Industry News
SILMO Paris 2025: Innovation and Responsibility Take Centre Stage in the Optical Industry
SILMO Paris 2025 once again cemented its position as the global meeting point for the optical and eyewear industry, drawing over 33,000 professionals from around the world to explore the technologies, designs and ideas shaping the sector’s future.
This year’s event, held at Paris Nord Villepinte, saw a 6.5% increase in attendance, with 52% of visitors coming from outside France. More than 900 companies showcased their products and innovations across 75,000 square metres of exhibition space, underscoring SILMO’s growing international influence.
Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Take the Spotlight
The 2025 edition placed Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the forefront through SILMO NEXT – Futurology & Village Tech. Themed “Exploring the Future, Understanding the Present”, the space examined how AI is reshaping the optical industry — from connected eyewear and automated examinations to virtual reality and smart retail management.
Trends Forum: Defining the Look of Tomorrow
The Trends Forum provided an immersive journey into the visual trends defining contemporary eyewear. This year’s highlights included the reinvention of classic icons, the search for lightness and serenity, and bold graphic energy. Curated displays from exhibitors’ collections illustrated how design continues to merge aesthetic innovation with consumer demand.
Celebrating Excellence: The SILMO d’Or Awards
Presided over by visionary designer Olivier Lapidus, the 32nd SILMO d’Or Awards recognised creativity and innovation across the global optics landscape. The awards continue to serve as an international benchmark for excellence, symbolising quality and influence throughout the profession.
Sustainability in Focus: Good Eye on the Planet
Reflecting the industry’s shift toward sustainability, SILMO Paris partnered with Hyssop to launch RSE Focus – Good Eye on the Planet. The initiative featured eco-material showcases, start-up pitches, and the Committed Company Award, which this year went to Friendly Frenchy for its standout CSR strategy integrating ethics, performance and environmental responsibility.
Emerging Talent and Industry Recognition
Supporting future talent remains a core mission for SILMO. The Optical Design Contest, chaired by Michel Penneman, invited students to design “super-hero” eyewear. The 2025 winner, GAIA by Hélène Caffin-Pinon from École Design Saint-Étienne, featured an augmented reality interface for plant recognition.
Meanwhile, the International Optician of the Year Award, presented by the International Opticians Association, honoured Blair Wong (USA) for his leadership and professional contribution. (see picture: in the center Mr. Blair Wong, on the left Ms. Amélie Morel president SILMO, on the right Ms. Elaine Grisdale director of development for the International Opticians Association)
A €10,000 SILMO Academy grant was awarded to Andronikos Chrysanthopoulos for his research on accommodation function in young adults, highlighting SILMO’s support for scientific advancement.
Art Meets Optics
One of the standout features of the 2025 event was Moi Aussi, an artistic exhibition conceived by Etnia Barcelona, where 90 artists transformed eyewear into works of art. The project showcased the intersection of craftsmanship and creativity, reflecting the brand’s ongoing commitment to art and innovation.
Looking Ahead
As SILMO Paris continues to drive innovation and responsibility across the optical industry, the event announced its return for 25–28 September 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte. The SILMO family will also reunite in Istanbul from 19–22 November 2025 for the next international edition.
