Vision Expo East 2023 Announces Winners of Inaugural NOW Awards
Vision Expo East 2023 has officially announced the winners of the first-ever NOW Awards, held on Saturday, March 18, at the Javits Center in New York City. These prestigious awards celebrate brands that showcase the latest eyewear trends and innovations.
The competition saw participation from over 100 companies and 180 brands, with entries submitted across eight categories.
Vision Expo East exhibitors were invited to enter one frame (optical or sunglass) or lens product per company that best reflected key show themes, including Eyewear Icons, Colors of 2023, Showstoppers, Alternative Materials and Technologies, and Diversity and Inclusion.
A panel of industry experts, including top media professionals and leading retailers, formed the Advisory Review Committee, selecting the most outstanding designs.
“NOW by Vision Expo was created with the idea to bring the full representation of our industry forward by showing the latest brands, designs, trends and technologies. It is free to enter and open to all Vision Expo exhibitors. Under the eyes of our new and amazing committee members we will also be honoring the best of the best in different categories with the NOW Award 2023, the first industry award representing eyewear creativity in the U.S”.
The 2023 NOW Award Winners:
NOW Best Sunglass Award: Under $250 retail category
- MITA Eyewear
- Nora Cabrera
- Boca 20W frame
NOW Best Sunglass Award: $250 to $500 retail category
- Maison Nathalie Blanc
- Guillaume Pottecher
- Clara C656 frame
NOW Best Sunglass Award: $500 & above retail category
- BAARS x Gogosha
- Julia Gogosha and Guillaume Thuau
- CHKE frame
NOW Best Optical Award: Under $250 retail category
- Rimmel Eyewear
- Andres Warszawski
- RMLOP11 frame
NOW Best Optical Award: $250 to $500 retail category
- Ethnicity Eyewear
- Chris Esposito
- Laval C04 frame
NOW Best Optical Award: $500 & above category
- Le Lab by Pierre
- Pierre Cariven
- HABIBI Tokyo frame
NOW Optical Achievement Award
- James Spina, Jobson Publishing
NOW Special Design/Brand Activation
- Vintage Frames Company
- Corey Shapiro
NOW People’s Choice Award
- Strak Eyewear
- Tom Kramer
- A5 frame
“It is a breath of fresh air to be honored amongst creatives striving to change the game”
NOW by Vision Expo was developed in partnership with the NOW Advisory Committee, who helped select the winners for the NOW Awards: 1st Edition.
NOW Advisory Committee Members include:
- Christian Roth and Eric Domège – Designers/Co-Founders, Christian Roth & OPTICAL AFFAIRS | CFDA Member
- Julia Gogosha – Owner, Gogosha Optique
- Kristen McLaughlin – Director of Marketing, Tura
- Dr. Nwamaka Ngoddy – Optometrist and Founder/Designer, Anwuli Eyewear
- Jessica Goebert – Public Relations & Communications Consultant
- Sophia Strawser – Editorial Assistant & Social Media Manager, Accessories Council
“When I heard my name, I was excited thinking the NOW Committee was asking me to come up and present the award. When I realized I was actually being presented with the trophy, tears of absolute gratitude hit my eyes. I’m so honored.”
A curated selection of submissions were displayed at the NOW Pavilion for the duration of Vision Expo East. Launched in 2022, the NOW Pavilion returned to Vision Expo East 2023, and exhibitors were invited to submit products as a complimentary, value-added opportunity to gain additional exposure at the show.
