The NOW Pavilion first appeared at Vision Expo East in 2022.
It was designed as a showcase of the latest innovations and advancements in the eyewear industry. It was designed with diversity and inclusivity in mind. It was designed so well, it returned this year.
Ahead of this year’s show, NOW organizer Nico Roseillier spoke with the Vision Council about the fledgling project.
“NOW by Vision Expo was created with the idea to bring the full representation of our industry forward by showing the latest brands, designs, trends and technologies,” said Roseillier, Creative Director at Europa/State Optical/American Optical.
New this year were the NOW Awards, presented Saturday on the main stage to close out Day 2 on the showroom floor.
Vision Expo had this to say in a related press release:
“More than 100 companies and 180 brands participated in the competition, submitting products to eight different categories. All Vision Expo East exhibitors were invited to enter one frame (optical or sunglass) or lens product per company they felt best represented one of the themes for this year’s show, which included Eyewear Icons, Colors of 2023, Showstoppers, Alternative Materials and Technologies, and Diversity and Inclusion.”
2023 AWARD WINNERS
Best Sunglasses under $250: MITA Eyewear
Best Sunglasses $250-$500: Maison Nathalie Blanc
Best Sunglasses $500 and above: BAARS Eyewear x GOGOSHA OPTIQUE
Best Optical under $250: Rimmel Eyewear
Best Optical $250-$500: Ethnicity Eyewear
Best Optical Award $500 and above: Pierre Eyewear
Optical Achievement Award: James Spina, Editor 2020 MAGAZINE
People’s Choice Award: Strak Eyewear
Special Design/Brand Activation: Vintage Frames
NOW ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
- Nico Roseillier – Creative Director of Europa / State Optical Co. / American Optical
- Christian Roth and Eric Domège – Designers/Co-Founders Christian Roth & OPTICAL AFFAIRS | CFDA Member
- Julia Gogosha-Clark – Gogosha Optique
- Kristen McLaughlin – Director of Marketing – Tura
- Dr. Nwamaka Ngoddy – Optometrist and Founder/Designer of Anwuli Eyewear
- Jessica Goebert – Public Relations & Communications
- Sophia Strawser – Editorial Assistant & Social Media Manager at the Accessories Council