Where the future of optics takes shape!
Highlights revealed
SILMO Paris, inspired by Olympic values, welcomes industry professionals from 20 to 23 September.
The event, hosting over 900 exhibitors and 1,500 brands at the Paris-Nord Villepinte centre, promises an immersive experience.
Central to the interaction are the exchange of ideas, trend discovery, forecasts, and training.
SILMO NEXT AREA
FUTUROLOGY: THE FUTURE OF POSSIBILITIES
SILMO NEXT – Futurology invites you to immerse yourself in the future of optics and explore fascinating prospects for the years 2025 to 2035. Professionals will discover a space divided into several distinct zones where technological innovations, personalized solutions, and interactive experiences, including augmented and virtual reality, converge.
The SILMO NEXT expert committee – Who are these specialists and professionals? What topics were discussed, and what conclusions were drawn? Discover the Expert Committee’s report.
CSR: AT THE HEART OF OPTICS
SILMO is actively committed to supporting the optical industry in adopting sustainable and ethical practices. In partnership with the agency Hyssop, SILMO provides practical guides that decode essential issues such as sourcing, packaging, and transportation to help companies integrate social responsibility into their core activities. These guides offer concrete advice on reducing ecological footprints, promoting diversity, and improving supply chain transparency. By combining innovation with responsibility, SILMO supports industry professionals in their transition toward a more sustainable future.
INSPIRATIONS & TRENDS
TRENDS FORUM
Visitors will enjoy a visual snapshot of the shapes, colors, and materials of eyewear, offering a comprehensive overview that highlights the best optical and sunglasses frames from the exhibitors at the show. Here are the four trends to watch that will shape the successes of tomorrow.
The magazine Trends by SILMO, crafted like a true trend book, complements this scenography.
PODCASTS: RIGHT OPTICS BY SILMO
“The Right Optics” is designed to support professionals throughout the year, beyond the borders of the show. These engaging conversations with experts and special guests, all hosted by Nick Coffer, delve deeply into the captivating world of eyewear. The episodes reveal success stories, spotlight exceptional craftsmanship, and share inspiring visions for the future of the industry.
SILMO TV & SILMO NEWS, THE PROGRAMME
During the four days of the show, SILMO TV journalists will be on-site to provide live coverage of all the latest industry developments, ensuring visitors don’t miss any key moments of the event. With expert analysis, testimonials, and reports, professionals will stay connected to the latest news from SILMO Paris and can also follow SILMO News throughout the year to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations in optics.
DISCOVERING CRAFTSMANSHIP
BEST CRAFTSMEN OF FRANCE
Visitors can explore the must-see workshops of the Best Craftsmen of France (MOFs), where masters of French craftsmanship showcase their exceptional skills. Attendees can witness live demonstrations, including custom frame design, hand shaping, welding, and more.
DESIGN CHALLENGE EXHIBITION
The “Design Challenge” was conceived as a team-based competition, pairing design students with interns from the École de Lunetterie de Morez. The result? A collection of highly eclectic frames, diverse in both form and inspiration. These different visions of eyewear, focused on the theme of plant-based materials, highlight inspiring stories of knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
FRENCH EYEWEAR CRAFTSMANSHIP
The French Eyewear Makers will take visitors on a journey to the Jura Mountains to discover the unique expertise of local companies and meet their artisans through captivating demonstrations. This showcase highlights the talent and tradition of eyewear artisans who continue to uphold centuries-old craftsmanship, crucial to the global reputation of “Made in France.”
OYONNAX-MOREZ MUSEUM
This museum, a showcase of French eyewear heritage, presents a fascinating collection of historical objects and innovations that have shaped the optical industry. Visitors can explore this unique exhibition to discover the evolution of frame-making techniques and designs while immersing themselves in the rich history and legacy of the iconic towns of Oyonnax and Morez. It’s an opportunity to get up close to the craftsmanship that has marked the history of eyewear and to immerse yourself in two centuries of eyewear history.
SILMO D’OR AWARDS: 30TH ANNIVERSARY
The SILMO d’Or Awards honor technical excellence, creativity, and innovation—key qualities that drive the optical industry into the future. Each year, this event garners attention from professionals and media worldwide, underscoring its significance and impact on the global market.
The 2024 edition of the SILMO d’Or is particularly special as it marks the 30th anniversary of this prestigious event. This milestone celebration not only highlights current innovations but also pays tribute to the progress made over the years.
This anniversary reflects the enduring influence and legacy of this award in the eyewear industry and promises a memorable 2024 SILMO d’Or, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship in this ever-evolving field.
SILMO ACADEMY CONFERENCES
New Format: This year, the SILMO Talks space will also host SILMO Academy, where internationally renowned specialists will reveal the latest research advancements. Program details will be available on silmoparis.com.
OPTICAL DESIGN CONTEST
Promoting craftsmanship, supporting the industry, and stimulating innovation : SILMO Paris also champions future talent with the Optical Design Contest. The third edition of this competition, open to design students from around the world, focuses on eyewear accessories that go beyond vision correction and protection, exploring new functionalities and uses.
Discover the biography of the President, Olivier Jault, as well as the projects of the 2024 nominees.
RESPONSIBLE COMPANY PRIZE
In today’s context, adopting a comprehensive CSR strategy is essential to meet stakeholder expectations while enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of companies in the optical sector. To encourage these sustainable and responsible practices, SILMO, in collaboration with the agency HYSSOP, has established the Responsible Company Award. This distinction recognizes companies that take a holistic approach, addressing ethical, environmental, and social issues, and actively commit to a more responsible future.
INTERNATIONAL OPTICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award, presented by the IOA (International Opticians Association) in partnership with SILMO Paris, recognizes and honors an optician for their vision and commitment to promoting the values of their profession, both to their colleagues and clients. Discover the 2024 nominees.
THE OPTYMPICS
A fun and engaging competition, the OPTYMPICS celebrate the intersection of sportsmanship and the fascinating world of optics. Just as athletes push their limits, opticians continuously hone their skills with passion, creativity, and expertise. In collaboration with Radioottica, Nico Caradonna & Behind My Glasses.
SILMO JOB
As a key partner to the optical industry, SILMO Paris supports professionals in addressing crucial sector challenges, including talent recruitment with SILMO JOB. Whether recruiter or candidate, professionals can benefit from a dynamic space offering exclusive opportunities and direct networking to build the teams of tomorrow. Opticians and companies can sign up now to discover job offers, schedule meetings, and maximize connections during the event.
DRINK CORNERS
During their visit, attendees can take a refreshing break at the water bar, Cockorico cocktail bar, or Lillet wine bar. These drink corners offer a chance to relax and recharge before continuing their exploration and networking in the exhibition halls.
INTER-SCHOOL CHALLENGE
Every Monday at SILMO Paris, School Day provides students and teachers with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the heart of the optical industry. Through interactions with professionals, exposure to expertise, technologies, and products, they can explore the entire sector, a constantly evolving environment, in a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere. A special inter-school challenge, a fun contest in partnership with OPTIC 2000, will also take place during this day, dedicated to second-year BTS students. The top five students will win a trip to a European optical trade show.
SILMO Paris, the optical industry’s major event, combining innovation, reflection and exchange to anticipate future challenges.
See you from September 20 to 23 at Paris Nord Villepinte!
About SILMO Paris
SILMO PARIS 2025
September 26-29, 2025
Paris Nord, Villepinte
SILMO is the most exciting international optics and eyewear trade show, which takes place at the Exhibition Center Paris Nord Villepinte (Paris), and welcomes the professionals of the optical & eyewear sector. A true incubator of ideas and reflection, SILMO Paris anticipates changes in the sector. Innovations, technological challenges, and future perspectives are revealed there to imagine tomorrow.
Square meters
Brands
Visitors
SILMO Paris 2025
THE PLACE TO BE, TO SEE, TO FORESEE!
From September 26 to 29, 2025, Paris Nord Villepinte will once again become the beating heart of the international optics and eyewear industry. Welcoming over 32,000 visitors from 42 countries, along with 900 exhibitors and 1,500 brands, SILMO Paris is not just a trade fair—it’s an industry-defining experience where trends are born, innovation takes center stage, and professional connections grow into lasting collaborations.
At SILMO Paris, the energy is palpable. This is the place to be—a global stage where the most daring creators, innovative manufacturers, and passionate professionals come together to share their vision of what eyewear can be. It’s here that brands reveal their newest collections, entrepreneurs exchange big ideas, and the global eyewear community reconnects in an atmosphere charged with creativity and ambition.
"As the place to see, SILMO Paris showcases the very best in optics, all under one roof. From visionary designs and breakthrough lens technologies to sustainable materials and smart glasses, this is where visitors get a front-row seat to the future of eyewear. Every corner of the exhibition buzzes with discoveries, offering visitors a chance to explore the products and innovations that will soon define their own shelves and practices."
But SILMO is not only about seeing—it’s also the place to foresee. As a true incubator of ideas, the event invites professionals to look ahead through a wide range of thought-provoking experiences. At SILMO NEXT, visitors enter a laboratory of the future, where emerging technologies, digital solutions, and cutting-edge concepts push the boundaries of what’s possible in vision care. Meanwhile, the Trends Forum offers a carefully curated selection of the season’s most influential eyewear pieces, capturing the spirit of design movements before they hit the mainstream.
Knowledge sharing remains at the core of the SILMO experience. Through SILMO Talks and the SILMO Academy, attendees have access to in-depth conferences and presentations led by world-renowned experts. From clinical advancements to retail strategies, these sessions offer valuable insights that help shape the future of the optical profession.
Craftsmanship also takes a proud spotlight, as SILMO Paris honors the tradition and excellence of French eyewear making. Visitors can explore the work of the “Meilleurs Ouvriers de France”, discover techniques passed down through generations, and journey through time with museum exhibitions from Oyonnax and Morez, two historic hubs of the eyewear industry.
SILMO Paris is also a place of celebration. The prestigious SILMO d’Or Awards return to spotlight outstanding achievements in design and innovation. Young talent steps into the spotlight through the Optical Design Contest, while the Responsible Company Award recognizes businesses making an impact through sustainability and ethical practices. And finally, the International Optician of the Year Award, presented in collaboration with the IOA, honors excellence in opticianry on a global scale.
Even beyond the show dates, SILMO keeps the conversation alive throughout the year. With monthly SILMO News updates and the popular podcast series “The Right Optics by SILMO” hosted by Nick Coffer, professionals stay connected to the industry's pulse through stories, interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of eyewear.
More news on SILMO
SILMO Paris // Shaping Tomorrow with SILMO Next
At the heart of SILMO Paris 2025, SILMO Next stands as the visionary hub where smart materials, AI, and connected eyewear converge. Discover how this immersive space redefines the future of optics with year-round insights, expert-led think tanks, and interactive tech showcases.
Optical Design Contest // Calling Future Innovators
SILMO Paris, the iconic event in the optics and eyewear sector since 1967, is once again championing creativity and innovation with the 4th edition of the Optical Design Contest. This initiative reaffirms SILMO’s commitment to fostering expertise, supporting the industry, and inspiring the next generation of talent.
TEFtalkSILMO // Daniel Benhams
At Silmo Paris 2024, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Daniel Benhams, a visionary eyewear designer celebrated for his oversized yet glamorous frames. His creations cater to elegant women who see eyewear as a bold expression of their individuality. In this exclusive interview, Daniel shares his inspirations, the craftsmanship behind his statement pieces, and how he continues to redefine luxury eyewear for the modern woman.
TEFtalkSILMO // Kalopsia Revisionist Eyewear
At Silmo Paris, I had the pleasure of speaking with Patricia Photiou, the founder and designer of the Greek eyewear brand Kalopsia Revisionist. . Patricia shared her vision behind the brand, which is deeply rooted in the concept of seeing beauty in the unexpected and fostering a world built on voluntary cooperation, reverence, and humanity.
Silmo d’Or // Winners 2024 Edition
The prestigious SILMO d’Or awards, the ultimate accolade in the optics and eyewear sector, have once again recognized the industry’s most innovative and creative achievements. This year’s winners, selected from an impressive list of nominees, showcase cutting-edge design, technology, and craftsmanship that push the boundaries of eyewear. Let’s take a closer look at the exceptional brands and designers who earned this coveted recognition!
Silmo Paris // 2024 highlights
SILMO Paris 2024 once again proved itself as the premier event for the optical industry, showcasing the latest trends and offering immersive experiences. Over four dynamic days, the show brought together industry professionals for inspiring connections, cutting-edge...
Silmo d’Or // Nominees 2024 edition
A not-to-be-missed event since its launch in 1994, the SILMO d’Or rewards and celebrates the talent and creativity of an entire industry every year. The SILMO d’Or awards are the ultimate recognition of ingenuity and inventiveness. Here are the nominees...
MustSee at Silmo Paris // Our list of brands to check out!
TEFmag, your trusted guide, presents must-see brands at Silmo Paris 2024. Don’t miss these independent eyewear brands!
Silmo d’Or // New chairman Alexis Mabille
Alexis MABILLE is the chairman of the 2024 Silmo d’Or Awards. By sharing his design expertise and creative vision with the members of the jury of the 2024 SILMO d’Or awards, he will provide valuable insight into this daily object that only needs to be enhanced by a shape, a material or an innovation.
Silmo 2024 // The momentum of the present and future
The 2024 SILMO Paris trade fair is gearing up with genuine enthusiasm to host every participant from the optics industry, offering a platform to display their unique products and services.
