SILMO Paris // Shaping Tomorrow with SILMO Next

SILMO Next //
A Visionary Lab for the Future of Optics

From September 26 to 29, SILMO Paris returns to Paris Nord Villepinte, once again positioning itself as the global epicenter of the optics and eyewear industry. With over 900 exhibitors, 1,500 brands, and more than 32,000 visitors representing 42 countries, this annual spectacle is not only the place to see and be seen, but the place to foresee.

Among the many highlights of the fair, one concept continues to shine brighter each year: SILMO Next—a forward-thinking initiative that has been imagining tomorrow’s eyewear, today, since its debut in 2017.

SILMO Next // Where Vision Meets Foresight

More than just a showcase, SILMO Next is a strategic incubator of ideas, merging design innovation, technological advancement, and sectoral insight into one cohesive experience. Conceived as a space for collective foresight, it represents SILMO’s enduring commitment to support optical professionals in navigating the shifting landscape of the industry.

Seven years in, SILMO Next stands strong on two foundational pillars:

  • A multidisciplinary Expert Committee that meets year-round to explore macro trends, guide content, and shape strategic focus areas.

  • A dedicated Futurology space that takes center stage at the trade show itself, delivering interactive demos, conferences, and thought-provoking installations.

Together, these two forces power SILMO Next’s momentum and reinforce its identity as the optical sector’s R&D playground.

The Expert Committee // Forecasting the Future Year-Round

Behind SILMO Next is a powerhouse of designers, researchers, opticians, technologists, and entrepreneurs.

Throughout the year, this committee meets to anticipate transformations, discuss emerging topics, and co-create content that informs the industry well beyond the show floor.

Their work feeds directly into forward-looking workshops, publications, and keynotes presented both during SILMO Paris and via online channels. It is this continuous stream of expert insight that allows SILMO Next to remain agile and relevant in an ever-evolving sector.

Futurology at SILMO Paris // An Immersive Optical Laboratory

Step into the Futurology space at SILMO Paris and enter a dynamic lab where augmented reality, AI, connected eyewear, and predictive vision technology move from concept to reality. This immersive zone invites professionals to explore hands-on demos, join live discussions, and experience new solutions that are shaping the future of optics.

The Future is Happening at SILMO Next 2025

With SILMO Next, SILMO Paris reaffirms its role not only as a marketplace, but as a visionary force for the entire optical world. It’s a destination for exploration, experimentation, and evolution—and it’s redefining what it means to innovate in optics.

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."

Amélie Morel

President, SILMO

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

Optical Design Contest // Calling Future Innovators

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

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

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

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 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

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...

Silmo Paris 2024 // Highlights Revealed

Silmo Paris 2024 // Highlights Revealed

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...

Silmo d’Or // New chairman Alexis Mabille

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.

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