been following Eyestylist obsessively since I opened my doors. I admired Clodagh’s eye for eyewear and her impeccable taste. I loved the clean aesthetic of the page but the depth and detail of the eyewear stories told. So I was super “chuffed “ by the “like” . What followed was me tagging Eyestylist in many posts not just eyewear but our lifestyle and culture in Barbados. I really felt connected. My island shop to Europe portal! This shared relationship evolved and Eyestylist started featuring manny of our eyewear stories (link to an EYE Q story in 2018: https://www.eyestylist.com/2018/12/eye-q-stylist-optician-barbados/). From the launch of our brand (https://www.eyestylist.com/2021/03/the-spirit-of-barbados-peoples-from-barbados-sunglass-chic/), our pop ups around the Caribbean, me at crop over ( our carnival) and what I had for breakfast lol… I felt energetically connected and we brought the excitement of our Caribbean culture to more people via Eyestylist.com. Our journey of 15 years seems somehow connected , Eyestylist secretly now has Caribbean flair and sass .. haha, not to mention Clodagh gets a bottle of rum and pepper sauce whenever we meet at the shows lol…. Thank you for telling our stories.

What have you learnt along the way Alicia, and what has surprised you most as an optical retailer? I am pleasantly surprised — perhaps even manifesting it — that brick-and-mortar retail is making a meaningful return. You can feel it. As an optical retailer, trust your instincts and your vision. Trust in humanity, and remember that everything moves in cycles. Don’t be intimidated by the noise. Run your business with integrity and a deep belief in craftsmanship. People still want to feel special. They want to be seen. And that is why creating experiences and nurturing community is no longer optional — it is essential to the survival and evolution of our industry.

The independent retailer is here to stay. True luxury is not defined by price alone, but by how something makes you feel. The greatest retailers understand this. They know how to connect with people, tell meaningful stories, and leave their customers feeling genuinely good.

What do you think is the key to being a successful optical retailer in this new era? Create experiences that are truly memorable. Treat your retail space as a carefully curated emporium — intentional, personal, and immersive. Pair this environment with beautifully crafted products and a highly skilled, professional team who understand both the art and the purpose behind what they offer.

Build teams who don’t simply work for the brand, but genuinely fall in love with it — people who feel a sense of ownership and pride, and who see themselves as part of the brand’s success. At the same time, nurture strong, respectful relationships between retailers and brands. True partnership — built on trust, support, and shared values — is essential. In curation, less is more. Avoid overcrowded shelves. Be selective. Do not allow brands to compete with one another; instead, let them complement each other. Offer choice, but ensure it is intentional — each brand carefully chosen, clearly defined, and designed to serve a distinct purpose. Every brand within the space should offer a different perspective, contributing to a cohesive eyewear culture rather than visual noise. When done well, the store becomes more than a place to shop — it becomes a cultural hub. Community builds loyalty. Trust sustains it. That is the true key to longevity in retail.

What is your view of the independent eyewear segment at this point, and how do you select collections and new designs? Are you travelling to fairs as much as before? Our brand selection is curated to bring a truly global perspective to the shop. We showcase the best eyewear from around the world—each brand chosen for its unique story, uncompromising craftsmanship, and exceptional fit. Barbados is culturally diverse, and that diversity demands a meticulous eye for detail, comfort, and quality. Every collection must offer a distinct point of view, blending cultural storytelling with technical excellence.

We love LAPIMA, a brand from Brazil that embodies tropical flair with bold, architectural sculptural forms. Their designs feel instinctively right for Caribbean faces—as if they were made for us. MATSUDA transports us to Japan, where hand-engraved titanium, precision engineering, and unmatched craftsmanship result in frames that are truly works of art.

THEO brings joy through colour, creativity, and individuality—frames that brighten faces and express personality without compromise. Jacques Marie Mage (JMM) delivers LA’s refined Hollywood attitude: confident, collectible, and unapologetically bold..LG.R takes us on a journey to Africa, interpreted through an Italian lens—heritage-driven designs that balance exploration, culture, and timeless elegance.

LINDA FARROW represents high-end sophistication and fashion-forward luxury. This pairs beautifully with our own brand, Peoples From Barbados, which brings Caribbean soul, colour, and expression you didn’t know you needed.

The partnership between LINDA FARROW and Eye Q is one of the strongest brand–retailer relationships in the industry. Simon truly understands the value of the independent retailer, and we continue to grow together through close collaboration and shared vision. We inspire each other—and we’re excited to share that a new collaboration is on the horizon. Find out more about Alicia Hartman and Eye Q Stylist Opticians at https://eyeqstylistopticians.com

Reviews

Piero Massaro: couture eyewear, made in Italy

19th February 2026

The new collection by Piero Massaro explores couture refinement in eyewear as a “sculptural form”

Qualities such as proportion, colour balance, material depth, and sartorial discipline lie at the heart of Piero Massaro’s design philosophy. In the latest collection, the Italian eyewear designer turns his attention to the sculptural potential of frame design, reaffirming a vision shaped by his formative years in the Milan fashion scene and refined since the founding of his own atelier in the Veneto in 2002.

In Couture Visiva, the new collection, the frames are conceived not as mere accessories, but as wearable design objects. Produced in limited, numbered editions and crafted from meticulously selected Mazzucchelli acetate – “developed according to specific requirements defined by the Creative Director, Piero Massaro”, each piece shows a commitment to material excellence and artisanal expertise. Unveiled at the Mido eyewear show in Milan, the collection reflects the designer’s longstanding conviction that eyewear should return to its original context: one rooted in tailoring, craftsmanship, and expressive cultural gesture. Above: the Couture Visiva collection is characterised by bold, sculptural forms in fine acetate, pictured, model PM952 – each style is produced in a limited and numbered edition of 100 pieces

Detail: Piero Massaro – transparent tortoiseshell acetate with green insert on temple, model PM952

About the brand: founded in Italy in 2002, Piero Massaro Eyewear has developed its own distinctive identity rooted in Italian design culture and influenced, says the designer, by the Mediterranean light and Sicilian landscape. The brand, which produces small batch collections exclusively, is distributed through a selected network of premium optical boutiques worldwide. In 2014, Massaro won the Jury’s Special Prize at the Silmo d’or event in Paris for his frame, PM415. He also won the Japan Eyewear Award in the Ladies’ Eyewear Category in 2020. For more information visit www.pieromassaro.it

Piero Massaro was last featured on Eyestylist in 2018 in our Silmo review: www.eyestylist.com/2018/09/silmo-parisian-style/

This feature was written by Clodagh Norton and AI was not used in the writing of the words.

City guides

100% Optical 2026, Excel London

17th February 2026

For 2026, independent eyewear brands LINDA FARROW, MYKITA, Ørgreen Optics, Blackfin, and more will be showcasing new collections at 100% Optical. The organisers of the event promise footfall, inspiration and design showcases, catwalk shows and a line-up of brand new winners in the Love Eyewear Awards…

Taking place from 28th February to 2nd March 2026 at Excel in London, this will be the 12th Edition of the 100% Optical trade only event, promising to highlight everything related to optics – from cutting-edge eyewear design, style and innovation in lenses and technology – as well as providing CPD-accredited sessions throughout the 3-day event. The optical exhibition, co-located with 100% Ophthalmology, is partnering with the Association of Optometrists (AOP) to deliver the education programme. Featuring more than 100 hours of sessions, the three day event will offer a wealth of learning opportunities for both optometrists and dispensing opticians. Above: 100% Optical, London is in its 12th year

Macy Vista sunglasses by Linda Farrow, pictured in wine: the British brand returns to 100% for the 2026 Edition

100% Optical has announced a shortlist for the popular Love Eyewear Awards, which includes a varied selection of categories, from Men’s Sunglasses of the Year right through to ‘Most Engaging Practice Window’.

First launched in 2020, the Awards are now judged by eyewear experts from across the industry, including optician/influencer Kayla Heersink (@opticalistyle), Dispensing Optician, Alison Price, and for the first time, EYECON show founder, Tarrence Lackran. The shortlists this year include entries from world-class independent eyewear brands: among them are LAFONT (Children’s category), l.a. eyeworks (Men’s + Luxury Frame of the Year category), Götti Switzerland (Men’s + Luxury Frame of the Year), MOREL (Men’s Frame of the Year) and Albert I’mStein (Men’s Sunglasses of the Year). See the full line-up of shortlisted companies on the link below.

The winners of the Love Eyewear Awards will be announced on the first day of 100% (28th February 2026) at 5pm on the Main Stage.

For more information on 100% Optical to register, and read about Love Eyewear Awards shortlist visit, www.100percentoptical.com/

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Pallas: Masunaga x Kenzo Takada