Industry News
Innovation and Sustainability Shine at the 32nd SILMO d’Or Awards
The eyewear industry’s most prestigious accolades, the SILMO d’Or Awards, celebrated their 32nd edition this year, showcasing cutting-edge design, sustainability, and technological breakthroughs across multiple categories. From children’s frames made with 3D-printed castor beans to smart eyewear integrating invisible hearing solutions, the winners exemplified creativity and purpose-driven innovation.
Children’s Eyewear: MANTI MANTI’s “3D Collection”
Italian brand MANTI MANTI took home the award in the children’s category with its 3D Collection. Crafted from sustainable PA11 derived from castor beans, the frames are created using advanced 3D printing technology. The modular design ensures lightweight, flexible, and durable glasses tailored to kids’ active lifestyles—combining playfulness with eco-conscious production.
Sport: EVIL EYE EYEWEAR’s “Speedsense”
The sports category was dominated by EVIL EYE EYEWEAR, whose Speedsense model impressed with its rimless frame, unobstructed field of vision, and fast-change lens locking system. Featuring a precision tension bar for optimal fit and ventilation, the design provides athletes with both comfort and maximum protection.
Vision: RODENSTOCK’s “B.I.G. EXACT Sensitive”
RODENSTOCK continued to push the boundaries of optics with B.I.G. EXACT Sensitive, the world’s first lens customised to each individual’s visual sensitivity and eye biometrics. This innovation builds on the company’s B.I.G. VISION® technology, delivering precision-tailored lenses for unmatched clarity.
Equipment: ACEP’s “Smart Mirror AI”
In the materials and equipment category, ACEP impressed with its Smart Mirror AI. Using artificial intelligence, the device fully automates photo capture and fitting measurements in under 10 seconds, eliminating human error and streamlining the dispensing process.
Technological Innovation: QED EYEWEAR’s “Phi”
QED EYEWEAR won for Phi, a fastening system that redefines frame assembly. Durable, reversible, and entirely waste-free, it requires no glue, washers, or consumables, offering a sustainable and low-maintenance solution for opticians and consumers alike.
Smart Eyewear: ESSILORLUXOTTICA’s “Nuance Audio”
ESSILORLUXOTTICA took home the smart eyewear award with Nuance Audio, a discreet all-in-one glasses solution for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Designed to enhance hearing in noisy environments, it demonstrates the growing integration of eyewear and wearable tech.
Optical Frames and Sunglasses: Bold Creativity
The fashion-forward categories celebrated daring style and luxury materials:
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TAG Heuer’s Line stood out for its Dyneema® double bridge and blend of bio-nylon carbon, titanium, and cork.
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COMO’s YYSUN502 by Yohji Yamamoto redefined sculptural eyewear with its perforated metal bridge and elegant gradient lenses.
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Design Eyewear Group’s Flare for Face à Face embodied radical asymmetry with striking, luminous design.
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Dzmitry Samal’s Luc offered a contemporary reinterpretation of logo frames with polygonal shapes and resin inserts.
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Piero Massaro’s Tramonti di pietra captured Italian artistry with vibrant colours inspired by sunsets over salt flats.
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VANNI’s Extra collection balanced boldness and comfort with chunky acetate softened by faceted profiles.
Special Jury Prize: SAPIENS’ “ER-1813 M”
The jury awarded a special mention to SAPIENS for its ER-1813 M sunglasses. Inspired by the Homo habilis skull code KNM ER1813, the mask-like design merges evolutionary history with eyewear craftsmanship.
Committed Company Award: Friendly Frenchy
The Committed Company Award went to Friendly Frenchy, a brand championing sustainable development by working with recycled and natural materials, while fostering partnerships with inclusive organisations and local communities.
The 32nd SILMO d’Or confirmed once again that the future of eyewear is not just about seeing better, but about sustainability, technology, and pushing the limits of design.
