Published through 2026-11-02 12:15 UTC · Automated cloud publishing.
SILMO Paris Launches Sixth Optical Design Competition for 2027 Anniversary
Understand the event
SILMO Paris has officially launched the sixth edition of its Optical Design Competition, scheduled for 2027 to coincide with the organization's 60th anniversary. The competition operates under the theme "Reinventing the Codes," inviting global design students to submit innovative concepts that challenge traditional paradigms in the optical industry. Belgian designer Alain Gilles has been appointed as the president of the jury, a decision highlighted by earlier reports from EyeSmart on November 2, 2026, which emphasized his role in evaluating emerging talent. Subsequent reports from INVISION and The Optical Journal later that same day confirmed the launch of this specific edition, reiterating the eligibility criteria and thematic focus. A new report from FréquenceOptic on November 2, 2026, at 17:06 introduces conflicting details regarding participant eligibility, specifying that the competition invites design students globally who are in their third, fourth, or fifth year. This contrasts with earlier reports from EyeSmart and INVISION, which broadly stated eligibility for design students aged 18 and over without mentioning specific academic years. While all sources agree on the core details regarding the anniversary context, the jury leadership, and the general thematic focus, they diverge on the precise academic requirements for participants. Neither the earlier nor the latest reports provide further specifics on submission deadlines, detailed judging criteria, or prize structures beyond the general framework.
AI-generated from reporting · updated 1 h ago
Reporting timeline
Follow the reporting for different perspectives.
- AcuitéSilmo Paris Launches 6th Optical Design Competition for 2027 Anniversary
For its 60th anniversary in 2027, Silmo Paris has launched the sixth edition of its Optical Design Competition. The contest invites design students worldwide to reimagine eyewear under the theme "Reinvent the codes," focusing on form freedom, innovative materials, and emotional dimensions. Belgian designer Alain Gilles will chair the jury, which evaluates entries based on innovation, function, responsible engagement, and technical feasibility. Up to ten projects will be selected for prototyping and exhibition at Silmo Paris 2027. Eligible participants are adult students in their third, fourth, or fifth year of a design curriculum, who may form multidisciplinary teams. Entries must be submitted by June 16, 2027. The winner, announced on September 24, 2027, receives a €10,000 prize split equally between the student and their institution.
- FréquenceOpticSilmo Announces "Reinvent the Codes" Theme for 2027 Optical Design Contest
Silmo has announced the theme for the sixth edition of its Optical Design Contest, scheduled for 2027. Titled "Reinvent the Codes," the competition invites design students globally in their third, fourth, or fifth year to challenge eyewear conventions through innovative silhouettes, materials, and manufacturing techniques. Belgian designer Alain Gilles will chair the jury. Up to ten selected projects will be prototyped and exhibited at Silmo from September 24–27, 2027. Applications are due by June 16, 2027, with the winner revealed on September 24. The prize is €10,000, split equally between the student and their institution. Sophia Denison won the 2026 edition.
- INVISIONSILMO Paris Launches 6th Optical Design Competition for 2027 Anniversary
To mark its 60th anniversary, SILMO Paris has launched the sixth edition of its Optical Design Competition under the theme “Reinventing the Codes.” The initiative invites global design students aged 18 or over, enrolled in their third to fifth year, to reimagine eyewear through new forms, materials, and emotional connections. Belgian designer Alain Gilles serves as Jury President, evaluating entries on innovation, function, responsible design, and feasibility. Up to ten projects will be shortlisted, with prototypes exhibited at SILMO Paris 2027. Applications close on June 16, 2027, via concoursdesign.silmo.fr. The winning project will be announced on September 24, 2027, receiving a €10,000 prize shared equally between the student and their educational institution.
- The Optical JournalSILMO Paris Launches 6th Optical Design Competition for 2027 Anniversary
To mark its 60th anniversary, SILMO Paris announced the sixth edition of its Optical Design Competition under the theme “Reinventing the Codes.” Belgian designer Alain Gilles will serve as Jury President. The competition invites design students aged 18 and over in their third to fifth year to submit projects exploring new forms, materials, and emotional connections in eyewear. Applications close on June 16, 2027. Up to ten shortlisted projects will receive prototype production support and be exhibited at SILMO Paris 2027. The winning project, selected based on innovation, function, responsible design, and technical feasibility, will be announced on September 24, 2027, with a €10,000 prize shared equally between the student and their institution.
- EyeSmartAlain Gilles to Lead Jury for SILMO Paris 2027 Optical Design Competition
SILMO Paris announced that Belgian designer Alain Gilles will preside over the jury for its 60th-anniversary Optical Design Competition in 2027. The event, themed "Reinvent the Codes," invites design students aged 18+ in their third to fifth year to submit entries by June 16, 2027. Participants must explore freedom of form, materials as expression, and objects and emotion. A panel will assess submissions based on innovation, function, responsible design, and technical feasibility. Up to ten shortlisted projects will receive produced prototypes for exhibition at SILMO Paris 2027. The winning project, to be announced on September 24, 2027, will share a €10,000 prize with their educational institution.
Event coverage trend
Current coverage 42·Comparable peak 42（11-2 20:00）·Comparable change over 24 hours –
Trends compare continuously observed participants only; coverage may be narrower than the current total. Point, click or use arrow keys to inspect hourly values.