Mido 2026 Anticipation Builds

Mido Eyewear Show opens its doors from 31 January to 2 February 2026. The event will host around 1,200 exhibitors from 50 countries, reflecting the sector’s dynamism with 140 new entries and significant returning brands. Fashion Square, the heart of Hall 1, will be completely renovated, while The Lens of Time exhibition awaits visitors in Hall 6. The Design area will remain a hub of creativity and experimentation in Halls 2 and 4. The Academy section will host over 90 new brands, and the Start Up area will feature around 20 new companies. During the show, the Best Store, CSE, and CSE Corporate awards will also be presented.

January 2026

Google Plans AI Glasses for 2026

Google has announced plans to bring AI-powered glasses to market in 2026 in collaboration with Samsung, Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. Powered by Gemini AI, the glasses will be offered in two different versions. The screen-free model is designed for fully voice-based use, featuring a camera, microphones and speakers. The second version includes a small display integrated into the lens, providing personalized and context-based information. Running on the Android XR operating system, the glasses will offer features such as real-time translation, voice-activated photography and environmental awareness.

January 2026

Rodenstock Receives Another Award

Rodenstock closed the year on a high note as its B.I.G. Exact® Sensitive lenses were honoured with an award at the prestigious Optician Awards 2025. This latest recognition follows a series of international accolades received by B.I.G. Exact® Sensitive throughout the year. Earlier in 2025, the lenses were awarded the German Innovation Award and the Silmo d’Or, and in October received the Gold Medal of Grupa Mtp at the Optyka Fair in Poland. Combining individual visual sensitivity with precise biometric data, the awarded lenses deliver a fully personalised visual experience tailored to each wearer’s perception of contrast, light and clarity.

January 2026

First Optical Frames by Ekkiu

Ekkiu has unveiled its first optical collection. The brand reinterprets its bold, fashion-driven identity through optical frames this time. Created for a self-confident Gen Z, the line speaks to individuals who see frames as a form of personal expression rather than a necessity. Strong colours, striking contrasts and expressive shapes define the series. Sculpted temples add a graphic edge, while vintage-inspired hinges offer a refined reference to classic eyewear design. Crafted from a combination of high-quality acetate and metal, the frames deliver stability, comfort and precise adjustability.

January 2026

Kador is Inspired by Cadore

Kador introduces Oth, a new handcrafted eyewear capsule that reflects a deeply personal approach to design and luxury. Created by Creative Director Enzo Sopracolle, the collection draws on his creative journey and his strong connection to Cadore, where is the historic heart of Italian eyewear craftsmanship. The designs combine precision and sensitivity, translating emotion into form while balancing heritage with a contemporary aesthetic. The Oth includes both optical frames and sunglasses, crafted from premium Mazzucchelli acetate and fine metals.

January 2026

Spyder Makes Performance Accessible

Renowned outdoor and active lifestyle brand Spyder has introduced its new performance-focused collection inspired by classic and core frame designs. The models are offered in standard and extended fit sizes, featuring functional details such as lightweight injected materials and airflow-enhancing cutouts for added comfort. Highlighting accessible pricing, the collection includes four new sunglasses models. Iconic Spyder logos on the temples complete the designs, which are available in three color options. Each model provides 100% UV protection, with select styles featuring polarized lenses.

January 2026

EssiLux Joins Forces with Chips-IT

EssilorLuxottica announces it is joining forces with Fondazione Chips-IT, Italy’s research center specializing in advanced integrated-circuit design. This collaboration aims to further strengthen the EssilorLuxottica’s leadership in smart eyewear by advancing application-specific chip development within Chips-IT’s open-hardware environment, unlocking new levels of customization, optimization and performance. By working closely with Chips-IT engineers and select industry partners, EssilorLuxottica will seek to deliver enhanced capabilities and elevate the next generation of wearables.

January 2026

Face à Face Launches F Collection

Face à Face unveils its new F collection, celebrating openness, color and a spirit of experimentation. Retro influences meet futuristic sculpting, expressive geometry replaces restraint, and every frame carries its own story. Inspired by the word Festival, the F collection consists of five distinctive frames. Fizz, Fill, Flare, Flow and Frost build a creative spectrum that moves from pixelated mosaics to luminous fractures, from fluid curves to frosted contrasts. Together, they create a coherent yet diverse vision that reflects the unmistakable creative identity of Face à Face.

January 2026

Skaga Offers Minimalist Luxury

Skaga has revealed its new collection, drawing inspiration from Swedish nature and minimalist Scandinavian design. Tidvatten is a butterfly-shaped metal frame with an internal core wire etched with a subtle water ripple pattern and the brand’s S logo. Buxbom offers a masculine titanium design in matte blue, black, dark gun, and green, while Havskant combines feminine square forms with a laser-cut geometric temple pattern, available in black, transparent brown, khaki, and purple. Kebnekaise rounds out the line as a unisex acetate frame in transparent green, black, striped brown, and striped blue.

January 2026

Marcolin Acquisition Finalized

Vsp Vision has announced it has completed the acquisition of Marcolin from Pai Partners and other minority shareholders. Vsp Vision President and Ceo Michael Guyette “This acquisition marks another important milestone in our 70-year history. Marcolin’s portfolio of globally renowned brands, manufacturing expertise, and geographic presence greatly complement Marchon Eyewear’s brand portfolio and capabilities, further strengthening our ability to meet evolving customer needs throughout the world. Both Marcolin and Marchon will continue to operate as they do today.

January 2026