Sneak peek at new independent eyewear show

Details for a new eyewear event set to be held in London next autumn have been revealed.

First Look London will showcase a curated group of up to 50 independent brands and emerging designers in a gallery-style environment at Town Hall in King’s Cross on 17 September 2027.

Brands who have signed up for the event include Bird Eyewear, Caroline Abram, Einstoffen, Eyewear Ltd, Feb31st, House of Spectacles, JF Rey, Kirk & Kirk, Linda Farrow, M2M Eyewear, Ransome, Talla Eyewear, Traders & Makers, and Vasuma.

The official lens sponsor for the event is Nikon Lenswear UK.

The event will have a focus on new designers from the UK and around the world – with select places reserved for new designers presenting themselves for the first time in the UK.

Nathan Garnett, founder of First Look London, said: “We have the opportunity to create something genuinely different for the UK market, a focused, design-led event that gives the right brands meaningful time with the right buyers.”

Garnett described the response to the event so far as “exceptional,” adding: “We’re only just beginning.”

A content programme will also provide advice for independent eyewear retailers on how to “flourish” on the High Street in a competitive environment.

Organisers said that the editorial direction of the event will be steered by an advisory group who will meet in early 2027 as well as participate in roundtables and a launch event.

Commenting on the brand’s decision to join the event, Jason Kirk, CEO of Kirk & Kirk, said: “We think this event has the makings of becoming the must-attend UK optical fashion event and we’re thrilled to be a part of it from the outset.”

A founding signatory of the show, Jack Lupton, founder of Ransome, said: “As a London-based spectacle maker, I’m excited to be part of it and to show our fist Ransome collection, classic shapes, honest materials, handmade in London.”