Industry News
Silmo d'Or Winners and International Optician of the Year Announced
This year’s winner is Jean-François Porte who founded Edgard Opticians with his partner Julien Quesnel, growing the company from 1 to 16 independent optical stores plus 8 franchise stores in major cities in France. The business has been built on word of mouth, customer satisfaction, specialisation (two of his stores are dedicated to children) and designer products.
As well as the successful development of his eyecare business, Jean-François is passionate about professional development and enhancing the skills of his staff. Being involved with the training of student opticians, and in particular the ‘training commission to’ to overhaul the optician’s diploma, is how Jean-François has helped develop future generations coming into the profession. He goes further in his role as director and vice president of the Rassemblement des opticiens de France (ROF), defending the point of view of opticians and protecting the profession.
Donald Crichton, The International Opticians’ Association (IOA) president, said: “I am delighted Jean-François Porte has been awarded this prestigious award. He is an example of what can be achieved when you pursue excellence. Amongst a very talented shortlist, he has triumphed and he deserves our hearty congratulations!”
Furthermore, SILMO Paris announced the winners of this year's SILMO D'OR. These are as follows:
CATEGORY CHILDREN
ETNIA BARCELONA with « BA-BAAAANG ! » SP
Introducing “Cartoons for Kids”, a fresh collection inspired by the comic world. « BA-BAAAANG ! » stands out with its explosive design while being environmentally conscious. Thanks to their innovative temple flex, « BA-BAAAANG ! » maintains high quality performance while reducing metal consumption by 20%. Additionally, the new flex system in the acetate temples cuts acetate usage by nearly 10%. In case of flex system breakage, easy replacement by the optician is possible. Enjoy unique style and durability!
CATEGORY SPORT
MARCHON with « Flyfree » - Nike US
The Nike Flyfree sunglasses offer interchangeable lens options that latch securely into the frame to help you effortlessly adapt to any environment. Injected frame material is derived from at least 40% castor bean oil. The 4-base flat lens and slim profile provide everyday coverage, and the nose pad and temple arms are flexible and self-adjust to the shape of your face for a comfortable, personalized fit. Lenses with 100% UVA/UVB protection.
CATEGORY VISION
SUBCATEGORY Visual health
ESSILORLUXOTTICA with « Varilux XR Series » FR
We live on the go, hyper connected, so it is crucial to have a very natural eye navigation. Varilux® XR Series is the 1st progressive lenses designed with behavioral artificial intelligence. It predicts wearer’s visual behavior for each unique prescription. Therefore Varilux® XR Series offers +49% volume of broadband vision vs Varilux X® series. It offers instant sharpness even in motion, with seamless ocular navigation between 30 cm and infinity.
SUBCATEGORY Optical system
MORROW with « Morrow eProgressives » BE
Introducing eProgressives These glasses redefine comfort, using advanced lens-in-foil tech to mimic eye focus. A touch activates the lens with electric current, shifting light refraction in 0.6 seconds, up to 1D. The innovation reduces passive lens power, expanding distant and intermediate vision, corridor clarity, depth perception. Advantages include less blurriness, quick adaptation. In “on-mode,” the lens excels at precision and contrast. A revolutionary visual experience.
CATEGORY MATERIAL / EQUIPMENT
SAARGOS with « Quicksee Free » - Plenoptika US/FR
he QuickSee Free is the only portable refracto-keratometer to use wavefront aberrometry technology. It is by combining aberrometry and dynamic vision (through the device) controlled via AI, that it offers the most precise measurements (<=0.25d / ref Subj for 60-70% and of <=0.5d / subj ref for 90% of adult patients). Its design and intuitive conception make it the preferred tool for all practitioners thanks to its light weight and more than 5 hours of autonomy.
CATEGORY OPTICAL FRAME « BRANDS & LABELS »
ODLM-SEAPORT with « CC1086 - VEDO » - Carven FR
The square shape offers a touch of timeless sophistication. The combination of two acetates, one crystal green and the other speckled green, is sure to captivate the eye. Golden details:The graphic nose with striations and the calisson on the temples add a subtle touch of luxury. The hinges are also worked with the calisson metal piece.
CATEGORY SUNGLASSES « BRANDS & LABELS »
ODLM-SEAPORT with « CC4091S NOVE » - Carven FR
Artistic combination of three acetates. Perfectly matched laminations on the face and sleeve create a striking, eye-catching aesthetic. The square shape, a timeless symbol of elegance, is enhanced by bevels cleverly designed to catch the light from every angle.Every detail is carefully crafted to perfection, and the openwork gilded metal calisson on the temple is the final touch that sets these glasses apart from any other pair on the market.
CATEGORY TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION IN EYEWEAR
SBRUSSET&CO with « Meyro-nde OP » FR
Innovate on both functions and form... A frame generated by artificial intelligence interpreting an HD scan, in order to create a unique frame that is completely tailor-made. Manufactured using 3D titanium printing in one piece, the Meyro-nde OP benefits from fully optimized volumes to provide both ultimate comfort and perfect lens fit, without screws, glue, or thread. Its shape pays tribute to the Meyrowitz opticians' glasses and represents the combination of modernity and tradition.
CATEGORY SUNGLASSES « EYEWEAR DESIGNER »
ANDY WOLF with « Blossom col.05 » AT
The BLOSSOM sunglasses by Andy Wolf are a stylish, unique accessory. BLOSSOM is inspired by the wildflower meadow that surrounds the headquarters. Since 2022, the brand has been recultivating and preserving 1 square metre of wildflower meadow for every Andy Wolf frame sold. Handcrafted from exclusively developed Acetate Renew, BLOSSOM is equipped with a removable acetate inner ring in the shape of a 3-dimensional petal. The pastel shades of the triple gradient underline the femininity.
CATEGORY OPTICAL FRAME « EYEWEAR DESIGNER »
CUTLER AND GROSS with « 9126 Lunettes Cat-Eye » UK
An archive frame first worn by Cutler and Gross customer Elton John was reworked through a modern lens, resulting in the 9126 optical. The eccentric silhouette pairs a curved browline with angular lugs and chamfering. It’s sculpted with a split-layer construction that lightens the Black acetate with transparent temple-edges. Design details include Horizontal Oyster frontal pins, 5-barrel hinges, Compass Star temple pins Hazard core wire, Gold-foil logo inside temple Minimal temple tips.
JURY’S SPECIAL PRIZE
LAFONT with « Ouvrage » FR
Maison Lafont has teamed with Sekimoto to mark the occasion by creating a unique frame. Satoshi Sekimoto, Meilleur Ouvrier de France in Haute-Couture embroidery, and Thomas LAFONT, combined their passion and together created an exquisite, embroidered frame, Ouvrage. Based on an Haute Couture concept developed by Thomas Lafont, Satoshi Sekimoto has crafted onto these original medium embroidering pearls and embellishments ornamenting the frame like a dress.
PRICE FIRST CLASS
VERONIKA WILDGRUBER with « LANE » DE
Sophisticated Hollywood glamour meets summer festival season. Feminine cat eye shape, soft tint lenses.
Elegant and nonchalant. Like made for a ride into sunset or embracing the first ray of light after a night spent dancing.