SILMO has announced the finalists in its annual Optical Design Contest. Described as ‘an international launchpad’, the contest challenges design students from around the world to rethink eyewear through the lens of design, innovation and new uses.
For the 2026 edition, themed ‘The Future of Optics: What Vision?’, the jury is chaired by Olivier Lapidus, an internationally renowned designer whose career has spanned fashion, product design and creative direction.
Ten shortlisted projects, pictured here, will be on display at SILMO Paris from 25–28 September. The winning project will receive a €10,000 prize, shared equally between the student and their educational institution.
the contest challenges design students from around the world to rethink eyewear through the lens of design, innovation and new uses
The Shortlist
ALOGAKI
By Elsa de Miguel / Paula Gómez / Adriana González – Universidad de Valladolid (Spain)
A premium system designed for deaf and visually impaired users, inspired by the praying mantis. A stabilising wing enables the frame to transform into a standalone hearing aid when removed, powered by a dedicated micro-battery.
ARCH TERRAIN
By Megan Brodmerkel – Savannah College of Art and Design (USA)
Adaptive sports eyewear for climbing, hiking and cycling. The temple tension and lens-to-face distance can be adjusted in real time using a dial, combined with an elastic hinge and precision rail system.
DREAMSCAPE
By Sophia Denison – Savannah College of Art and Design (USA)
An experimental eyewear collection addressing the modern ‘attention crisis’ by recreating dream-like sensory experiences through visual distortion.
EMOSLOW
By Océane Gallais – CY Cergy Paris Université (France)
Smart eyewear for children aged 8 to 12 experiencing concentration difficulties, anxiety, hypersensitivity or emotional regulation disorders (ADHD, ASD). An integrated heart-rate sensor continuously monitors the child’s heartbeat, triggering electrochromic lenses that gradually change colour as stress levels increase, helping children recognise and express their emotions. A companion mobile app provides personalised monitoring and guided breathing exercises.
GROUND
By Tidiane Cardot / Atlas Ozer / Theo Vanpoperynghe – Rubika ISD (France)
‘Transition eyewear’ equipped with an EEG sensor that captures brainwaves and generates animated cymatic patterns within electrochromic lenses, helping users move smoothly between periods of cognitive effort through guided meditation or refocusing.
HALO
By Thibault Lacroix / Basile Fruteau de Laclos – L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique (France)
Dual-lens eyewear designed for Generation Z working in open-plan and flexible offices. A corrective lens is paired with a second polycarbonate lens incorporating Suspended Particle Device (SPD) technology, allowing the wearer’s peripheral vision to darken electronically at the touch of a button for enhanced concentration.
LEARNING TO SEE
By Sini Virtanen – Aalto University, School of Art, Design and Architecture (Finland)
AI-powered eyewear combining eye tracking, computer vision and augmented reality to reverse the traditional learning process by enabling users to ‘see like an expert’ before acquiring theoretical knowledge across subjects such as architecture, biology and history.
LUPO
By Amandine Crépin – CY Cergy Paris Université (France)
Children’s eyewear made from recycled polycarbonate with photosensitive pigments that change colour (from transparent to violet) when exposed to UV light, encouraging sun protection awareness in a fun and engaging way.
PROME
By Camille Déniel – L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique (France)
A piece of ‘everyday jewellery’ crafted from recycled stainless steel, featuring interchangeable temples in three sizes (S/M/L) and magnetic accessories that allow users to transform the look of their frames without replacing the entire pair.
SPORA
By Mateo Caballero Rodrigo / Mario Carrasco García / Gabriel Casado Matesanz – Universidad de Valladolid (Spain)
Eyewear grown rather than manufactured, using mycelium cultivated on agricultural waste, moulded and stabilised through gentle heat treatment. The result is a 100% biodegradable and compostable frame, with every piece naturally unique.
Visit: silmoparis.com.
