11 March 2025
On the first evening of 100% Optical on 1 March, representatives from eyewear brands gathered for the sparkling Love Eyewear Awards 2025.
Held at the Catwalk stage, the awards recognised frame design, along with optical practices with a passion for eyewear style.
More than 350 entries were received for the 2025 awards across 13 categories.
The new designer 2025 title was presented to Tanaka Eyewear, an emerging brand handcrafting frames from compressed recycled paper with 3D techniques.
Tanaka also received the sustainable frame of the year accolade for the ‘Tortoiseshell’ model, which takes inspiration from the tranquillity of traditional Japanese gardens, with intricate textures mimicking water ripples, raked sand, and stone.
Speaking to OT at the show, Gow Tanaka, the designer behind the frames, shared that the award recognition arrives at a timely moment for the brand, saying: “I haven’t even launched yet.”
350
More than 350 entries received for Love Eyewear Awards 2025
Hoffmann Natural Eyewear received the men’s sunglasses frame of the year award for the ‘Bloc V1596’ frame, a model from its Horn Extreme collection, while Clayton Franklin received recognition in luxury eyewear for the ‘CF662’ model – an eclectic mix of designs evoking both Japanese eyewear and a fashion-forward style choice.
A spokesperson for Glasseswebb, distributors for Clayton Franklin and Hoffmann Natural Eyewear, commented on what it has meant for the brands to be recognised.
Discussing the award for Clayton Franklin, they said: “It is wonderful for Clayton Franklin to be recognised at its first 100% Optical exhibition. We think it is really special, with a mix of unique and classic styles focused on detailed Japanese design fused with British heritage.”
The Hoffmann brand is often recognised for its traditional styles, the spokesperson shared, but the Horn Extreme collection offers something “really out there” from the brand.
They added: “I think it’s really important to showcase the versatility of horn and dispel the myth that it is a difficult material to work with. It can be exciting and easy to work with, with a little know-how.”
Vanni Eyewear received the women’s sunglasses frame of the year award for ‘Embrace1 col A01,’ and Spada Laura/Gazusa received the women’s frame of the year title for ‘Avantgard Collection/mod Caroline.’
The men’s frame of the year award was received by Mad in Italy for the ‘Espresso’ frame, which combines elegance and futurism through a modern rectangular shape, softened edges, and a cobalt blue accent.
A representative for Ashton Riley, the exclusive distributor of Mad in Italy eyewear, shared: “We were really excited to be nominated in the first place in three categories and so it was amazing to have won one of the awards. Our partners at Mad in Italy are a fantastic support to us and it’s great that their designs are being recognised.”
Vasuma’s ‘Ceraste’ received the unisex frame of the year award, and Götti Switzerland took home the award for kid’s frame of the year.
Sven Götti, founder of Götti Switzerland, said: “We are extremely proud and grateful to have received the award for 'Kid's frame of the year' from 100% Optical. Creating eyewear for children is a matter of respect and responsibility for us. It is often the first time that little ones come into contact with glasses and it is crucial that they have a positive experience.
“This award is all the more meaningful to us as a wonderful recognition of our passion and commitment to designing high-quality and stylish eyewear for children. This award motivates us to continue to offer the best for little spectacle wearers,” Götti added.
Coti Vision was recognised with the eyewear accessory of the year award for its ‘Vita Ombré’ glasses chain. Each design, handmade in Italy from recycled materials, showcases four blended shades in a gradient.
Nancy Gries and Julie Hawkins, co-founders of Coti Vision, told OT: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have received the Love Eyewear Award. It’s a fantastic acknowledgement of our dedication to innovation, design, and sustainability.
“Winning this award means so much to us. The recognition of our small British brand is truly tremendous and will certainly ignite our passion to continue creating unique and sustainable accessories,” the co-founders continued.
Looking to the High Street, optical practices were also recognised for eye-catching displays and engaging social media.
Monocle Eye Care, in Winchmore Hill, London, received the award for most engaging practice window, and The Optical Gallery, which has practices across Twickenham, Chessington and Cheam, was recognised for the best use of social media.
Respectacle Co, a practice based in Market Harborough in Leicestershire, received the award for eyewear retailer of the year.
Alison Price, dispensing optician at Respectacle Co. commented: “We are over the moon with winning the Eyewear Retailer of the Year at the Love Eyewear Awards. It has given the whole team at Respectacle Company the recognition they all deserve in offering our customers a very high quality of service and an eclectic mix of eyewear which isn’t readily available on the High Street.”
Price added: “We all have a passion for eyewear and work hard to curate our interesting mix of collections. This award highlights that you don’t have to be in a big city to deliver great service and products, we love what we do and are very proud to receive this award.”
Celsa Vazquez, commercial director at CloserStill Media, expressed a “massive congratulations” to the 2025 Love Eyewear Award winners.
“Each year the competition gets fiercer, judging gets tougher and the ceremony gets more exciting,” she added.
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