Blackfin Atlantic Series Expands

For Spring/Summer 2025, Blackfin expands their Atlantic collection with two striking new eyewear designs. A blend of East Coast modernity and timeless Anglo-Saxon elegance. Crafted entirely in Italy from a solid block of titanium, the new styles showcase bold linearity and a sculptural precision that reflects the brand’s unmistakable aesthetic: expressive yet refined. The two new models, Knightsbridge and Mayfair, bring unique interpretations of squared silhouettes. Knightsbridge features a strong, straight top rim that exudes confidence and urban sophistication, while Mayfair offers a contemporary twist on a classic design, elevating elegance through subtle detail. Both styles are available in the exclusive Silk Feel finish, delivering a unique tactile experience, and come in the refined Black Edition and sun versions with colored lenses. Atlantic’s signature integrated rim lock and hinge system allows for easy pantoscopic adjustment, while the silicone nose pads offer omnidirectional flexibility for a personalized, ultra-comfortable fit.

June 2025

A Tribute to Movement by Article One

Debuting new sports-oriented ophthalmic and sun designs for Spring/Summer 2025, Article One continues to propose a new look for sports eyewear, merging athletic sensibility with contemporary design. The frames are designed for individuals who “view style as an active expression of identity” and those who wish to wear attractive finely-tuned, design-oriented eyewear with heightened functionality for sports. Chief Creative Officer, Ogi Eyewear, the parent company of Article One, David Duralde says: “Spring brings a sharp mix of performance and polish from Article One ophthalmic frames and sunglasses-stylish double bridges, rich geometric shapes, and grip fit technology, built for active wearers who won’t compromise on aesthetics.” Reflecting the seasonal shift to sunnier days, the new colour palette delivers freshness and balance—supporting Article One’s continued focus on intentional living and enduring design. Described as the ‘cutest’ addition to the sunglasses line at Article One, the Meadow sunglasses have a round shape combined with a slightly upswept end piece to create a subtle feminine elegance. The frame features a variety of special details including the brand’s signature adjustable nosepads. All Article One frames are handmade in Japan, where traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation come together to ensure exceptional quality and detail.

June 2025

Ahlem Highlights Design Refinement

Luxury eyewear house Ahlem has introduced the Paris Collection, described by the company as a powerful statement of technical mastery and refined design. Marrying advanced technology with timeless aesthetics, the limited-edition frames are characterised by an ambitious design using cutting-edge techniques. At the heart of the collection are the models Paris 01 and Paris 02, two frames that exemplify Ahlem’s commitment to beauty and functionality. Inspired by fine watchmaking and defined by an uncompromising pursuit of innovation, the collection aims to establish a new benchmark in craftsmanship and design. Model Paris 01 offers a rounded silhouette and dynamic contrasts, while model Paris 02 reinterprets this approach with a more architectural, rectangular form. Both frames are designed with subtle yet innovative details: V-groove lens channels for a seamless fit, a concealed rim lock system for enhanced elegance, and a double-rim construction, with each ring plated in a bath of precious metal, creating a two-tone finish.  The campaign imagery, captured by photographer Lara Giliberto, has been designed to bring the spirit of the collection to life by highlighting the refined interplay of materials, form, and the distinctive double rim effect.

June 2025

Lara Stone Presents the Newest of Versace

Versace Eyewear unveils its Spring/Summer 2025 campaign, featuring Dutch supermodel Lara Stone as the new face of the brand. The images, captured by American photographer Zoë Ghertner, showcase a refined selection of new sunglasses and optical frames, aligning with the creative concept of the Versace ready-to-wear collection. The campaign also introduces new styles within the Signature line, distinguished by the Versace logo in golden tones on the temples. The Spring/Summer 2025 eyewear collection offers a wide range of acetate frames, from classic square shapes to bold geometric and cat-eye profiles. Each model incorporates attention to proportion, sharp lines, and design elements that reflect Versace’s unmistakable aesthetic. In the campaign visuals, Lara Stone strengthens the connection between the eyewear and clothing, presenting a cohesive vision of the Versace universe. With this new release, Versace Eyewear continues to craft collections that appeal to an audience that values distinctive design and brand identity, striking a balance between stylistic innovation and the enduring codes of the Maison.

May 2025

Artistic Excellence by Valentino

World famous luxury fashion house Valentino has unveiled its Spring/Summer 2025 eyewear collection in collaboration with Swiss luxury eyewear experts, Akoni Group. Designed for both men and women, the new collection merges Valentino’s iconic haute couture legacy with innovative eyewear craftsmanship, reflecting the brand’s commitment to artistic excellence. Each piece is handcrafted in Japan, using the finest materials such as Japanese acetate, titanium, and ceramic. Every model is adorned with the iconic V logo, celebrating Valentino’s heritage while embracing contemporary aesthetics. Sustainability remains a key focus in this new collection, with the use of high-quality materials ensuring durability and longevity, in harmony with the brand’s commitment to superior craftsmanship. The Spring/Summer 2025 collection is now available in select Valentino boutiques worldwide and online. Valentino sets new standards in luxury eyewear, combining the finest craftsmanship with innovative design.

May 2025

The First World Contact Lens Day Celebrated

World Contact Lens Day, dedicated to contact lenses, a technology that has transformed vision correction, was introduced for the first time on April 15, 2025. Representing the beginning of international awareness in the field of contact lenses, the day was celebrated for the first time in Italy with the support of Euromcontact and Assottica Gruppo Contattologia. The date for World Contact Lens Day was deliberately chosen to coincide with the birth date of Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci, who laid the first foundations for the development of modern contact lenses in 1508. Filippo Pau, President of Assottica, said, “Contact lenses are an advanced solution for vision correction, providing natural sight, freedom of movement, and greater safety. They cannot simply be classified as medical devices. Contact lenses are an ally for quality of life. It is crucial that users are informed about the proper use of contact lenses with the guidance of vision health professionals. Today, as we celebrate this day for the first time, we play a major role in raising awareness about contact lenses.” Andrea Afragoli, President of Federottica, added, “Contact lenses have become increasingly sophisticated and accessible. They are opening new pathways with the comfort and convenience they offer. Supporting this initiative means guiding communities toward conscious and personalized contact lens choices.”

May 2025

Sospiri Defines Glamour

Italian eyewear brand Sospiri’s latest collection blends its signature sparkle with bold designs, creating a mesmerizing effect that turns heads. Each frame in the collection is handcrafted in Italy and adorned with radiant Swarovski® crystals. Featuring bold silhouettes paired with sophisticated details, the retro-inspired Rina is perfectly balanced by uniquely rounded temples, providing an ideal stage for 684 crystals to catch the light. Rina is available in impressive color options such as ocean blue with blue zircon and emerald crystals, deep red with gold and topaz accents, and black with a vibrant mix of fuchsia, rose, and violet. Rosalba brings a different kind of drama, one that shimmers like champagne bubbles rising to the surface. The upswept round shape offers the perfect canvas for 394 hand-set crystals and delicate laser work that captures the light with every movement. Rosalba comes in stunning color choices, including transparent emerald with blue zircon, smoky brown with topaz, or black with clear crystals and refined gold detailing. Lastly, Pace, from Sospiri’s new collection, doesn’t just complete the series-it defines it. Created in a limited edition of only 50 pieces, this square sunglass dazzles with gold laser etchings. Adorned with twelve distinct crystal cuts across the front and temples, Pace captures light from every angle, offering an otherworldly effect.

May 2025

Sea2see Appoints UK Distributor

Sea2see has announced that it has appointed Hudson Eyewear as the distributor for its sunglass and optical collections in the UK. The agreement is effective immediately, with Hudson Eyewear also carrying the newly launched Breeze Ultralight range by Sea2see. François Van den Abeele, Founder of Sea2see, stated, “I am thrilled to welcome Josh Hudson and his team to the Sea2see family for the UK market. Through this partnership, we believe we can reach more independent opticians who understand the importance of offering high-quality, sustainable Italian-made products and create a positive impact on our oceans, one frame at a time.” Hudson Eyewear, led by Josh Hudson, consists of four agents operating across England, Scotland, and Wales. Josh Hudson added, “I have a personal connection with Sea2see’s message and its sustainability vision. Together with my team, we are excited to become the new ambassadors for the brand in the UK and bring Sea2see’s modern Italian-made collections to more optical outlets, working hand-in-hand with the Sea2see Foundation to remove polluting materials from the sea and coastal environments.”

May 2025

CLPL Acquires Scotlens

CLPL, the parent company of Ultravision and part of the Seed Group, has announced the acquisition of Scotlens, a Scottish manufacturer of specialty contact lenses. Known for its expertise in Ortho-K, keratoconus, and irregular cornea solutions, Scotlens had built a strong position in the industry with its customised lens technologies and clinical excellence. This strategic acquisition aims to combine Ultravision’s advanced manufacturing infrastructure and global distribution network with Scotlens’ expertise to offer more comprehensive solutions for specialised vision needs. Sarahjane Cross, Ceo of CLPL and Ultravision, commented, “Welcoming Scotlens into the CLPL family strengthens our vision of delivering innovative solutions for challenging eye health needs worldwide. Scotlens’ commitment to clinical excellence and personalised care perfectly aligns with Seed’s mission to enhance quality of life through better vision.” Scott Brown, Ceo of Scotlens, added, “We are excited to join forces with CLPL and Ultravision, and to bring our customised contact lens solutions to a wider audience. With Seed’s support, we look forward to further advancing our innovative products.” The acquisition is expected to expand the combined product portfolio, increase manufacturing capacity, and accelerate research and development efforts.

May 2025

Rodenstock Expands its Leadership Team

The Rodenstock Group has announced that Laurent Saada will join its Executive Management Team as Executive Vice President (EVP) Sales Europe, and Søren Østergaard as Executive Vice President (EVP) Sales International. These new appointments will complement the Rodenstock Group’s Executive Management Team and strengthen the market focus of the sales division. Laurent Saada brings over 20 years of strong leadership experience in global sales and business strategy within the medical device industry. He has held leadership positions at companies such as Sonova Group, Straumann Group, and Johnson & Johnson. Starting in May, Saada will assume responsibility for all European markets as well as Morocco for the Rodenstock Group. Søren Østergaard has been with Rodenstock for the past four years. With more than 35 years of international sales experience in the medical technology sector, Østergaard has held various senior sales roles at Sonova Holding AG, Origio A/S, and GN Hearing. Most recently, he served as Vice President and Head of International Sales at Rodenstock. Starting in May, he will take on responsibility for all sales outside of Europe as part of Rodenstock’s Executive Management Team.

May 2025