THE COMPLEXION
EQUATION
Sunwear guidance
by complexion and
hair colour
SURGICAL
SUN CARE
Post-surgical sun
protection for
vulnerable eyes
NATIONAL
VISION
Canada moves toward
a more connected
model of care
AI MEETS UV
Smart UV tracking
shows promise
THE QUIET CLINIC
How sensory-smart clinics
are reshaping the eye
exam experience
Surreal
Appeal
Surreal silhouettes and
floating lenses redefine
modern sunwear
APRIL 2026 • VOL. 44 • NO. 4
The
SUN
Edit
Gold Standard
The ultimate place
to launch, grow, and
advance your career.
As Canada’s largest eye care provider, we are proudly majority doctor-owned,
entirely doctor-led, and professionally managed. Our commitment is to
exceptional patient care, with a proven track record of growth.
Re-invest in specialties such
as Myopia Management
and Dry Eye
Dedicated Home Office
support across IT, Payroll,
Recruitment and more
Step into mentorship —
whether you’re guiding or
growing, we’re here to
support you.
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A P R I L 2 0 2 6 | O P T I C A L P R I S M 5
C O N T E N T S
April 2026
22
24
28
34
features
22 STYLE EYES
Surreal Appeal:
Playful contrasts and
floating lenses reshape
sunwear expectations.
By Suzanne Lacorte
24 FEATURE
The Complexion Equation
By Evra Taylor
30 OPTICAL INSIGHTS
Surgical Sun care:
Post-surgical sun wear
recommendations
By Evra Taylor
38 FEATURE
A National Vision: How
Canada's proposed strategy
could reshape vision health
By Nick Samson
Nature Inspired
eyewear
6 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6
APRIL 2026 • VOL. 44 • NO. 4
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Suzanne Lacorte 289.678.1523 x 1
slacorte@opticalprism.ca
Associate Publisher
Nick Samson 289.678.1523 x 2
nsamson@opticalprism.ca
Advertising Sales
Kathleen Irish 289.678.1523 x 5
kirish@opticalprism.ca
Copy Editor
Lamia Ghezal
lamia.ghezal@opticalprism.ca
Feature Writers
David Goldberg
dgoldberg@opticalprism.ca
Evra Taylor
evra.taylor@opticalprism.ca
Art Director
Cathryn Haynes
cat.haynes@opticalprism.ca
Digital Content Manager
Samantha Budd
sbudd@opticalprism.ca
Contributors
Wendy Buchanan, Robert Dalton,
Marketing4ECPs and Cleinman,
Dr. Fallon Patel, Dr. Allison Scott
Optical Prism (ISSN 0824-3441) is published
10 times a year by Quince Communications
Responsibility: Quince Communications
is not responsible for the opinions or
statements of its editors or contributors.
All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article,
photograph or artwork is strictly prohibited.
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Optical Prism are limited to optometrists,
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columns
20 SPOTLIGHT
Calvin Klein wins at Mido
By Suzanne Lacorte
34 LENS TECH
AI Meets UV
How AI is changing UV safety
By David Goldberg
40 OUTLOOK
Leaders in Training
By Dr. Allison Scott
41 OPTICIAN VISION
The Quiet Clinic: How sensory-
smart clinics are reshaping
the eye exam
By Robert Dalton
42 VIEWPOINTS
The Social Hire
By Marketing4ECPs and Cleinman
44 EXPERT EYE
Cultivating Confidence
By Dr. Fallon Patel
46 VISIBILITY
The Big Switch: Essilor Luxottica
Vision Innovation Summit
By Nick Samson
47 See and be Seen: Vision Expo East
By Suzanne Lacorte
on the cover
THE COMPLEXION
EQUATION
Sunwear guidance
by complexion and
hair colour
SURGICAL
SUN CARE
Post-surgical sun
protection for
vulnerable eyes
NATIONAL
VISION
Canada moves toward
a more connected
model of care
AI MEETS UV
Smart UV tracking
shows promise
THE QUIET CLINIC
How sensory-smart clinics
are reshaping the eye
exam experience
Surreal
Appeal
Surreal silhouettes and
floating lenses redefine
modern sunwear
APRIL 2026 • VOL. 44 • NO. 4
The
SUN
Edit
PHOTOGRAPHY: OTP by WestGroupe.
38
C O N T E N T S
departments
8
EDITOR’S LETTER
10 FRESH LOOKS
28 IN THE FRAME
36 EYE LEVEL
48 EYEWEAR ASTROLOGY
50 LAST GLANCE
next issue
› Eye on Wellness
› The Diagnostic Eye
OTPS-2055 | OTPS-2058
| www.westgroupe.com | 1-800-361-6220
WITH THE BRAND’S FOCUS
ON SUSTAINABILITY, OTP OFFERS:
▪Biodegradable acetate, packaging and lens materials
▪Recyclable nose pads
▪Sustainably crafted cases
SUSTAiNABLY MADE
UNAPOLOGETiCALLY COOL
OTP is designed for the Millennial and Gen-Z consumer
with an appreciation for unique and environmentally
friendly eyewear at an affordable price point.
8 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6
E D I T O R ’ S L E T T E R
Shade Matters
SUZANNE LACORTE
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
“We don’t feel
UV damage as it
happens, but the
eye remembers.
Quietly, cumulatively,
it builds long before
the consequences
come into focus.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA WAUGH
here is something about sunglasses that invites a little
bit of mischief.
Maybe it is the way they transform a face. Or the
confidence they seem to carry. Unlike optical, sunwear
gives designers permission to have a little more fun,
and in this issue, we leaned all the way in.
Our Style Eyes pictorial explores surreal sunglasses with unexpected
shapes, floating lenses and playful contrasts. Some feel sculptural.
Others feel almost futuristic. All of them blur the line between eyewear
and art, and it was easily one of my favourite edits to pull together.
Of course, behind all that creativity is a much more serious conversation.
Sun protection sits at the core of this issue, starting with our main
feature exploring how complexion, hair colour and eye colour influ-
ence a patient’s sensitivity to sunlight. It is a topic that does not always
get the attention it deserves, yet it plays an important role in how
ECPs guide patients. The article offers practical insight to help eye care
professionals tailor their recommendations more thoughtfully.
Innovation is also shaping the future of sunwear. In Lens Tech, we
look at how AI-driven smart eyewear is beginning to intersect with
UV awareness. It is not hard to imagine a near future where frames
do more than shield the eyes. They could actively inform and adapt,
helping patients better understand their exposure in real time.
We also turn to post-surgical care in this month’s Optical Insights.
Protecting healing eyes after procedures such as cataract surgery or
LASIK is critical, and sunwear plays a meaningful role in that recovery.
March took us to Orlando for Essilor’s SWITCH event and Vision
Expo East. As always, it was a chance to reconnect with industry peers,
discover new ideas and see where the conversation is heading. You
will find a snapshot of those experiences on our Visibility pages.
What I love about this edit is how it captures both sides of sunwear.
The expressive and the essential. The art and the science.
As the days grow longer and the sun stronger, it feels like the right
moment to revisit not just what we wear in the sun, but how we guide
others to do the same.
And if that guidance comes with a little bit of style and personality,
even better.
MORE PERFORMANCE
with advanced material chemistry,
coupled with optimum contact
lens design,¹ to deliver unbeaten
comfort.*†‡²-4
MORE PARAMETERS
for more precise matches
to virtually every prescription
to fit more patients.5
MORE SUCCESS
because MyDay® helps drive
the profitability of your
contact lens business.6
* Vs. DAILIES TOTAL1® Multifocal and ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL. † Vs. ACUVUE® OASYS 1-Day for ASTIGMATISM, PRECISION1® for ASTIGMATISM and DAILIES TOTAL1® for Astigmatism. ‡ Vs. ACUVUE®
OASYS MAX 1-Day, PRECISION1®, INFUSE® One-Day (US)/ULTRA® ONE DAY (ex-US).
1. CVI data on file, 2024. 2. CVI data on file, 2021 & 2023. MyDay® multifocal compared to DAILIES TOTAL1® Multifocal n=59 & ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL n=56; no statistically significant
differences (p>0.05) on dispensing, days 6 and 13 on application and throughout the day on days 6 and 13. 3. CVI data 2017, 2021 & 2023. MyDay® toric compared to ACUVUE® OASYS 1-Day for ASTIGMATISM
n=20, PRECISION1® for Astigmatism n=47, DAILIES TOTAL1® for Astigmatism n=54; no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) at dispense & after 1-week daily wear on application and removal. 4. CVI data on
file, 2021 & 2023. MyDay® compared to PRECISION1® n=35 (dispense 9.1 vs 9.4 p=0.13, day 5 8.2 vs 8.4 p=0.39), INFUSE® One-Day/ULTRA® One-Day n=64 (dispense 9.3 vs 9.1 p=0.33, day 5 8.3 vs 8.7 p=0.13),
ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day n=68 (dispense 93 vs 95 p=0.18, day 6 88 vs 91 p=0.06). 5. CVI data on file, 2023. Based on prescription option combinations from available published sources (sph, cyl, axis,
ADD) available across all daily disposable soft lenses in sph, toric and MF from CVI, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Bausch + Lomb and Alcon in the US, July 2023. Cosmetic CLs not included. Multiple base curve
variants not included. 6. CVI data on file, 2025. Internal reports and estimates. n=6066. Practice profitability growth when ECP begins fitting MyDay® in concert with clariti® 1 day. ©2026 CooperVision SA*16902
LEARN MORE
ABOUT MYDAY
Sphere
Toric
Multifocal
F R E S H L O O K S
Keep your eyewear options fresh with the latest
models from these leading companies
GIGI STUDIOS
GIGI STUDIOS turns
up the personality for
Spring/Summer 2026
with its March capsule,
Portrait Series, where
eyewear becomes a
statement of charac-
ter. Sculptural shapes,
sharp lines and confi-
dent proportions define
the collection, while
fresh colour plays and
tricolour laminations
bring added depth and
intrigue. From compact
silhouettes to bolder,
more expressive forms,
each piece balances
artistry and wearability,
delivering a polished yet
playful take on modern,
design-driven eyewear.
For more information,
contact your GIGI
Studios sales represent-
ative or visit:
gigistudios.com
1 0 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6
A P R I L 2 0 2 6 | O P T I C A L P R I S M 1 1
F R E S H L O O K S
NINA MÛR
Nina Mûr’s Luminiers cap-
sule collection transforms
eyewear into art. Inspired
by 20th-century design
movements, from the bold
Memphis Group to the poetic
functionality of the Bauhaus,
each frame becomes a study
in facial architecture, blend-
ing geometry, vibrant colours
and clean lines. Crafted from
sustainable materials, the
glasses are designed to be
both worn and contemplated.
The Klee model, with square,
expressive lines, evokes the
lyrical abstraction of Paul
Klee, merging emotion, de-
sign and sculptural presence.
For more information,
contact your Nina Mûr
sales representative
or visit: ninamur.com/en/
RAG & BONE
rag & bone leans into its
laid-back New York attitude
for Spring/Summer 2026,
delivering eyewear that
feels equal parts effortless
and elevated. Think clean
silhouettes with just enough
edge, denim-inspired details
that nod to the brand’s
roots, and bold shapes that
never try too hard. Split
across Urban, City and
Casual moods, the collec-
tion plays with proportion,
texture and attitude, offering
modern, wear-everywhere
frames with a confident,
off-duty cool.
For more information,
contact your Marcolin
sales representative or
visit: marcolin.com
FERILLI
Rooted in the landscape
of Puglia, Ferilli Eyewear
expands its eco-conscious
offering with the Trame –
After Collection. The three
new models, RADIKA,
SPINAE and TERREA,
embed prickly pear cactus
fibres within translucent
cellulose acetate, creating
organic texture and subtle
colour variation. Lightweight,
durable and processed
through a pollutant-free
method, each style is offered
in Natural, Green and Black,
as optical or sunwear, blend-
ing material innovation with
Mediterranean soul.
For more information,
contact your Ferilli sales
representative or visit:
ferillieyewear.it/en/
RB00008 - Christine
RB00007 - Miley
Klee
Terrea
Spinae
1 2 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6
F R E S H L O O K S
F R E S H L O O K S
•
•
•
•
IC! BERLIN
ic! berlin celebrates 30 years
of creative engineering with
a capsule collection that re-
fines its iconic stainless-steel
aesthetic. Heritage silhou-
ettes meet new minimalist
designs, united by the purity
of polished metal and the in-
troduction of Transformative
Teal, a modern blue-green
tone paired with photochro-
mic lenses. Lightweight,
architectural and unmistak-
ably Berlin, the collection
balances technical precision
with expressive colour,
capturing the brand’s spirit
of independence, innovation
and enduring design clarity.
For more information,
contact your Marcolin
sales representative
or visit: marcolin.com
J.F. REY
J.F. Rey’s SLEDGE series explores the mechanics of style through
architectural engineering and technical precision. A patented screw-
less Flex hinge, seamlessly integrated into the temple, becomes both
structural innovation and visual signature. Crafted from Grade 5 titani-
um, surgical stainless steel, carbon fibre and plant-based acetate, the
collection balances strength with lightness. Satin metallic finishes and
vibrant colour contrasts reinforce the industrial aesthetic, positioning
SLEDGE as a confident expression of performance-driven design.
For more information, contact your J.F. Rey sales representative or
visit: jfrey.fr/en/sledge-collection/
PALOCERAS
Paloceras earns top honours at the
Vision Expo NOW Awards, winning Best
Sunglasses Independent for the Pebble
Milky Blue RX. Defined by soft milky
tones and sculptural, inflated contours,
the design delivers a confident balance
of volume and refinement. The recogni-
tion signals growing momentum for the
emerging brand, whose distinctive aes-
thetic blends playful imagination with
disciplined design, positioning Paloceras
as a compelling new voice in independ-
ent eyewear.
For more information, contact your
Paloceras sales representative or visit:
paloceras.com
JF3135
JF3126
Pebble
Milky Blue
*Based on an average recommendation with quantitative research conducted in 8 countries (Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Italy, UK, and the US) among a representative
sample of 1560 Eye Care Professionals: 1047 opticians, 513 optometrists between January and June 2022. These 8 countries represent: 63% of total world in lens volume. †Twice the
power refers to two (or more) times the depth of volume of non-focused light (by design) compared to that of Essilor® Stellest® lenses, and is not associated with twice the lens
or lenslet power. Additionally, this does not imply a corresponding doubling of efficacy in slowing myopia progression. ‡Based on 12-month results from a prospective, randomized,
double-masked contralateral crossover clinical trial conducted in Singapore on 50 children, in which one eye was equipped with an Essilor® Stellest® lens and the other with Essilor®
Stellest® 2.0 lens. §Based on 12-month results from a prospective, randomized, double-masked contralateral crossover clinical trial conducted in Singapore on 50 myopic children.
The estimated cumulative 1-year axial length change (eye growth) was 0.228 mm with Essilor® Stellest® lenses and 0.121 mm with Essilor® Stellest® 2.0 lenses, corresponding to a
46% relative reduction. 1. Raveendran RN, Ong WS, Lim SY, Lim EW, Chua HR, Drobe B. Effect of increased power and asphericity of lenslets on myopia control efficacy: 6-month
interim results of a contralateral crossover clinical trial. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2025;66:5192 2. EssilorLuxottica data on file (2025). Effect of increased power and asphericity of
lenslets on myopia control efficacy: 12-month results of a contralateral crossover clinical trial.
© Essilor International — February 2026. Essilor®, Evolving Vision™ and Stellest® are trademarks of Essilor International
Essilor® Stellest® 2.0 lenses provide twice the signal,
slowing eye growth in myopic children by 1.88 times
than with the previous generation§
Twice the power,
†
higher efficacy
‡1,2
Essilor®
1 4 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6
F R E S H L O O K S
LONGCHAMP
Longchamp unveils LO799S, a bold shield
silhouette for Spring–Summer 2026. Crafted
from sustainable, plant-based resin, the
oversized design channels confident Parisian
style with a sculptural, avant-garde edge.
Exclusive hues, including Black and Brick,
enhance its strong lines, while the iconic
Horse emblem and refined temple branding
deliver unmistakable Maison signature in a
fashion-forward sun statement.
For more information, contact your Marchon
sales representative or visit: marchon.com
PRESS EYEWEAR
PRESS Eyewear introduces
I LOVE GOLD, a collector’s
limited-edition debuting at
Silmo Paris. Produced in just
50 numbered pieces, the
series reimagines signature
Streamline and Dreamers
silhouettes through a jew-
ellery-inspired lens, pairing
titanium construction with
a distinctive gold-leaf
effect achieved through an
exclusive triple-plating
technique. Deep matte
black contrasts with
luminous metallic detailing,
while Zeiss brown gold flare
lenses add warmth and
refinement. Handcrafted
in Japan, the collection
balances heirloom crafts-
manship with contem-
porary design, delivering
sculptural eyewear that
feels both luxurious and
highly personal.
For more information,
contact your Press Eye-
wear sales representative
or visit: presseyewear.com
GÖTTI SWITZERLAND
For Spring 2026, Götti
Switzerland introduces
AMALIA and AOSTA, two
ultra-light titanium frames
crafted in Japan. Flowing
butterfly silhouettes and
softly curved lines create a
confident yet refined state-
ment. A subtly wider front
adds presence, while matte
finishes and six understated
colourways highlight each
model’s sculptural shape.
Lightweight and precisely
engineered, both styles
balance technical expertise
with modern femininity for a
polished seasonal update.
For more information,
contact your Götti
sales representative
or visit: gotti.ch
LO799S
Amalia
Aosta
F R E S H L O O K S
ANDY WOLF
The new sunglasses
collection by independ-
ent eyewear brand ANDY
WOLF shows once again
the love for details of
the brand. From modern
aviator styles to classic
wayfarer shapes and
oversized Vintage frames
or round fashion shades
- there is a frame for every-
one! Sculptural silhouettes,
striking acetate tones,
and confident oversized
frames define this season’s
aesthetic and will start the
summer in the right way!
For more information,
contact your Andy Wolf
sales representative
or visit: andy-wolf.com
SPECTAFUL
Spectaful introduces ten new optical styles that
balance evolution with continuity. AURA marks
the brand’s first use of acetate temples, adding
colour and depth to its ultra-light constructions.
Five additional models refine Spectaful’s signa-
ture steel and technopolymer blend, maintaining
an average weight under 10 grams. Together, the
release reinforces the brand’s commitment to ex-
pressive minimalism and Made-in-Italy precision
For more information, contact your Spectaful
sales representative or visit: spectaful.com
AYA OPTICAL
AYA Optical’s Horizon and
Breeze bring a lighter touch
to statement eyewear. These
refined metal frames feel
nearly weightless yet carry
the expressive artwork of
Ojibwe artist Donald Chré-
tien. His signature flowing
lines and symbolic forms
unfold subtly across each
design, offering depth
without excess. The result
is eyewear that balances
comfort with meaning,
where cultural storytelling
is distilled into a quietly
striking, everyday essential.
For more information,
contact your AYA Optical
sales representative or visit:
claudiaalan.com/aya
1 6 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6
Quartz
Paris
Laurel
Dabbie
Horizon and
Breeze
W W W . L A F O N T . C O M
1 8 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6
F R E S H L O O K S
Lodi
Empoli
Alcamo
OGI
Red Rose by OGI’s 2026
collection proves that
restraint can still make a
statement. Think clean
lines, soft geometry and
just enough attitude to turn
heads without trying too
hard. Shot on the streets of
Paris by Anastasiia Ses, the
campaign feels effortless,
cool and completely
current. These are frames
with presence, polished,
wearable and quietly confi-
dent, giving optical profes-
sionals a collection that sells
on style, personality and that
elusive, hard-to-define edge.
For more information,
contact your OGI sales
representative or visit:
theopticalfoundry.com
MYKITA
MYKITA introduces STUDIO
15, a bold exploration of
reduction through its LESS-
RIM construction. Ultra-fine
stainless steel rims recede
into the lens groove, allow-
ing structural elements to
stand out in sharp, graphic
form. Models 15.1 and 15.2
reinterpret rectangular and
panto silhouettes in tonal
metallic finishes, delivering a
MOVITRA
MOVITRA unveils its
Spring/Summer 2026
campaign, Framing the
Future, spotlighting technical
innovation through dramatic,
AI-enhanced visuals. The
Trinitas collection introduces
a three-layer titanium
construction with preci-
sion-adjustable temples,
while the Phaenomenon
Titanium Mask highlights
CNC machining and the
brand’s signature MOTUS
rotation system. Bold,
futuristic and engineered
for performance, the cam-
paign positions MOVITRA
at the forefront of avant-
garde design.
For more information,
contact your Movitra
sales representative
or visit: movitra.com
high-fashion statement rooted
in precision and deconstruction.
For more information, contact
your Mykita sales representa-
tive or visit: mykita.com
NIKE
Nike Vision introduces
the ACG Vista Peak and
Vista Vert as part of the All
Conditions Gear relaunch.
Engineered for trail running
and mountain terrain, the
semi-rim Vista Peak maxi-
mizes sightlines, while the
full-frame Vista Vert delivers
reinforced durability. Built
for unpredictable conditions,
both styles combine rugged
performance with precision
optics for athletes who
thrive outdoors.
For more information,
contact your Marchon
sales representative
or visit: marchon.com
2315
10091619
10091622
•
•
•
•
© September 2023 Essilor Canada. All rights reserved. All trademarks and registered trademarks are and will remain the property of their respective owners and/or their subsidiaries in Canada.
*Quantitative research conducted among a representative sample of 958 independent ECPs by CSA in February 2019 - France, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, US, Canada, Brazil, China,
India. **Front and back side UV protection up to E-SPF 50TM index.
Long-lasting
protection for your
eyes and lenses.
**
2 0 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6
S P O T L I G H T
t MIDO, subtlety is currency.
The booths are bigger, the
launches louder, the silhouettes
sharper. So when a frame wins
attention for doing less, not
more, you know it is doing something right.
reduced consumption in production and
distribution, supply chain responsibility,
waste reduction and renewable energy use.
In other words, this is sustainability with
receipts.
For Marchon, the win builds on previous
CSE recognition in the Sunglasses and
Cases categories and reinforces its EYES
ON TOMORROW® platform. For the
industry, it signals something even more
compelling. Sustainability is no longer a
side story. It is baked into the blueprint.
For retailers and eye care professionals,
the appeal is obvious. You get a bold,
fashion-forward navigator with instant
brand recognition and a credible environ-
mental narrative that stands up to scrutiny.
At MIDO 2026, excess was everywhere.
The CK25548 chose restraint. And walked
away with the trophy. OP
Enter Marchon Eyewear and Calvin Klein
Eyewear’s CK25548, freshly crowned
winner of the 2026 CSE Award in the
Frames category. Translation: sustainability,
but make it chic.
Let’s talk attitude first. The CK25548 leans
into a navigator silhouette with a broad,
architectural brow and confident stance.
It has presence without theatrics. Think
sharp tailoring in eyewear form. Clean lines.
Controlled proportions. No fuss, no frills,
no apology.
But the real flex is what it is made of.
The frame is crafted from Acetate Renew,
a blend of bio-based and certified recycled
materials designed to reduce reliance on
virgin fossil-based inputs. It looks like pre-
mium acetate because it is premium acetate.
It just happens to carry a lighter footprint.
No sacrifice in polish. No compromise in
durability. Just smarter material choices
behind the scenes.
The temples add a little fashion whisper. A
newly developed design features an all over
monogram pattern, precisely lasered for tex-
ture and dimension. At the hinge, a square
CK emblem lands like a perfectly placed
period at the end of a sentence. Subtle
branding is the new status symbol.
Then there is colour. Alongside classic
Black, the style arrives in three transpar-
ent hues: Brown, Khaki and Blue. Each
translucent tone lets light filter through the
Green is the
New Black
Calvin Klein wins at MIDO, proving bold
navigators and bio-based acetate are the
ultimate power pairing.
The temples add
a little fashion
whisper...an all over
monogram pattern,
precisely lasered
for texture and
dimension.
2026
CSE
AWARD
WINNER
acetate, spotlighting its layered construc-
tion and adding a contemporary edge.
Transparent, but make it intentional.
The CSE Award, now in its fourth edition,
is not handed out lightly. An international
jury evaluates submissions using defined cri-
teria, including the use of recycled materials,
Adrien Brody
2 2 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6
Surreal
APPEAL
Unexpected shapes, floating lenses and playful contrasts
blur the line between art-object and sunwear.
BY SUZANNE LACORTE
S T Y L E E Y E S
A P R I L 2 0 2 6 | O P T I C A L P R I S M 2 3
S T Y L E E Y E S
TIP
Style
When I’m styling surreal
frames, I let them steal the
spotlight. Floating lenses
and unexpected shapes
deserve centre stage,
so I keep clothing
simple, tailored and free
of distractions. Clean lines
and calm colours create
balance. Then I fine-tune
the fit. When bold
design meets professional
precision, the result feels
fearless, flattering and
completely wearable.
— WENDY BUCHANAN,
Eyewear Image Expert
1. The Blaze - BZ4 by Vysen Eyewear 2. Kika by Linda Farrow
3. Pianeta Pink by Retrosuperfuture 4. 0A09508B by Alain Mikli
5. E16 SI by Kuboraum 6. Stanley Kubrick by Jacques Marie Mage
7. Be Seen Sun by Sabine Be 8. X5 Space Atlas by Kuboraum
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