(PRESS RELEASE) NORWALK, CT — The NOW Awards by Vision Expo return for 2026, and for the first time, submissions were open to the entire global eyewear community. Exhibition at Vision Expo was not required, and participation was free. Designers, brands, and creators worldwide submitted their most visionary eyewear frames, and the finalists were selected for their artistry, innovative design, exceptional functionality and their role in pushing the eyewear industry to the next level.
The NOW Awards ceremony which will name the winners of each category will take place on Thursday, March 12 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the NOW Stage during Vision Expo 2026, held March 11–14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. All submissions, including finalists, will be included in a NOW showcase at show entry for the duration of Vision Expo.
“The idea behind NOW has always been to create a space where creativity leads and talent is celebrated,” said Nico Roseillier, Creator and Director of NOW by Vision Expo. “By opening the NOW Awards to the entire industry, we’re giving every designer, no matter where they are, the chance to showcase their work in a deeply meaningful way. These finalists represent the pinnacle of artistry, design, and innovation, and attendees at Vision Expo will have the exclusive opportunity to see their groundbreaking work on display and celebrate their achievements firsthand.”
The finalists span multiple categories from these brands:
Best Optical Style – Independent:
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- Silhouette Atelier
- MOREL
- Bruno Chaussignand
- FORALL
- NINA MÛR
Best Optical Style – Licensed:
- Vera Wang by Kenmark
- RACHEL Rachel Roy by A&A Optical
- 2 Blind Brothers by L’AMY
- Calvin Klein by Marchon
- Prada by EssilorLuxottica
Best Sun Style – Independent:
- Paloceras
- Paradigm
- PRESS Eyewear
- KARÜN
- Thierry Larsy
Best Sun Style – Licensed:
- Moncler by EssilorLuxottica
- Badgley Mischka by McGEE
- Alain Mikli by EssilorLuxottica
- All Saints by WestGroupe
- Sunday Somewhere by WestGroupe
Best Emerging Brand:
- Francis de Lara Edition
- PRESS Eyewear
- Vuzix
- Paloceras
- EyeFly by MODO
Best Direct-to-Consumer Brand:
- CEV Collection
- Pair Eyewear
- Jonas Paul Eyewear
The Ultimate Accessory, presented in partnership with the Accessories Council:
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- TALLA
- COTTI
- Sydnie Banks
- KURO Athletics
- Francis de Lara Edition
Hundreds of submissions were reviewed by an influential panel of leaders spanning design, retail, fashion, and eyecare including Gary Black, Founder of Black Optical; Christian Roth and Eric Domege of OPTICAL AFFAIRS; Selima Salaun, Designer and Owner of Selima Optique; Victor Sanz, Creative Director at TUMI; Bob Schulze, Owner of Globe Design and Vision; Dr. Jennifer Tsai, O.D. and Founder of Line of Sight; and Jeneene Allen, Founder and Fashion Educator at ASGNMT.
Vision Expo remains the premier destination for the global vision community to connect, discover, and be inspired by the latest trends, technology, and education in eyecare and eyewear. Don’t miss the chance to witness the industry’s most innovative designs and see who takes home the coveted NOW Awards.
Register now for the most anticipated event in vision care.
Attendee Registration
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For more information and updates, visit www.visionexpo.com.
