Eyestylist

LOFT 2026, NYC

4th March 2026

The annual NYC showcase for all things creative in eyewear design, LOFT takes place in two locations – Chelsea Industrial and High Line Nine – from 5th to 7th March 2026

This year’s expanded edition of LOFT takes place from Thursday in the Chelsea / Hudson Yards District, NYC as part of Eyewear Design Week in the city. This event will offer a broad overview of the work of independent eyewear designers and a group of curated collections by brands which champion quality, craftsmanship and originality through technical and creative innovation.

LOFT is located at two venues this year, conveniently close together. Chelsea Industrial will feature over 100 labels, including Article One, Blackfin, Capote, Cutler and Gross, Dandy’s, Folc, Jean Philippe Joly and Ørrgreen Optics. High Line Nine will present 22 collections by brands which include Anne & Valentin, Blake Kuwahara, Hoffmann Natural Eyewear, Masahiromaruyama, FACE A FACE, theo and Press Eyewear – as well as lens company, Zeiss.

Eyestylist.com introduces a few of the beautiful frames we can expect to see at this year’s event, kicking off on Thursday:

Above: RES/REI from Italy will be returning to LOFT in 2026 (Chelsea Industrial); their new collection for women, produced exclusively in Northern Italy, offers their signature colourations and distinctive interpretations of classically inspired shapes. Model Muse represents a compact silhouette with a gently angular lower lens, designed to fit medium to small faces comfortably. Naturally versatile, it works especially well for small PDs and higher lens corrections. The colour mosaic adds depth and character. This palette is described as the ultimate expression of the RES / REI colour palette: a sophisticated play of transparencies meeting bold, contemporary contrasts. www.resrei.com

Vitri by Anne & Valentin, part of KRAFTIES collection

Anne & Valentin’s latest creations include KRAFTIES, inspired by the artistry of frosted glass, and the gentle passage of time. The concept is proposed as a celebration of the beauty of the unforeseen or unexpected, offering frames that are as much a pleasure to wear as they are to touch! Anne & Valentin will be located at High Line Nine. www.anneetvalentin.com

A fresh, light colour palette and lighter structure in each artisanal design: Dandy’s Eyewear for 2026

From Italy, Dandy’s latest collection evolves the silhouettes and colours of the classic Dandy’s style to bring a contemporary mood of lightness and fresh coloration. Known for the artistry of Italian craftsmanship and its particular characteristics of raw-textured finishes, the new collections move the brand into a new phase of design expression for Spring/Summer 2026. Dandy’s exhibits at LOFT at Chelsea Industrial. https://dandyseyewear.com/en/

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

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

Gambly by Hoffmann Natural Eyewear x Thierry Lasry

Hoffmann Natural Eyewear (showing at High Line Nine) will present their mainline eyewear collections for men and women and their new collaboration range with iconic eyewear designer, Thierry Lasry. Describing the pieces as true “objets d’art“, these styles fuse Lasry’s design spirit of contemporary audacity with the artisanal know-how of the German company, Hoffmann, a specialist in working with natural buffalo horn and all the complexities of perfecting a finely finished luxury frame. www.hoffmann-eyewear.com

The Hexagonal Synae by theo, in the TUBES collection

theo’s TUBES collection adds a new design twist for “petite faces with big ideas”. These frames feature acetate fronts with a compact design, made for adults with fine facial features, who wish to wear a frame with true character. At the centre of all the designs in this range is a visible round tube, a striking technical feature of the design, connecting both sides. Model Synae (above) is modular and clean – combining lines with rhythm and precision. There are 5 different shapes in the collection including round, square and a popular oval. theo is showing at High Line Nine. www.theo.be

Oversized silhouettes with curved lines and soft gradient lenses nod to the free-spirited, boho-inspired eyewear of the 1960s, entirely reimagined through MYKITA’s LITE construction and innovative powder-coated finishes. Ultra-slender 3mm temples and minimalist frames create a delicate, weightless feel, while the tactile surface treatment adds subtle depth and a playful, futuristic note. This collection, and several others from the German eyewear brand will be on show at High Line Nine. www.mykita.com

ROLF Substance Aura is new for 2026 – a clean, modern and impactful collection of sustainable optical frames

For 2026, ROLF includes new 3D printed frames in its sustainable Substance Aura line, where bright neon tones contrast with the natural dark tone of the background. The Substance Aura collection includes 11 models with 3 different graphic effects – colours or textures – and 7 colours. As always, the line brings together sophisticated hinge technology, high-quality materials and lasting comfort – ideal if you are wanting them for everyday wear.

For more information about LOFT NYC visit the LOFT website at https://www.lofteyewearshow.com

Creative spirits

Yoshinori Aoyama: “a new perspective, beyond existing values…”

3rd March 2026

The eminent Japanese eyewear designer, Yoshinori Aoyama is well-known as the Founder of FACTORY900, a multiple award-winning Japanese eyewear label. He began the label in 2001 as Aoyama Optical’s ‘own brand’ and since that time he has been involved in all aspects of running the brand and developing its success in Japan and abroad. In 2023, Yoshinori Aoyama started his eponymous label, a collection that takes a new approach to titanium by exploring all its possibilities with depth, creativity and the innovative study of spatial design. Eyestylist.com was priveleged to find out more in a first interview exclusive about the launch of this distinguished eponymous collection.

Can you explain briefly your family connection in eyewear, and how eyewear design has become a focus in your life? I was born into a family that has been involved in eyewear making for three generations, starting with my grandfather. There was a factory right next to our home, so I grew up surrounded by the manufacturing environment and watching craftsmanship very closely in my childhood. Perhaps because of this, eyewear always felt like a natural option within my life.

When I was a child, the adults around me would often say, “Your father is a genius.” As I grew older and began helping out at my father’s factory, I came to truly understand the greatness of both my grandfather and my father, and the meaning behind those words. Anyone who has been involved in eyewear manufacturing can immediately recognize the excellence of what Aoyama Optical produces simply by holding one of our frames. It was at that time that I made the decision to work in the eyewear industry seriously as my chosen profession.

Your first own label was FACTORY900. How old is the brand and what is its focus today? Give us a little summary of how this brand has evolved? FACTORY900 celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. Since the brand’s founding, my constant goal has been to create “beautiful eyewear”. Building upon the specialized acetate craftsmanship established by my grandfather and refined by my father, we manage every step of production in-house to bring our vision to life.

By making full use of acetate as a material and pushing its possibilities to the absolute limit, FACTORY900 is known for its sculptural and avant‑garde forms. The brand has received numerous international awards, including two Silmo d’Or prizes and an iF Design Award. At the same time, we have continued to evolve through active collaborations with brands such as theo, Lexus, and Undercover.

Yoshinori Aoyama: exquisite Japanese craftsmanship and creative ingenuity + innovation converge

The new eponymous label YOSHINORI AOYAMA launched in Japan a few years ago. What is the concept and how did it come about? YOSHINORI AOYAMA made its debut at Silmo 2023 (A/W). The core concept is ambivalence. When it comes to FACTORY900, I spent many years focusing intensively on acetate as a material because of our family business. At the same time, however, I had a strong desire to challenge myself with different kind of materials.

YOSHINORI AOYAMA is an all‑titanium collection. By working with titanium, I feel my design expression has expanded significantly. I found it extremely fascinating, and I am dedicating myself fully to exploring the possibilities of titanium.

What materials, special features and innovative techniques are used in the production of your Yoshinori Aoyama frames? YOSHINORI AOYAMA collections are primarily with titanium, as well as 18‑karat gold. While FACTORY900 is known for sculptural forms, YOSHINORI AOYAMA is defined by spatial design. Although their expression is different, the philosophy remains the same: to create beautiful eyewear.

By separating the frame from the lenses, we introduce free, three‑dimensional curves into space—an idea that challenges conventional metal‑frame design. Technically, this work is supported by the high level of craftsmanship in Sabae, Fukui, Japan. In our production meetings, they tell me the designs are ‘too difficult’ or ‘take too much effort.’ But it is precisely this complexity that we overcome together, step by step, to bring YOSHINORI AOYAMA’s vision to life.

Yoshinori Aoyama: a new direction for titanium eyewear

Do you already have optician stockists for this collection outside Japan? How are you working with partners in the rest of the world? The YOSHINORI AOYAMA collection is currently available in 14 countries across Asia, Europe, and the United States. Depending on the country, we work either through local agents or, in regions without agents, directly with individual retailers. We collaborate with partners with flexibility according to the conditions of each market as we expand internationally.

What is your priority with this collection and its positioning in the luxury segment? Creating beautiful eyewear is a central part of my design philosophy, and it is something I value highly. I aim to let this approach naturally shape how YOSHINORI AOYAMA is perceived within the luxury eyewear market and express a quiet, essential sense of luxury—something that resonates deeply with those who understand and connect with it.

Yoshinori Aoyama: new collection in titanium – made in Sabae

What have you added in the collection since we first saw it in Japan in October 2023? This is my first time working with titanium, so I am currently spending a lot of time exploring and understanding it through my collection. I am not too influenced by the market, and am conducting various experiments to find out how far I can go with titanium as a material.

How would you define the reaction to the collection in Japan so far? Overall, the response in Japan has been very positive. I know that preferences differ depending on the retailer, and the end user, and those differences become even more pronounced in a global market. That said, I don’t believe it is realistic—or even necessary—to create something that appeals to everyone.

What matters more to me is whether the collection can introduce a new perspective beyond existing values and conventions. Seen from my current standpoint, I feel the feedback we have received has been very encouraging, and I am satisfied with those responses.

Yoshinori Aoyama will exhibit at Eyecon Show in New York from 6th to 8th March 2026.

Find out more about Yoshinori Aoyama at https://yoshinoriaoyama.jp

Design + Inspiration

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

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.

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.

Longevity today is built on products designed to last, retail spaces that create memorable experiences, and meaningful partnerships between brands and independent retailers.

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.

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

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