100% Optical // Love Eyewear Awards 2026
Entries Now Open and Judges Announced
Each year, 100% Optical celebrates the artistry and innovation shaping the optical industry through its Love Eyewear Awards, and the 2026 edition promises to be one of the most exciting yet.
The UK’s largest optical exhibition has officially opened entries for its prestigious awards, the country’s leading eyewear design competition in the UK, celebrating creativity and innovation across the optical world.
As the only awards of its kind in the UK, the Love Eyewear Awards honour both independent and established designers, manufacturers, and retailers across a vibrant range of categories. These include New Designer 2026, Sustainable Frame of the Year, Kid’s Frame of the Year, and Eyewear Accessory of the Year. The competition also celebrates optical practices worldwide, with categories such as Eyewear Retailer of the Year, Most Engaging Practice Window, and Best Use of Social Media, which made its debut at the 2025 show.
A Stellar Panel Representing Every Facet of the Industry
The 2026 judging panel brings together some of the most respected names in eyewear journalism, design, retail, and social media. This year’s panel includes:
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Tarrence Lackran, Founder of New York’s EYECON show
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Beedie On Eyewear, eyewear content creator and Optometrist
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Clodagh Norton, Director of Eyestylist
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Stefano Ampollini, Editor-in-Chief of Eyebook
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Kayla Heersink, ABO certified Optician, known as Opticali Style on Instagram
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Maarten Weidema, Founder of The Eyewear Forum
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Alison Price, Dispenser at Leicestershire’s Respectacle Co
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Daniel Feldman, Executive Editor at The Optical Journal
Entries close at 5pm on December 1st, 2025, after which the judges will review the submissions until mid-January. The shortlisted nominees will be revealed ahead of the winners’ announcement, taking place live on the 100% Catwalk on the first day of 100% Optical 2026 (28th February).
Voices from the Panel on this Eyewear design competition in the UK
“The Love Eyewear Awards celebrate the innovation, artistry, and vision that make our industry so dynamic and inspiring. I’m honored to join the panel of judges and help recognise the designers and brands who are shaping the future of eyewear.”
“100% Optical’s Love Eyewear Awards is a great way to reward creativity within optics!”
“I look forward to seeing this year’s entrants for the Love Eyewear Awards. It’s so fun to see the new trends and technologies emerging.”
“I am particularly excited about the ‘New Designer of the Year’ category, which I’ve had the privilege of presenting trophees to some incredible emerging talents over the past few years. These new designers not only push boundaries but also inspire and challenge us ‘oldies’ to stay sharp and innovative.”
“Winning Eyewear Retailer of the Year at a previous Love Eyewear Awards ceremony was an incredible honour that validated our passion and commitment to the industry. It’s a celebration of innovation and community, and I’m proud to be part of something that highlights the best in eyewear.”
“The Love Eyewear Awards were created to shine a spotlight on the creativity and passion that drives the industry forward. Each year, we’re proud to celebrate the designers, retailers, and practices, both established and emerging, who make eyewear such an exciting industry. With this year’s diverse judging panel, we’re thrilled to showcase the very best of eyewear talent at the 2026 show.”
As anticipation builds for 100% Optical 2026, the Love Eyewear Awards once again set the stage for creativity, connection, and celebration within the independent eyewear community.
With entries now open and an international panel of judges ready to spotlight the most inspiring work in optics, the countdown begins toward another unforgettable moment on the 100% Catwalk—where innovation meets passion, and the best in eyewear design takes center stage.
About the Love Eyewear Awards
The Love Eyewear Awards 2026 will once again serve as a key highlight of 100% Optical 2026, bringing together the most creative forces in eyewear to celebrate design excellence and optical innovation.
From bold newcomers to established visionaries, this event embodies the passion and craftsmanship that keep the industry evolving. The Love Eyewear Awards 2026 stand as the most anticipated eyewear design competition in the UK, celebrating visionary talent and craftsmanship that define the industry’s future.
The coveted Love Eyewear Awards returns in 2026 to celebrate, champion, and promote the best in eyewear among independent and major designers, manufacturers, and retailers.
Launched in 2020, the Love Eyewear Awards brings together a panel of esteemed judges, comprising eyewear bloggers, stylists, journalists, influencers, and industry leaders who judge hundreds of entries across a number of carefully curated categories. Winners are announced at the Awards ceremony on the first evening of 100% Optical.
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