The Rassemblement des opticiens de France (ROF) scheduled regional meetings for October 22 in Strasbourg, November 26 in Rennes, and December 3 in Toulouse. These events, open to all opticians regardless of membership, address OCAM relations, fraud, and regulatory changes. Separately, the Fédération nationale des opticiens de France will hold its general assembly and seminar on November 2 at Chateauform-La Manufacture in Issy-les-Moulineaux. This event includes the presentation of a "Manifeste pour la Santé Visuelle" with proposals for the 2027 presidential election. Additionally, registration for the 44th Congress of Optometry and Contactology, organized by the Association des optométristes de France, opened this afternoon. The congress is set for January 24–25, 2027, at Beffroi de Montrouge near Paris, featuring expert-led workshops on topics including contactology and sports vision.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced the 34th edition of the Hong Kong International Optical Fair, scheduled for 4–6 November 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will utilize an EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, featuring the Click2Match online business platform from 28 October to 13 November. Key zones include the rebranded Designer Village, Innovation Hub, and Brand Name Gallery, alongside dedicated areas for smart eyewear, lenses, and diagnostic instruments. Co-organized with the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), the fair will host the 24th Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium on 5 November and display entries from the 26th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition.
The Southern Independent Optical Show (SIOS) moved its third annual event from March to September 11–12, 2026, in Dallas. This shift followed the cancellation of the end-of-summer Vision Expo, positioning SIOS as a standalone showcase for Spring/Summer 2027 eyewear models targeting North American buyers. Organizers reported record attendance and brand participation, establishing SIOS as a key regional trade show despite not being the largest independent optical exhibition. Attendees included optometrists and opticians from Washington, California, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Prior to attending SILMO 2027 in Paris, the author visited Italian manufacturers De Rigo and TAVAT. De Rigo, founded in 1978, operates 27 brands and over 1,500 retail locations across Europe and Türkiye. TAVAT remains a smaller, family-owned entity focused on independent retailers.
Italian eyewear and helmet brand Rudy Project announced a partnership with Belgian triathlete Marten Van Riel, running until the end of 2028. The collaboration officially launched on October 10 at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, though Van Riel had independently used Rudy Project’s Wingdream aero-helmet in prior competitions. As part of the agreement, Van Riel will race using the brand’s equipment, including the Nytron training helmet, Astral X and Astral Sphere mirrored sunglasses for racing and training, and Based eyewear for leisure. The partnership aligns with Rudy Project’s “Performance Starts In Your Head” positioning, emphasizing detailed gear selection for sight, protection, fit, thermoregulation, and comfort.
DIFF Eyewear opened its first stand-alone brick-and-mortar store in Charleston, S.C., on October 10, marking a strategic shift from its digital-first origins toward an omnichannel presence. The company plans to open 30 additional stores over the next three years, with a second location expected in Tampa Bay in spring 2027. Founded in 2014, DIFF has grown its e-commerce business by approximately 20 percent annually and expects its wholesale network to exceed 3,400 doors by 2027. Concurrently, the brand is expanding mass retail partnerships, including limited-edition collections in over 1,200 Target locations starting December 2026, and will launch its own optical wholesale channel servicing approximately 500 independent eyecare locations beginning January 2027.
Jobson Optical Group announced that Vision Monday’s 2027 Leadership Summit will take place on Wednesday, March 10, in Las Vegas, just ahead of Vision Expo. The event marks the 20th anniversary of the gathering, which began in New York City in 2007. Titled “Rising Tide or Perfect Storm? Capital, Consolidation, and the Arrival of Big Tech,” the program addresses industry transformation driven by scale, technology, and consolidation. Anne Cooper, editorial director of Vision Monday and 20/20 magazine, stated the summit will explore disruption areas including smart eyewear, medical technologies, and artificial intelligence. The session runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Voltaire Las Vegas within the Venetian. Speaker details will be released via upcoming VMAIL announcements, while sponsorship inquiries are directed to Brett Schumacher.
The Austrian eyewear manufacturer Silhouette Group opened its first "House of Silhouette" location in Germany in early October 2026, establishing a new retail presence in Hamburg. This site marks the second global branch of this specific store concept, following an existing location in Vienna. Spanning approximately 120 square meters, the Hamburg store features various eyewear brands and consultation services within a dedicated brand environment. Around 160 guests from media, culture, and entertainment sectors attended the opening event. FOCUS Augenoptik reported on the expansion and store concept in its October 2026 issue.
Safilo received the 2026 Silmo d’Or award in the Fashion Eyewear category for the Victoria Beckham VB 7015/S sunglasses. The ceremony took place in Paris on September 26, 2026. The winning frame belongs to the Fall/Winter 2026 eyewear collection developed by Safilo, which handles design, manufacturing, and global distribution. Recognized for its architectural shield design, the VB 7015/S features a bold metal structure across the upper section and sides, contrasted with a rimless lower lens area and sculptural acetate temples displaying the brand’s signature V logo. The broader collection includes sunglasses and optical frames characterized by clean lines, classic black, grey, and havana tones, metallic finishes, and brown or grey lenses. Safilo stated the range is designed for confident women, balancing strength and elegance.
Organisers opened visitor and press registration on 25 September for MIDO 2027, scheduled for 6–8 February at Fiera Milano Rho. On 1 October, applications began for the show’s awards. The CSE Award and CSE Corporate Award close on 8 January; the latter is restricted to exhibitors. The Best Store Award, open to optical retailers worldwide including Australia, closes on 31 December. The Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award entries close on 30 November via Optyx. New digital platform My Fair Plus offers Milan cultural bookings. Travel deals extend from North America and Latin America to Chinese cities Wenzhou, Shenzhen and Shanghai, with no Asia-Pacific packages mentioned.
Hans Anders, one of the Netherlands' largest optical chains, has immediately halted sales of Meta's AI-enabled smart glasses across all Dutch and Belgian stores and its online shop. The decision follows reports of unlawful covert filming and mounting political pressure, including a passed motion in the Dutch lower house calling for a ban. While Pearle Opticiens did not comment, other sectors like hospitals and the defence force are restricting device usage. Hans Anders stated the product might return later but cited serious societal concerns. This move underscores the regulatory and reputational challenges facing optical retailers stocking smart eyewear that blends vision correction with consumer electronics.
Editorial relevance: The removal of Meta smart glasses by a major optical chain highlights significant privacy-driven regulatory and reputational risks for eyewear retailers stocking camera-equipped devices.
The Safilo Group won the "Sunglasses - Labels" category at the 33rd SILMO d'Or Awards during SILMO Paris 2026. The award recognized the Victoria Beckham VB 7015/S model, which features a 99mm oversize shield silhouette with a single-lens mask and half-rim metal front. Judges cited the frame's architectural precision and sophisticated aesthetic. The source notes that this win serves as a retail indicator for Australian independent optical practices, highlighting the balance of fashion innovation and craftsmanship. The Victoria Beckham brand targets discerning women seeking high-quality materials and aspirational luxury. While the article suggests the model will be a high-demand item in Australia’s upcoming spring and summer trading seasons, it does not confirm specific launch dates or availability outside the context of the award announcement.
National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) announced its participation in two upcoming investor conferences on February 24, 2026. The company will take part in the Citi 2026 Global Consumer & Retail Conference on March 9, 2026, featuring a fireside chat at 1:45pm ET and investor meetings. A live webcast of the fireside chat will be available in the Investors section of the company’s website, with an archive posted shortly after the event. Additionally, National Vision will attend the BofA 2026 Consumer & Retail Conference on March 10, 2026, for investor meetings.
National Vision Holdings, Inc. reported its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 financial results ended January 3, 2026. Net revenue from continuing operations for fiscal 2025 increased 9.0% to $1,987.5 million, driven by comparable store sales growth of 5.9% and new store openings. The company achieved a net income from continuing operations of $29.6 million, improving from a loss in the prior year. Adjusted Operating Income rose to $102.5 million, with margins expanding to 5.2%. For Q4 2025, net revenue grew 15.1% to $503.4 million, aided by an additional non-comparable week. National Vision also provided fiscal 2026 guidance, projecting net revenue between $2.033 billion and $2.091 billion and Adjusted Diluted EPS of $0.85 to $1.09.
Editorial relevance: National Vision's financial results highlight the impact of strategic transformation and cost discipline on profitability within the optical retail sector, providing key data points for industry analysis.
National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) announced it will release its first quarter 2026 financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. The company will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time that same day. Participants must pre-register via the Investors section of the corporate website to obtain dial-in details and passcodes. A live audio webcast with related materials will be available online, followed by a replay shortly after the broadcast. This announcement precedes the actual earnings release; no specific financial figures or performance metrics were disclosed in this notice.
National Vision Holdings, Inc. reported first quarter 2026 net revenue of $543.9 million, a 6.6% increase year-over-year. Comparable store sales grew 4.4%, driven by higher average ticket sizes and managed care strength, despite lower self-pay traffic. Net income rose to $31.2 million, with Adjusted Operating Income increasing 34.4% to $55.5 million. The company opened eight new America’s Best stores and closed four others, ending the quarter with 1,274 total stores. Notably, National Vision announced an expanded relationship with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), becoming the sole optical retail partner on AAFES bases in the U.S., effective April 1, 2026. This agreement adds 20 Military stores and expands presence into two additional states. The company reiterated its fiscal 2026 guidance for net revenue between $2.033 billion and $2.091 billion.
Editorial relevance: National Vision's Q1 2026 results highlight profitability improvements and channel expansion, offering insight into the financial health of a major US optical retailer.
National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) announced it will report its second quarter 2026 financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The company will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day. Participants must pre-register via the Investors section of the company’s website to obtain dial-in details. A live audio webcast and related materials will be available online in the Investors section, with an audio replay accessible shortly after the broadcast. This announcement covers scheduling only; no specific financial figures or operational updates were included in this notice.
National Vision Holdings, Inc. reported its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, ending July 4, 2026. Net revenue increased 2.5% to $498.8 million, driven by new store sales and adjusted comparable store sales growth of 2.2%. The company highlighted improved profitability, with Adjusted Operating Income rising to $31.6 million from $23.8 million in the prior year, and Adjusted Diluted EPS increasing to $0.25 from $0.18. CEO Alex Wilkes noted that completing the website replatform was a significant milestone, establishing a unified commerce foundation. National Vision raised its full-year Adjusted Operating Income guidance to $119–$139 million while tightening its Adjusted Comparable Store Sales Growth outlook to 3.0%–5.0%. The company ended the quarter with 1,281 stores after opening nine new America’s Best locations.
Editorial relevance: National Vision's Q2 2026 results highlight a strategic shift toward higher-value transactions and managed care, impacting the optical retail sector's profitability models.
The Vision Council and RX have opened free submissions for the sixth annual 2027 NOW Awards, welcoming eyewear designers and brands worldwide. Entries close on February 5, 2027, with product samples required by February 10. Finalists will be announced in late February, and winners will be honored during the NOW Awards ceremony on March 11 at Vision Expo 2027, held March 10–13 at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. A judging panel chaired by Nico Roseillier will evaluate entries across categories including Best Optical, Sunglass, Direct-to-Consumer, Emerging Designer, Wearable Technology, and NOW Design. Every submitting brand is guaranteed at least one frame display in the NOW Showcase on the show floor.
Meta announced on October 8 that it is donating 1,000 Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses to four Singapore organizations serving people with disabilities: the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), Guide Dogs Singapore, the Singapore Disability Sports Council, and Gardens by the Bay. A US$30,000 grant accompanies the donation, allocated entirely to SAVH for developing a free accessibility curriculum focused on object identification, text reading, and voice commands. The announcement did not specify the glasses' generation, distribution among recipients, or delivery dates. While Gen 3 is the current product line, Meta confirmed no model details for these units. The initiative was unveiled at an accessibility showcase co-hosted with SDSC, emphasizing existing features like live translation and hands-free calls rather than custom-built technology.
Sony agreed in December 2025 to assign 419 XR patents worldwide to Meta. As of October 2026, 43 US patent transfers have been recorded with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, occurring in June (2), July (20), and September (21), with no records for August. The portfolio includes 180 US patents and 239 family filings in Japan, China, Korea, and Europe. Neither company has commented on the assignment or its implications for product lines. While some reports interpret this as Sony scaling back XR hardware, this remains an unconfirmed analysis. The agreement covers virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies. This patent movement does not directly impact current retail availability or product launches.
At SILMO Paris 2025, Design Eyewear Group CEO Lars Flyvholm detailed how the Danish company’s international design teams collaborate across brands following the Menrad acquisition. The group, headquartered in Aarhus with studios in Europe and North America, distributes eyewear in over 100 countries. Its portfolio includes FACE A FACE, ProDesign Denmark, WOOW, Inface, Kilsgaard, Nifties, Alium, and the recently acquired Menrad labels. Flyvholm also shared perspectives on the future of optical trade shows. The interview highlights the integration of diverse styles, from bold to minimal, within the group’s curated family of brands.
At SILMO Paris 2025, Vuarnet Brand Director Giulia Zanzi detailed the French performance eyewear brand's evolution under the Thélios banner. The interview highlighted Vuarnet’s integration of French craftsmanship, advanced materials, and lens technology to serve athletes and adventurers. Founded in 1957 and named after Olympic skier Jean Vuarnet, the brand distinguishes itself through exclusive use of mineral glass lenses handcrafted near Paris, offering superior clarity and protection against UV, blue light, and infrared radiation. Frames utilize noble materials such as bio-acetate, titanium, and stainless steel. Zanzi emphasized Vuarnet’s mission to combine technical excellence with authentic luxury, maintaining its heritage from alpine roots to global presence while continuing to innovate with sustainable materials and bold designs.
At SILMO Paris 2025, Renato Montagner, Art Director of TAG Heuer Eyewear, detailed the brand’s evolution from Jack Heuer’s Formula 1 collaborations to modern performance design. The discussion highlighted how partnerships with racing icons like Niki Lauda and Ayrton Senna established a philosophy where real performance stems from real racers. Today, this approach continues through ambassador Patrick Dempsey, whose input as a Porsche Motorsport competitor influences frame aerodynamics and ergonomics. Operated in collaboration with Thélios, the LVMH eyewear division, the relaunched Swiss luxury sport brand emphasizes precision engineering and athlete-driven development. The current collection features wraparound shields, lightweight frames, and reinforced cable temples, targeting active lifestyles with tech-forward sport-luxury aesthetics.
At SILMO Paris, Design Eyewear Group CEO Lars Flyvholm detailed the company’s expansion into German markets via the Menrad acquisition. He highlighted plans to reignite Menrad’s heritage through a new design office in Berlin, marking DEG’s growth from boutique roots to a global house of Danish, French, British, and German brands. Flyvholm emphasized that while product design is central, success requires supporting independent opticians with staff training, sell-through assistance, and quick delivery to counter retail consolidation. Drawing on his background at Bang & Olufsen, he stressed maintaining distinct brand DNA across the portfolio while fostering an international, people-first corporate culture.
Organizers announced that the international eyewear trade show SILMO Paris will take place from September 25 to 28, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte. The event expects approximately 900 exhibitors, 1,500 brands, and over 33,000 visitors. Beyond traditional design showcases like the SILMO d’Or Awards and Trends Forum, the 2026 programme emphasizes technology integration. A dedicated SILMO NEXT area and Tech Village will feature demonstrations of smart glasses, AI-assisted eye examinations, and virtual environments. Additionally, more than 60 conferences across four spaces will address artificial intelligence, preventive healthcare, retail evolution, and sustainability. A 160-square-meter CSR Area will highlight responsible industry practices. Visitor registration is currently open for this professional optical market event.
BOLD Optical Fair announced its tenth-anniversary "BOLD XXL" edition for September 6–7, 2026, at the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. The event features more than 420 participating brands across eyewear, lenses, and technology, targeting opticians and optometrists. Admission is free for registered professionals during opening hours of 09:30 to 18:00. New elements include a Knowledge Square offering presentations with potential accreditation points and an anniversary lottery supporting Oogfonds and Brillenbus charities. This expansion marks growth from the fair’s origins in Nijkerk, positioning it as a major meeting point for the Dutch optical market.
The nominees for the 33rd SILMO d’Or have been revealed ahead of SILMO Paris 2026, which takes place from September 25–28 at Paris Nord Villepinte. The official shortlist spans 13 categories, including independent eyewear design, smart eyewear, low vision solutions, and technological innovation. Recognized as one of the industry’s most prestigious distinctions since its creation in 1994, the award celebrates excellence in craftsmanship and vision technology. Nominees will now undergo an extensive judging process involving optical professionals, designers, and international press members. Winners will be announced during the trade fair. TEF Magazine noted that this year marks ten years of their participation on the jury, with Editor-in-Chief Maarten Weidema serving since 2019.
BOLD Optical Fair concluded its tenth-anniversary edition, BOLD XXL 2026, at the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch. The two-day event attracted 3,219 registered optical professionals, including opticians and students. Approximately 75% of attendees traveled from the Netherlands, while 14% came from Germany, 7% from Belgium, and 4% from other countries. The fair featured eyewear collections, technology providers, and educational sessions on the Kennisplein platform. A special anniversary lottery and the Club Bizarre showcase by TEF Magazine highlighted independent brands. Organizers stated the event strengthened community ties and international reach. The next iteration, BOLD Light, is scheduled for March 1, 2027, at the same venue as a focused one-day trade event.
Marketing consultant Alessandra Salimbene will present a talk titled "What Really Defines an Independent Optician?" at SILMO Paris 2026 on Saturday, September 26, from 14:00 to 15:00. The session challenges the traditional definition of independence as merely being "not a chain," arguing instead for identity based on character and recognizability. Salimbene will introduce a marketing framework focusing on positioning, communication, and customer experience rather than store size or ownership structure. Drawing on her work between Italy and the United Kingdom, she emphasizes that independent opticians must look beyond domestic markets due to cross-border influences in design and consumer behavior. Additionally, Salimbene plans to reveal a new project developed specifically for Europe’s independent opticians, with details kept confidential until the presentation.
The Eyewear Forum identified four eyewear brands to watch at SILMO Paris 2026. Albert I’mStein presents new frames inspired by architecture and art, including the GIWA and BETONA models. KACI Paris will offer the first public preview of its CELESTE collection, crafted in Japan, alongside its Re-Explore line. DERAPAGE returns to the show with Vector and Drift sunglasses, featuring automotive-inspired mechanical details, ahead of a larger reveal on September 26. ZEN introduces its Life in Symphony F/W 2026 collection, emphasizing harmony through layered colour and acetate work. These highlights focus on design concepts and craftsmanship rather than commercial metrics or availability status.
Founded by Uta Geyer in 2006, independent eyewear retailer Lunettes Selection celebrates its 20th anniversary. The business operates three stores in Berlin, offering an in-house brand named Lunettes Kollektion alongside sourced vintage pieces and dead stock. Beyond retail, the company has established itself as a specialist consultant for television and film productions. Its archive supports international costume designers, supplying frames for projects including Wes Anderson’s *The French Dispatch* and the series *4 Blocks*. Lunettes Selection also provides specialized lens solutions, such as anti-reflection coatings for *Conclave* and custom blood-red lenses for the upcoming film *Blutgräfin*, starring Isabelle Huppert. The house brand, launched in 2011, features handcrafted frames produced in Northern Italy.
Registration is now open for visitors and journalists attending MIDO 2027, scheduled for February 6–8 at Fiera Milano Rho. President Lorraine Berton stated the edition will feature new developments and a strong international presence, with returning and new exhibitors confirmed. The event attracts professionals from over 160 countries, covering the entire eyewear supply chain. Key features include dedicated Academy and Start Up areas, and The Vision Stage in Pavilion 1, which will host approximately 20 events. A new digital platform, My Fair Plus – Beyond the Exhibition, allows attendees to book cultural activities in Milan. Special travel deals are arranged for visitors from the US, Canada, Latin America, and specific Chinese cities including Wenzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.
SILMO Paris 2026 concluded at Paris Nord Villepinte, welcoming 32,108 professionals from nearly 150 countries. The event featured over 950 exhibitors showcasing innovations across 80,000 m². Key highlights included the SILMO Next Tech Village, which demonstrated smart glasses and AI-driven health applications, and hosted the first international hackathon for smart glasses health apps, won by Kimoo. The SILMO d’Or awards recognized technological advancements such as autofocus glasses and luxury smart eyewear. Sustainability was emphasized through the CSR Spot and the Committed Company Award given to Andy Wolf for its reduced carbon footprint and use of Acetate Renew. Emerging talent was supported via the Optic Design Contest, while the International Optician of the Year award honored Jessica Gowing for her work with children’s craniofacial anomalies.
MIDO has opened applications for the MIDO AWARDS 2027, recognizing innovation and sustainability in the optical industry. The CSE Award (5th edition) and CSE Corporate Award (2nd edition), promoted by MIDO with ANFAO and Certottica, accept entries until January 8, 2027. The Best Store Award (12th edition) remains open to global optical retailers until December 31. Additionally, applications for the Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award close on November 30. Winners will be announced during an official ceremony at Fiera Milano Rho from February 6 to 8, 2027. Regulations are available on mido.com.
Online contact lens and eyewear retailer LensDirect announced a comprehensive rebrand centered on its family heritage and new platform, “See Your Way.” The initiative, developed with agency The Working Assembly, introduces a refreshed visual identity across digital platforms, marketing, packaging, and customer communications starting October 6, 2026. CEO Ryan Alovis stated the change aims to distinguish the company from legacy corporate retailers by emphasizing personal service and independence. This announcement follows recent launches of children’s brand Lolos and performance brand Diablo, as well as growth in its lens replacement service. LensDirect also expects to announce expanded vision insurance offerings in the coming months to increase accessibility for consumers nationwide.
Vera Wang has officially launched her eyewear collection in the United Kingdom, with distribution handled by Atlantic Optical. Produced by Kenmark Eyewear, the line features a curated selection of optical and sun styles designed to blend high-fashion aesthetics with everyday wearability for the modern woman. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the brand’s European growth strategy, extending Vera Wang’s global lifestyle empire—which includes fragrance, home, jewellery, and ready-to-wear—into the eyewear sector. The launch follows the designer’s established reputation in bridal fashion and red-carpet styling, aiming to make the "Vera Wang aesthetic" accessible through every lens.
BRETT Eyewear announced a three-year partnership with Le Mans Classic on June 19, 2026. The collaboration features an exclusive edition inspired by the "Le Mans Classic Legend" identity, celebrating racing cars from the 1970s to the 2010s. For the first year, the brand introduced the LE MANS CLASSIC 2026 frame, a reinterpretation of its THE DUKE SUN model. This eyewear incorporates a deep blue acetate front, stainless steel temples, and blue gradient sun lenses, reflecting 1980s aesthetics and endurance racing heritage. The partnership follows BRETT’s previous agreement with Peter Auto, which was renewed through 2025.
Barcelona-based eyewear brand GIGI Studios is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026. The company states it has established itself as a reference in contemporary eyewear, leveraging over 60 years of family heritage in the sector. CEO Patricia Ramo highlighted the brand’s fashion-led vision and commitment to craftsmanship. Currently operating in more than 50 countries with over 5,500 clients, GIGI Studios maintains direct sales forces in 17 markets, including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the UK, Canada, and the US. The milestone coincides with the opening of new headquarters designed by architect Isern Serra. The brand cites its VANGUARD collection as central to its creative identity, supported by international campaigns and appearances at events like SILMO Paris.
Rudy Project announced a three-year technical partnership with the DMG MORI Sailing Team, Japan’s first professional offshore sailing team, covering the 2026-2028 racing campaign. The agreement supports skipper Kojiro Shiraishi through events including The Ocean Race 2027 and the Vendée Globe 2028. This collaboration extends a relationship between Rudy Project Italy, Rudy Project Japan, and Shiraishi that began in 2002. The team selected Rudy Project for lens technologies designed to maximize contrast and manage glare on water. During training and races, the team will use custom Turbolence sunglasses with Multilaser Red lenses, Lightflow A sunglasses with Polar 3FX ML Red lenses, and Nytron helmets. Both sunglass models feature laser-engraved team names.
Danish eyewear brand Prodesign, owned by Design Eyewear Group, has announced an updated visual direction featuring a refined logo, nuanced color usage, and character-driven visuals. The change introduces the "As you are" brand platform, emphasizing individuality and authenticity rather than idealization. Maria Sletten, Brand Manager, stated the update aims to remove noise and reveal the brand's existing foundation more clearly. The July 2026 collection is the first to launch under this new platform, extending the visual identity into product design. This evolution seeks to strengthen Prodesign’s presence in a crowded market while maintaining its heritage since 1973.