The NOW Awards returned as a defining highlight of Vision Expo 2026, held March 11–14 in Orlando, delivering a clear signal on where eyewear design, branding, and innovation are heading. With this year marking the first unified Vision Expo event and the expansion of the NOW Awards to global submissions, the program reached a new level of relevance and competitive depth.
The 2026 edition opened its doors to the broader international eyewear community. The result was a more diverse, design-forward, and commercially attuned group of finalists and winners, reflecting both independent creativity and the continued influence of major licensed brands.
Winners of the 2026 NOW Awards on stage at Vision Expo in Orlando, following the March 13 ceremony.
The NOW Awards have evolved beyond a traditional design competition. Today, NOW is about Industrial design and craftsmanship. Brand positioning and storytelling. And Commercial viability and consumer relevance
This multi-dimensional approach was reflected in both the category structure and the diversity of this year’s winners.
2026 NOW Awards Winners by Category
Best Optical Style – Independent
Winner: Silhouette Atelier
Finalists: Bruno Chaussignand, Forall, MOREL, Nina Mûr
Best Optical Style – Licensed
Winner: RACHEL Rachel Roy by A&A Optical
Finalists: 2 Blind Brothers by L’Amy, Calvin Klein by Marchon, Prada by EssilorLuxottica, Vera Wang by Kenmark
Best Sun Style – Independent
Winner: Paloceras
Finalists: Karün, Paradigm, PRESS Eyewear, Thierry Lasry
Best Sun Style – Licensed
Winner: Alain Mikli by EssilorLuxottica
Finalists: AllSaints by WestGroupe, Badgley Mischka by The McGee Group, Moncler by EssilorLuxottica, Sunday Somewhere by WestGroupe
Best Emerging Brand
Winner: PRESS Eyewear
Finalists: EYEFLY by MODO, Francis de Lara, Paloceras, Vuzix
Best Direct-to-Consumer Brand
Winner: CEV Collection
Finalists: Jonas Paul Eyewear, Pair Eyewear
Ultimate Accessory (Presented with the Accessories Council)
Winner: COTI
Finalists: Francis de Lara, KURO Athletics, Sydnie Banks, TALLA
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