Is SILMO Dead? Why This Year’s Disappointment Might Be Your Best Style Opportunity Yet

An honest look at the Paris eyewear scene, the realities of optical fashion, and why our existing designer collections are more inspiring than ever. How to choose glasses for your outfit with styles available in store.

If you’ve ever wondered how to choose glasses for your outfit, you’re not alone. My recent trip to Paris for SILMO – one of the biggest optical fashion events of the year – left me reflecting deeply on what really matters in eyewear. While the trip itself was underwhelming in terms of new discoveries, it sparked a powerful appreciation for the designers and collections we already have in store. Sometimes, the best style move is to look at what’s right in front of us with fresh eyes.

The SILMO Experience: Real Talk from the Show Floor

SILMO is the annual epicentre for new eyewear launches, home to the prestigious Silmo D’Or Awards and the first peek at winter and spring collections. Every year, we head to Paris on a mission: find unique, high-quality styles for our independent UK opticians and bring back something special for you, our clients.

But this year, the pressure was palpable – not just for us, but for designers too. The buzz was muted, and the new styles felt, well… familiar. Unless you’re after ultra-sustainable frames or the next “Panem” (Hunger Games) fantasy look, the reality is that eyewear trends are evolving slowly. Materials, colours, and patterns are largely unchanged, and rising costs across manufacturing and import are affecting everyone.

Price vs. Value: A Fashion Reality Check

Let’s be real – this isn’t just an optical industry issue. I recently went boot shopping, from Primark to Aldo to Louis Vuitton, and was shocked to find quality didn’t always scale with price. A few years ago, £150 got you a premium pair. Now, high street boots are £250-£300+, and even second-hand items are climbing. The same is true for eyewear: materials and craftsmanship are under pressure, and prices reflect the entire supply chain, not just brand markup.

Why We’re Proud of Our Current Collections

Here’s the silver lining: this “disappointment” at SILMO has made me even prouder of the brands we stock. In the past year, we’ve added Lunor and Ahlem – both independent, handmade, and versatile, with finishes and colours that genuinely excite. Ahlem’s chunky acetates and refined metals answer your requests for bold and elegant. Lunor’s timeless styles feel luxurious and always in style.

We’re not standing still – just selective. More “stuff” isn’t always better. Each of our brands offers something unique, and we’ve curated them with care so you don’t have to compromise.

The UK Eyewear Attitude: Time to Shake Things Up?

Did you know the UK is one of the most conservative countries in Europe when it comes to eyewear? We sit between the vibrant, bold styles of southern Europe and the minimalist trends of the north. But maybe it’s time to break the mould. Why not channel a bit of Italian or French flair – think bright colours, funky shapes, or chunky materials that make a statement against our city’s wintery grey skies? Even a light graduated tint or a fine metal frame can highlight your best feature: your eyes.

Sustainable Eyewear: The Honest Truth

We’re always watching for truly sustainable brands. Many already reduce waste by making to order or sourcing unique acetates. The challenge? Most recycled frames come in just a few basic colours, and the price is still high. When the right brand cracks the code for both style and sustainability, we’ll be first in line.

Reflection & Inspiration: Why This Matters

This post is more candid than usual, and maybe a bit personal. But after Paris, I felt both defeated by price and quality trends – and fiercely proud of our team and our curated collection. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best style update isn’t chasing the next new thing, but exploring the depth and versatility of what we already have.

Our Top Brands & Price Points

Lindberg – Lightweight titanium, minimal design, Danish craftsmanship (£450-£850)
Sabine Be – Artistic, bold shapes and colours, eyewear as wearable art (£400-£600)
Ahlem – Handmade in France, refined metals and dense acetates, complexion-matching hues (£450-£650)
Lunor – Timeless, classical acetate, soft edges and luxury finishes (£400-£650)
Salt – Subtle acetate and titanium, colourways inspired by nature photography (£350-£600)
Mykita – Lightweight acetates and metals, innovative screwless engineering (£400-£700)
Gotti – High-finish acetate, thick titanium, minimalist Swiss design (£350-£600)

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering how to choose glasses for your outfit this season, don’t overlook the treasures you’ll find in our current collections. Let’s get creative together – try on something bold, add a new tint, or let our team help you discover a style that feels truly you.

If you’re truly stuck for inspiration, don’t forget our team offer eyewear styling consultations – why not make the most of their knowledge and let them style you instead?

Ready to find your next favourite pair? Book a style consultation or contact us to arrange an appointment.