Silmo 2023’s gold medallists

Sport – Marchon, Nike Flyfree. Designed to help wearers effortlessly adapt to the changing environment, Marchon’s Nike Flyfree sunglasses offer interchangeable lens options that latch securely into the frame. The four-base, slim profile flat lenses provide everyday coverage, while the flexible nose pad and temple arms are self-adjusting to the wearer’s face for a comfortable, personalised fit, said Marchon.

Vision – EssilorLuxottica, Varilux XR Series. Powered by AI, the Varilux XR series lens can predict the wearer’s visual behaviour for each unique progressive prescription, offering +49% volume of broadband vision compared to the Varilux X series, said EssilorLuxottica. The Varilux XR Series offers instant sharpness, even when moving, and seamlessly switches from near to far, it added.

Optical system – Morrow, eProgressives. Launched at Silmo 2023, Morrow’s eProgressives are designed with the company’s proprietary lens-in-foil technology, using liquid crystals. With the push of a button, a small current activates the liquid crystal, changing the refraction of light. In just 0.6 seconds, you can switch your focus from near to far (up to 1D) with ease, the company said. The innovation reduces passive lens power, expanding distant and intermediate vision, corridor clarity and depth perception. In on-mode, the lens excels at precision and contrast, creating a ‘revolutionary’ visual experience, said Morrow.

Equipment – PlenOptika, QuickSee Free. QuickSee Free is the only portable refracto-keratometer to use wavefront aberrometry technology, said PlenOptika. By combining aberrometry and dynamic vision through the device, controlled via AI, it offers the most precise measurements, the company said. “Its intuitive design, light weight and more than five hours of autonomy makes it a practice favourite.”

Sunglasses designer – Andy Wolf, Blossom. Inspired by the wildflower meadow surrounding his Austrian headquarters, Andy Wolf’s Blossom sunglasses won the jury over. Since 2022, the brand has been recultivating and preserving one square metre of wildflower meadow for every Andy Wolf frame sold. Handcrafted from Acetate Renew, Blossom is equipped with a removable acetate inner ring in the shape of a petal.

Optical designer – Cutler and Gross, 9126. An archive frame, first worn by iconic Cutler and Gross customer Elton John, has been reworked through a modern lens, resulting in the bold 9126 optical frame design. The eccentric silhouette pairs a curved brow line with bold angles and bevelled edges.

Technological innovation – SBrusset & Co, Meyro-nde OP. With AI-assisted design for a tailormade fit and manufactured using 3D titanium printing, the Meyro-nde OP offers optimised volumes for both ultimate comfort and perfect lens fit, without screws, glue or thread, said SBrusset & Co.

Jury’s Special Prize – Lafont, Ouvrage. Maison Lafont teamed up with haute couture embroidery designer Satoshi Sekimoto to mark 100 years in eyewear design by creating this unique frame. Based on an haute couture concept developed by Thomas Lafont, Sekimoto crafted pearls and embellishments, ornamenting the frame like a dress, said Lafont.

Première Classe Prize - Veronika Wildgruber. The German designer’s feminine cat-eye, Lane, was a hit.

Optical frame and sunglasses category – ODLM-Seaport. The company swept the board in the brand category, winning both optical frame and sunglasses, with two-toned square acetate Nove and chunky yet elegant model Vedo, respectively.

Responsible company – Mykita. Berlin eyewear house Mykita won Silmo’s inaugural award for social and environmental responsibility, assessed by an independent, specialist panel against 17 criteria. Company highlights included: pioneering a 100% switch to Eastman Acetate Renew in 2022; achieving full circularity with stainless-steel supply; introducing a comprehensive repair and care service, with the aim of prolonging product lifespan; and ensuring 90% of purchased material is recycled, while 100% is recyclable.