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Now Awards Returns With Expanded Format, 2026 Finalists Announced Ahead of Vision Expo

The finalists of the 2026 Now Awards have been announced, spanning independent, licensed, emerging, and direct-to-consumer brands from the global eyewear community. Winners will be announced at a ceremony during the optical trade show, and all submissions will be on display throughout the event.

Optometric Management March 4, 2026

The Now Awards by Vision Expo will return in 2026 with an expanded format. For the first time, exhibiting at Vision Expo was not required, and participation was free of charge. Designers, brands, and creators from around the world submitted frames for consideration, and finalists were selected based on artistry, innovative design, functionality, and overall industry impact, according to organizers.

Winners in each category will be announced during the Now Awards ceremony on March 12, from 4:30 to 5:30 PM at the Now Stage during Vision Expo 2026. All submissions, including finalist entries, will be featured in a showcase located at the show entrance throughout the duration of the event.

Click here for EB’s curated guide to the optical trade show, taking place March 11-14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

“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.”

Finalists were named across multiple categories:

Best Optical Style – Independent:

  • Silhouette Atelier

  • Morel

  • Bruno Chaussignand

  • Forall

  • Nina Mûr

Best Optical Style – Licensed:

  • Vera Wang by Kenmark

  • Rachel Roy by A&A Optical

  • Two 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:

  • Talla

  • Cotti

  • Sydnie Banks

  • Kuro Athletics

  • Francis de Lara Edition

Submissions were evaluated by a panel of industry leaders spanning design, retail, fashion, and eye –care. Judges included 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; Jennifer Tsai, OD, founder of Line of Sight; and Jeneene Allen, founder and fashion educator at Asgnmt. OM