Brett Eyewear has announced a three-year partnership with the renowned classic car event Le Mans Classic. To celebrate the collaboration, the brand introduced the Le Mans Classic 2026 Edition, a special edition based on its iconic Duke sunglasses. Inspired by the legendary endurance racing cars of the 1970s through the 2010s, the model stands out with a deep blue acetate front, stainless steel temples and blue gradient sun lenses. The design combines the distinctive colors and mechanical aesthetics of classic racing cars with contemporary styling. Featuring an acetate front, stainless steel temples and a lightweight construction for everyday comfort, the Le Mans Classic 2026 Edition will be limited to just 1,000 pieces worldwide. Reinterpreting the aesthetic heritage of classic motorsport through contemporary eyewear design, the special edition further reinforces Brett Eyewear’s automotive-inspired design philosophy through this new collaboration. The Le Mans Classic 2026 Edition also brings a fresh racing-inspired perspective to the brand’s collection. Produced in limited numbers and distinguished by its signature design details, the model stands out as one of Brett Eyewear’s most notable special editions.

August 2026

Bausch + Lomb has announced Orphia, a new AI-powered digital health platform designed to support eyecare professionals and improve patient education. The company said Orphia is not yet commercially available and more information about the platform will be shared in the coming months. The platform’s first application focuses on pre-surgery cataract education, helping patients better understand their condition and treatment options while preparing them for consultations with their surgeons. Orphia’s AI-powered patient engagement capabilities were developed in collaboration with Hippocratic AI. Brent Saunders, chairman and Ceo of Bausch + Lomb, said, “We’ve invested deeply in developing better products, better molecules and better devices, and that work has advanced patient care. But one question has remained largely unanswered: How can we help physicians spend less time on everything around care and more time delivering it? Orphia was created to serve every eyecare provider, no matter what they prescribe or what product they use.”

August 2026

The Italian Optical Goods Manufacturers’ Association (Anfao) held its General Meeting on July 14 at Palazzo Flangini. Through initiatives built around five strategic pillars, people, innovation, markets, culture and strategic outlook, Anfao aims to help its member companies adapt more effectively to the dynamics of an ever-evolving business environment. During the meeting, President Lorraine Berton, together with the Anfao team, presented the Association’s strategic vision for supporting the eyewear industry through a period of profound transformation, shaped by shifting economic dynamics, technological innovation, and evolving global markets. Berton said, “Today, competitiveness depends not only on the ability to respond to change, but on the ability to anticipate it, helping companies recognize emerging signals, create new opportunities, and build the conditions that will enable our industry to remain a leading force in international markets. And it is precisely with this objective that we must above all recognize the value of people and talent, because they are the true driving force behind every business. We can invest in new technologies, enter new markets, and build new facilities, but without skilled, motivated people who are capable of innovating, no company can truly grow.”

Ağustos 2026

Ovvo has expanded its Summer 2026 collection with four new models: Emiliana, Letizia, Federico and Mauro. The new lineup combines the brand’s color-driven design approach with lightweight, high-performance materials. Crafted from Ovvo’s signature surgical steel and titanium composite, the frames offer exceptional durability, flexibility and all-day comfort. The collection brings together technical performance and everyday wearability in equal measure. Ranging from bold geometric silhouettes to contemporary interpretations of classic shapes, the new designs appeal to a variety of style preferences. Vibrant color combinations further reinforce the collection’s modern character. Sculptural forms combine with refined engineering to create frames that balance technical innovation with strong visual identity. Each model reflects Ovvo’s commitment to bringing together advanced material engineering and contemporary design. Lightweight construction, flexible architecture and expressive colors define the collection’s shared design language. Developed to suit a variety of face shapes, the silhouettes complement the collection’s technical foundation with an approach focused on everyday comfort and versatility.

August 2026

Rudy Project has announced a new partnership with Dmg Mori Sailing Team, Japan’s first professional offshore sailing team. Under the three-year agreement, the brand will support the team and skipper Kojiro Shiraishi throughout the 2026-2028 racing campaign. The partnership includes some of the world’s most demanding offshore competitions, including The Ocean Race 2027 and the Vendée Globe 2028. Rudy Project’s relationship with Kojiro Shiraishi dates back to 2002. The team selected the brand for its lens technologies, designed to enhance contrast in changing light conditions while reducing glare and reflections on the water. From training sessions to offshore races, the team will compete wearing custom Rudy Project eyewear and helmets. Developed to perform in changing weather and sea conditions, the technical equipment helps improve visual clarity during long-distance offshore racing while enabling athletes to adapt more effectively to constantly evolving environments. Beyond performance, the partnership is also built on a shared commitment to protecting the oceans and the environment. Through this collaboration, Rudy Project further strengthens its presence in international sailing while continuing to develop advanced technical solutions for professional athletes.

Ağustos 2026

Applications are now open for the 2027 Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award, presented as part of Mido. The international competition, dedicated to emerging eyewear designers, invites participants to develop original collections under a renewed format and a new theme for 2027. This year’s theme is “The DNA of Design: Eyewear Reimagined.” Participants are encouraged to reinterpret the distinctive design language of an existing brand or design philosophy through an original perspective, or develop an entirely new design identity of their own. One of the most significant changes for the 2027 edition is the updated competition format. Instead of designing a single frame, participants are now required to submit a cohesive collection of either three optical frames or three sunglasses. A consistent design language and a unified collection concept will be among the key judging criteria. Entrants must also submit a one- to two-minute video presentation explaining the inspiration behind their collection and creative process. The video presentation will be a key part of the judging process. Applications for the 2027 Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award will be accepted through November 30, 2026.

August 2026

Theo has unveiled a special eyewear project created in collaboration with Byron Wang, a Fashion Department student at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. Born in Taipei and educated in Florence and Antwerp, the young designer brings together diverse cultural influences through a sculptural design language. His graduation collection, Lost in Transitory, explores the relationship between closeness and distance through design. Developed alongside the collection, the eyewear project features 12 original frames created to accompany its 12 silhouettes. Challenging conventional eyewear design, the frames stand out with temples emerging unexpectedly from below and forms that separate before reconnecting. Layered acetate construction creates a dynamic visual effect through shifting transparency, reflections and changing light. Theo’s signature approach to color has also been reinterpreted with new combinations inspired by Byron Wang’s fabrics, textures and color palette. Exploring the relationship between symmetry and asymmetry, balance and contrast, the project brings an experimental perspective to eyewear design. Rather than forming part of a commercial collection, the designs have been developed as unique prototypes that celebrate the creative dialogue between fashion and eyewear.

August 2026

William Morris London is marking its 30th anniversary with a new eyewear collection introduced under the slogan “Three Decades. One Vision.” Blending the brand’s design heritage with contemporary styling and vibrant colors, the collection is highlighted by the limited-edition Royal frame, created exclusively for this milestone. Crafted from premium acetate, the modern aviator design is available in black, crystal, blue and red. Inspired by the iconic seat patterns of the London Underground, the frame pays tribute to the brand’s London roots through distinctive geometric details. With its bold acetate construction and balanced proportions, Royal reinterprets the classic aviator silhouette with a contemporary design approach. Produced as a limited edition, the model serves as the signature design of the 30th anniversary collection. Royal also builds on the brand’s 20th anniversary frame, reimagined with a fresh and modern perspective. The collection reflects William Morris London’s three decades of design experience while looking confidently toward the future. The brand will continue its anniversary celebrations with a special event at Silmo Paris on September 27, where visitors will have the opportunity to discover the new collection, including the Royal anniversary frame.

August 2026

Zeiss Group reported revenue of approximately EUR 5.8 billion for the first half of fiscal year 2025/26 while announcing a new programme aimed at improving operational efficiency. In response to challenging global market conditions and geopolitical uncertainty, the company said it will introduce a range of measures to optimise its cost structure, including organisational adjustments. During the reporting period, the Consumer Markets business unit, which includes Zeiss Vision Care, increased revenue by 1%, while Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology recorded 6% growth. The programme, which targets annual savings of several hundred million euros over the next three years, will cover business units as well as central functions and country organisations. Commenting on the initiative, Zeiss Group President and Ceo Andreas Pecher said, “We are taking action while we are in a position of strength, before circumstances force us to act. As a foundation-owned company, we have a responsibility for Zeiss’ long-term success, both for today’s and future generations.” The company said the programme is designed to support its long-term growth while strengthening the organisation’s ability to adapt to evolving market conditions.

August 2026

The relationship between personal style, design and technology continues to shape today’s eyewear industry. While timeless silhouettes remain relevant, bold frames, geometric forms, transparent tones and distinctive details continue to define current eyewear trends. In the premium segment, material quality, design language and brand identity have become key factors influencing purchasing decisions. Commenting on the evolving market, Merve Optik Owner and Chairman of the Board Ali Demirel said, “Today, people are no longer looking only for eyewear that suits their face. They also consider how they want to express their personality, lifestyle and individuality. That is why eyewear has become one of fashion’s most personal accessories.” Demirel also noted that changing consumer expectations are being shaped by technological advancements, adding, “Consumers now expect more than stylish design. They also look for lightweight construction, comfort, superior UV protection and advanced lens technologies. Products that successfully combine design and technology are attracting significantly greater interest.” Demirel also pointed out that interest in eyewear fashion continues to grow in Türkiye, with consumers placing increasing importance on quality, design and brand experience. Through its extensive brand portfolio, Merve Optik continues to bring collections that combine design, quality, technology and innovation to the Turkish market.

August 2026