Eyewear brand Julbo and maritime firm MerConcept announced a collaboration to produce sunglasses using carbon from offshore racing sailboats. The partnership resulted in two limited-edition models, OFFSHORE KARBON and KEEN KARBON, featuring temples made from manufacturing offcuts and damaged boat parts. Designed for sailors, the glasses utilize bio-circular polycarbonate lenses with 60% plant-based content and SPECTRON HD technology offering 80% polarization. The announcement precedes the Route du Rhum race on November 1, 2026, where MerConcept skippers will wear the eyewear. Production involves handcrafted assembly by BYKARBON and includes recycled felt pouches. This initiative aims to reduce carbon footprints while maintaining performance standards for demanding sea conditions.
Ray-Ban has announced a co-branded collection with Marvel, featuring optical and sunglasses models inspired by Captain America, Spider-Man, Doctor Doom, and Deadpool. The line includes iconic styles such as Wayfarer and Aviator frames, designed for all ages. Specific design elements reflect each character, including spider-web motifs on logos, red-white-and-blue color accents referencing Captain America, and rubber temple tips evoking Deadpool’s costume. The source notes the collection is likely positioned for Christmas gifting but does not confirm specific launch dates, pricing, or immediate retail availability beyond the announcement itself.
Reebok smart glasses, developed with Lucyd, were named among Time magazine’s best inventions of 2026. Designed for athletes like runners and cyclists, the eyewear features open-ear air-conduction speakers in the temples, allowing users to listen to music, take calls, or receive voice instructions while remaining aware of ambient sounds. The frames weigh between 50 and 58 grams and include noise-reducing microphones, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and an announced battery life exceeding eight hours. Adjustable nose pads and temple tips enhance stability during exercise. The collection comprises six models starting at $149, offering polarized or photochromic lenses depending on the version. Notably, the Nitrous model supports prescription lenses. The companion Lucyd app provides real-time translation and a talkie-walkie mode for communication between athletes or coaches.
EyeFly, a brand under HOUSE of MODO, has announced three new smart audio eyewear styles: Axis, Nova, and Amp. These additions follow the debut style Drift. Each frame offers open-ear audio via Bluetooth-enabled Smart Tech Temples, which can be swapped for regular temples to convert the glasses into classic eyewear. The designs are available as prescription-ready optical frames with blue light filtering lenses or as ready-to-wear sunglasses. All models weigh 30 grams and integrate with apps for navigation, voice assistants, real-time translation, health tracking, and audio notes. Colorways range from Black, Blue, and Smoke to Olive, Burgundy, and Havana.
Eyestylist reports that the Blackfin One collection has introduced new styles, including the aviator model Hamilton and the frame Lanai, for the Autumn/Winter season. The Hamilton features a double bridge reinterpreted with a bi-level front milled from a single block of titanium. The collection emphasizes precision engineering and aesthetic balance, exploring colour combinations such as satin light gold paired with black or dark brown to highlight surface interplay and structural depth. These additions reflect the evolution of the Blackfin One line, focusing on material sophistication and design detail.
Hickmann Eyewear has introduced the HI6434, an optical frame designed for women that emphasizes modern geometric lines and balanced proportions. The frame features a structured silhouette with softly angular contours and subtly elevated upper corners. Its temples incorporate stainless steel components and refined metallic accents, along with discreet branding. Available in versatile colors including classic black, warm tortoiseshell, modern olive green, and delicate neutral tones, the HI6434 is positioned as suitable for both professional settings and everyday wear. This release highlights the brand’s focus on contemporary design and sophisticated details, though specific pricing or retail availability dates were not provided in the source material.
Charmant USA announced the Aristar eyewear collection in October 2026, targeting fall and winter demand for affordable frames. The line features metal and acetate designs for men and women aged 18 to 70+, including rectangular, oval, and square styles with spring hinges and adjustable nose pads. Specific models include AR30748 for men and AR30835 through AR30837 for women, offered in various colors and sizes. The collection emphasizes durability, comfort, and inclusive fit. These frames are available exclusively at local eyecare practitioner stores across the United States.
Maison Margiela and Gentle Monster have unveiled their fourth collaborative eyewear collection, featuring 43 sunglasses and 25 optical frames designed around the concept of deconstruction. The line includes exaggerated proportions, second-skin leather wrapping, and variations of Maison Margiela’s signature four white stitches. The launch is supported by a short film directed by Alex Prager and immersive pop-up installations opening on October 29, 2026, in eight cities: Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, and Paris. A live performance by choreographer Damien Jalet and artist Ian McMahon will accompany the Seoul opening. Full release details are hosted on the brands' official websites.
OVVO Optics expanded its Duo Collection for Fall 2026 with three new optical eyewear styles: Calvin, Anderson and Marla. These models combine the brand’s surgical steel and titanium composite with Italian acetate, featuring metal temples and newly introduced integrated acetate nose pads for improved fit. Each style offers distinct silhouettes and specific colorways; Calvin presents rounded shapes in options like Midnight with Clouds, while Anderson features angular profiles in shades such as Chrome with Neutral. Marla introduces an upswept design with expressive palettes including Cherry Matte with Ruby. The release emphasizes material innovation and European craftsmanship within the existing collection framework.
Alain Afflelou has introduced eggplant, violet, and purple frames to its MAGIC collection, aligning with the autumn-winter 2026/27 fashion trend that favors deep colors over neutral tones. The update features four specific models: the round acetate MAGIC CARACTÈRES DIPLOMATE, the butterfly-shaped MAGIC 425, the XL square MAGIC CARACTÈRES RÊVEUSE, and the octagonal MAGIC 277. Each frame includes two interchangeable magnetic clips, part of a system offering more than 1,000 available options for sun protection, blue-light filtering, and night driving. This move positions colored eyewear as a functional accessory capable of adapting to various situations while reflecting current style preferences observed at Madrid Fashion Week.
On October 25, Etnia Barcelona presented its collaboration with artist Felipe Pantone at the Chiesa della Misericordia in Venice. This event followed an earlier presentation in Barcelona attended by Lookvision. The partnership features a limited edition of 1,000 numbered eyewear units designed to reflect Pantone’s exploration of movement and visual perception. The frames include interchangeable temples allowing two distinct aesthetic options: one with chromatic gradients created through laminated acetates, and another featuring a moiré optical pattern inspired by Pantone’s work. A specialized key is included to facilitate temple swaps. The exclusive gathering attracted artists, designers, and cultural figures, including Ezequiel Pini, Aryz, Sabine Marcelis, and Cora Novoa, concluding with a live performance by Yerai Cortés.
MPG Optische Werke GmbH launched a new campaign emphasizing its lens portfolio, noting that development occurs in Austria while production takes place at the company’s site in Glücksburg, Germany. The manufacturer states it employs 200 specialists across development, manufacturing, service, and consulting. The high-end portfolio includes MPO Life Digital for digital device use, MPO Life with personalized fitting parameters, MPO @Work for specific viewing distances, and MPO Mono Relax 2.0 with up to +1.10 diopters of near support. Additionally, MPO BLC integrates a blue light filter reducing short-wave blue light by up to 65 percent, based on internal company measurements, alongside claimed 100 percent UV protection.
OVVO announced three new additions to its DUO Collection for Autumn 2026, continuing the brand's exploration of material contrasts. The styles combine OVVO’s signature composite of surgical steel and titanium with handcrafted Italian acetate, aiming to balance technical lightness and durability with expressive softness. A notable update includes the introduction of acetate nose pads to the DUO line for the first time, designed to enhance fit and create a cohesive appearance. The collection features modern silhouettes with defined contours and softened angles, reflecting a blend of advanced materials and European craftsmanship.
French eyewear brand Variation Design, founded in 2003, presented its 2026 novelties at SILMO. The collections for adults, teens, and children consistently feature a "double line" design element where a second colored accent parallels the main frame without touching it. Materials include acetate and metal, with each model available in three colorways. Women’s frames like CARAMIEL and MÉDÉE use bold, offset contours, while men’s styles such as ZED and ABSOLU employ thinner, refined accents or double bridges. Kids’ models, including ALI and LEONOR, apply the motif through vibrant, multi-colored combinations. All designs are created in France, emphasizing distinct aesthetic approaches across age groups while maintaining the brand's core visual identity.
Optic 2000 has announced the release of its first 100% audio smart glasses, available from October 26 across its network and website. Priced at €99 for a second pair and €149 for a first pair, the frames feature discreet HD directional audio, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and two-button controls on the temples. The devices offer five hours of continuous listening with a 90-minute recharge time and weigh 30 grams. Two styles are available: a transparent optical frame compatible with prescription lenses and a tortoiseshell sunglasses version with category 3 lenses. The company cites a February 2026 Toluna Harris Interactive study indicating that 83% of potential buyers prioritize fluid call and music management, while cost remains the main barrier for half of interested consumers.
Snap announced that actor Robert Downey Jr. has joined the company as an honorary Chief Customer Experience Officer (CCEO) to promote its upcoming SPECS augmented reality glasses. In this role, he will guide customers on using the see-through devices and help shape new Lens experiences and original content. While a previous rumor suggested a $100 million deal, the exact financial terms remain unconfirmed by Snap. The appointment aims to increase general audience awareness of AR technology. Separately, leaked specifications from SammyGuru indicate Samsung’s upcoming smartglasses, developed with Google, will feature a Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chip, 2GB RAM, and a 41-gram weight, positioning them lighter than current Ray-Ban Meta models.
Miga Studio introduced new eyewear models and additional color variants for its Fall/Winter 2026 collection, focusing on geometric shapes and material combinations. The updates span the Taisho Titan Top, Kōji, and Titan 11.0 mm lines. Key additions include the "Ma" frame in Taisho Titan Top, combining Takiron acetate with titanium; the angular "Kaku" model in Titan 11.0 mm; and five new Kōji frames, comprising three aluminum designs ("Tōri," "Shizen," "Rin") and two acetate models ("Kizashi," "Kōsei"). The brand also expanded color options across selected frames, featuring varied metal tones, surface textures, and matte finishes. Notably, the Kaizen Thin line received contrasting matte surfaces to highlight its Japanese titanium and aluminum construction, while the fundamental frame structures remained unchanged.
French optical retailer Optic 2000 has launched its own brand of connected eyewear, prioritizing audio functionality over video. The new glasses feature integrated speakers in the temples for calls, music, and GPS navigation but explicitly exclude cameras. Martine Loyer, Director General of Groupement Optic 2000, stated the choice reflects a focus on simplicity and daily utility. The devices connect via Bluetooth to iOS and Android smartphones, controlled by two buttons on the temples, offering up to five hours of battery life with a 90-minute recharge time. Two models are available: a transparent frame compatible with prescription lenses and a tortoiseshell sunglasses model with category 3 lenses. Priced at €149 as a first pair or €99 as a second pair, these products complement the retailer's existing sales of third-party video-enabled brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley.
Australian eyewear brand Sunday Somewhere announced a new optical collection featuring four frames designed to evoke specific moods rather than locations. Shot in Marrakech, the lineup includes Marceline SS1087, Azura SS1089, Amorette SS1091, and Oria SS1096. Each model utilizes premium Mazzucchelli acetate with distinct silhouettes, such as retro aviators and modified rounds, incorporating signature palm tree accents and custom hinge designs. Colorways vary by frame, including Purple Confetti Tort, Teal Caramel, Brown Smoke, and Red Multi. The collection emphasizes sculpted edges and layered laminations for depth. WestGroupe, which distributes Sunday Somewhere globally, supports the launch. Specific availability dates or pricing were not disclosed in the announcement.
At the Silmo trade show, HTC presented its Vive Eagle eyewear concept, emphasizing privacy as a core component of its artificial intelligence strategy. Thomas Dexmier, HTC’s Associate VP for EMEA Business Development and Enterprise Solutions, stated that the company views eyewear as a potential successor to the smartphone in smart computing. Dexmier argued that achieving this transition requires ensuring the technology is socially acceptable. The presentation focused on strategic positioning rather than announcing a specific commercial launch date or detailed technical specifications for immediate consumer availability.
Superflex Kids, a brand under WestGroupe, announced the addition of four new eyewear styles to its children’s collection. The release includes two designs for boys (SFK-343 and SFK-344) and two for girls (SFK-345 and SFK-346), all featuring the brand’s signature spring-hinge flexibility and playful temple detailing. Constructed from stainless steel and handmade acetate, these frames are designed for children aged 6 through 12. Specific models offer varied aesthetics, such as laminated temples, checkered patterns, or floral prints, across multiple colorways and sizes. While the source highlights durability and accessible pricing, it does not specify exact retail costs or confirm immediate global availability beyond the announcement of these new additions to the existing portfolio distributed in over 40 countries.
ZEISS has introduced its MyoActive lens in Canada. The product is described as the first myopia management lens to apply Dynamic Signal Theory. This announcement marks the availability of the specific technology within the Canadian market.
MPO Brillenglas, based in Glücksburg, Germany, emphasized the role of its approximately 200 experts in developing and manufacturing its high-end lens portfolio. The company stated that these professionals contribute to reliable optical solutions through their experience and quality awareness, working alongside innovative technologies. Key products include MPO Life Digital for optimized near-vision on screens, MPO Life for personalized progressive lenses using SMT 2.0, NEO, and CRF technologies, and MPO @Work for flexible workplace vision at specific distances. Additionally, MPO Mono Relax 2.0 offers single-vision lenses with integrated near support up to +1.10 dpt, while MPO BLC provides a blue-light filter reducing short-wave light by up to 65 percent depending on index. Development occurs partly in Austria via MPG Optische Werke, with manufacturing in northern Germany.
Italia Independent has announced its Fall/Winter 2026 eyewear collection, introducing a new, more accessible price tier to complement its existing positioning and attract a younger audience. The collection features ten new models—six optical frames and four sunglasses—comprising forty variants that emphasize acetate as the primary material. Key lines include Atelier Acetate, which offers three oversized optical frames with transparent acetate revealing contrasting inner cores and laser-engraved logos, and Cromacetate, featuring three optical and three sun styles with bold color combinations like Smoke/Barbie Pink and Jade/White. The design focuses on unexpected volumes, textures, and chromatic transitions, aiming to broaden brand accessibility while maintaining its distinctive Italian aesthetic.
Eight brands announced new eyewear or eyecare products. Porsche Design released the P’86014 titanium sunglasses with green polarized XTR lenses for $770. IC! Berlin became the first official eyewear partner of the Audi Revolut F1 Team, supplying customized screwless frames to drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto at $575 and $460. Essilor and X-Cel Specialty Contacts introduced the Lunara ortho-k lens in 180 Dk Optimum Infinite material. Face à Face launched the Copy Paste frame within its Out Of Office capsule for $520. Zeiss received FDA clearance for Clinic 360, a browser-based diagnostic imaging platform. Reykjavik Eyes unveiled the Aurora titanium frame, Look introduced the Lamina steel collection, and Vera Wang released the Split acetate cat-eye for $400.
Austrian eyewear manufacturer Rolf won the Silmo d’Or 2026 award in Paris in the category "Optical Frames: Craftsmanship & know-how" for its model "Superbird." The frame features a handcrafted design combining a thin layer of real slate with a wooden core, making each piece unique due to the stone's natural structure. Two patented solutions ensure everyday usability: a glazing method using fine thread that avoids cutting through the front, and a screwless FlexLock hinge. The award recognizes the craftsmanship and technical innovation of this Tirol-based manufactory’s product.
Centennial Optical, a Canadian distributor of ophthalmic products, is distributing the VX Titanium frame collection. The value-driven line features 100% titanium construction, offering lightweight comfort and durability across 13 men’s and women’s styles. This expansion aims to provide more patients access to premium titanium eyewear. Headquartered in Toronto with customer service hubs in Montreal and Vancouver, Centennial has operated since 1967 and holds Health Canada licensing for Class I medical devices. The company distributes various international designer brands and house lens lines to eye care professionals and retailers nationally and internationally. The source identifies the F-88 as a featured model but does not specify pricing, exact launch dates, or inventory levels.
ClearVision Optical introduced five new optical styles to its UNCOMMON collection, expanding the Classic and Retro design stories. The release features stainless-steel construction, architectural metal detailing, and additional XL Fit options. Specific models include Adnam, Ajax, Cypress, Mael, and Tallis, which incorporate distinctive elements such as specialized hinges, integrated spring hinges, and combination temples. These additions aim to provide eyecare professionals with versatile silhouettes for a broader range of patients while maintaining the collection’s focus on precision engineering and craftsmanship. ClearVision, headquartered in Hauppauge, New York, distributes its collections throughout North America and 20 other countries.
Eyewear label ITALIA INDEPENDENT announced its Fall/Winter 2026 collection, introducing a new, more accessible price tier alongside existing offerings to target younger audiences. The range comprises six optical and four sunglass styles across 40 variations, split into two design families. ATELIER ACETATE features three optical designs with oversized proportions, transparent acetate revealing metal cores, and laser-cut branding. CROMACETATE includes three optical and three sunglass styles emphasizing vibrant color combinations, contrasting temple tips, and raised logos. Sunglasses pair colorful acetate with clear or pastel lenses, such as Smoke with Barbie Pink or Jade with White. The collection highlights expressive acetate designs and material layering while maintaining the brand’s signature Italian style.
Independent eyewear brand Andy Wolf has launched a new range of vintage-inspired frames within its Chapter 20 collection. The assortment includes designs such as a metallic cat-eye with a sleek modern look, a feminine acetate frame featuring bottom-attached temples, and a diamond-shaped narrow style. According to the brand, these products apply a modern approach to vintage aesthetics. The launch aligns with a new campaign intended to celebrate the connection between design and inspiration, emphasizing that compelling stories often begin with a fresh perspective on the world.
Morgenthal Frederics has unveiled its first collection designed by John Juniper and Jeff Solorio. The announcement was reported by Optical Prism Magazine, though the specific source text provided consists solely of a redirect to the original article rather than detailed content. Consequently, no further factual specifics regarding the collection's design features, pricing, availability dates, or geographic scope are available in this excerpt.
Polaris Eyewear, distributed by Prooptica Iberia, has announced a new collection of eyeglass frames and sunglasses accompanied by campaign imagery emphasizing an urban, contemporary aesthetic. The line features diverse masculine and feminine designs exploring various materials, shapes, and tones. Frames include structured contemporary models, retro-inspired rounded styles, and lightweight minimalist metallic options in black, blue, havana, and translucent hues. Sunglasses combine thin metallic lines with prominent acetate proposals, featuring geometric, rounded, and vintage-inspired forms with varied lens tints and finishes. The campaign positions the brand within a lifestyle concept, utilizing metropolitan settings to highlight versatility and personality rather than following a single trend.
Thema Optical has introduced three new clip-on eyewear models made from Ultem, a lightweight and heat-resistant polymer. The collection includes the U-0336 pantos model with colored terminal details, the U-0337 model featuring carbon fiber effect temples, and the U-0338 square model with a sporty character. Designed for both men and women, these frames allow users to switch between prescription lenses and sunglasses via the integrated clip-on mechanism. The company highlights the material's flexibility, shape memory, and durability as key features addressing current market demands for comfort and affordability.
French eyewear brand French Rétro presented a collaborative collection with guitar manufacturer Fender exclusively at the SILMO 2026 trade show. The line comprises 11 models that reinterpret Fender’s instrument design heritage, incorporating specific shapes, colors, finishes, and hardware details into eyewear frames. Rather than directly copying musical references, the designs integrate subtle visual cues from electric guitar manufacturing into French Rétro’s signature retro-chic aesthetic. The brand stated its ambition was to create glasses capable of traversing generations, similar to iconic instruments. This partnership highlights French Rétro’s ongoing exploration of connections between eyewear, culture, and design. The collection is available for viewing on the brand’s website.
INMO announced the GO 3 AR smart glasses, featuring dual microLED displays. The company disclosed limited technical specifications, confirming only that the displays offer 1,500 nits of brightness to the eye and a 30-degree field of view. No further details were provided. The previous generation, the GO 2 AR, utilized JBD's monochrome green 0.13-inch VGA microdisplays. While it is likely that the GO 3 AR also uses JBD-produced microdisplays, this supplier relationship has not been confirmed by INMO.
Japanese eyewear brand TRUE VINTAGE REVIVAL has released the Four Seasons Edition of its signature TVR504 frame. Originally introduced in 2013, this updated silhouette is handcrafted in Sabae, Japan, using 6mm Japanese Zylonite acetate. The edition features four new colorways: Sunset Tortoise, Dragon in the Cloud, Cappuccino Clear, and Classic Black. Technical updates include a newly developed M–S titanium nose pad system with beta-titanium arms and pure titanium pads for improved fit. Interior temple details feature hand-engraved metal cores referencing the mythical Yatagarasu crow, while the seven-barrel hinges now incorporate 14K gold-plated washers. Available in three sizes, the collection emphasizes refined craftsmanship and vintage-inspired design elements within the established JD shape.
Chrome Hearts’ HOTATION geometric sunglasses are now available at Jiubida Optical locations in Tainan and Kaohsiung. The frames feature a double-bridge aviator design combining metal and acetate, with wind shields extending from the sides. Distinctive 925 sterling silver and 18K gold-plated dagger motifs adorn the temples, which also display engraved Gothic script branding. Each pair is fitted with German ZEISS lenses to ensure clear vision alongside the bold aesthetic. Two colorways are listed: MBK/GP-MBK-P (black/gold with brown lenses) and MBK (matte black), both in size 53□24-144. Jiubida Optical, established in 1984, operates as a Zeiss Vision Expert partner in Tainan and hosts a 999.9 shop-in-shop in Kaohsiung.
Jiu Bi Da Eyewear, a retailer established in 1984 with locations in Tainan and Kaohsiung, presented the Chrome Hearts CLOACO eyewear collection. The frames combine acetate fronts with titanium temples, incorporating 925 sterling silver and 18K gold-plated details. Five colorways were displayed: black-gold (BK-GP), black-silver (BK-SS), clear-gold (CRYS-GP), tortoiseshell-gold (DT-GP), and gunmetal-gray (FL-GM). All models feature a size of 53□22-145. Design elements include angled temple tips with engraved textures and nose pads embossed with Chrome Hearts motifs. The showcase highlights the brand's Gothic-inspired aesthetic through material contrasts and intricate craftsmanship available at the specified store locations.
The EyeFly Collection has introduced the Nova, a new frame featuring a softly upswept cat-eye shape and open-ear audio capabilities for music, calls, and directions. Available in Black, Burgundy, and Havana, the product is offered as both optical frames and sunglasses. Each purchase includes matching regular temples, allowing users to disconnect from audio features when desired. This addition expands the collection's offerings by integrating smart audio technology into traditional eyewear designs without altering the core aesthetic of the cat-eye silhouette.
Tainan-based eyewear retailer Jiubida partnered with Japanese handmade brand BJ Classic Collection to launch a limited-edition collaboration marking its 42nd anniversary. The exclusive model, CE-LG001, features a micro-round square frame crafted from rare pink celluloid by artisans in Fukui Sabae. Distinctive details include silver wing rivets, titanium nose pads designed for Asian fit, and gold "JUPITER" engraving on the temples. The release includes six tinted lenses suitable for both indoor and outdoor wear, offering versatile styling options beyond traditional sunglasses. This optical collection is currently available in limited quantities at Jiubida’s physical stores in Tainan and Kaohsiung.